How to Alleviate Feeding Difficulties During Infant Teething
The infant teething period usually occurs between 4 to 12 months. Gum swelling and pain may lead to feeding difficulties, such as refusal to eat or irritability. This stage, though brief, causes concern for new parents. Don't worry—through scientific care, most cases can be smoothly navigated. This article references guidelines from WHO and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) after 2020 to provide practical advice.
Possible Causes
- Gum inflammation and swelling cause oral discomfort, affecting sucking and swallowing.
- Increased pain sensitivity leads to crying or refusal of food during feeding.
- Increased saliva production may trigger choking or nausea, interfering with normal feeding.
Home Care Recommendations
- Provide cold compresses for pain relief: Use a chilled clean wet cloth or safe teething toy to gently massage the gums. Try this before each feeding; it may help reduce discomfort.
- Adjust feeding methods: Choose soft, chilled foods (such as chilled fruit puree), shorten feeding intervals, avoid forcing feeding, and maintain a calm feeding environment.
- Offer extra comfort: Provide more hugs and gentle reassurance during feeding, increase skin-to-skin contact, which may reduce infant irritability and promote interest in eating.
When to Seek Medical Care
- ⚠️ If high fever (body temperature over 38°C), persistent vomiting or diarrhea occurs, seek medical attention immediately.
- ⚠️ If the infant refuses to eat for more than 24 hours, or shows signs of dehydration (such as significantly reduced urine output), consult a healthcare provider immediately.
Conclusion
Feeding difficulties during teething are common challenges in growth. In most cases, they alleviate as teeth emerge. Maintain patience and a positive attitude—you're doing great! Every comfort is an expression of love. Believe that you and your baby can overcome this stage together.
The information provided in this article is for reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment advice; if your child exhibits any health issues or the warning signs mentioned, immediately consult a qualified healthcare provider.