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Can frozen breast milk help with teething?

The Soothing Power of Frozen Breast Milk for Teething
Teething can be a challenging time for both babies and their parents. As infants begin to cut their first teeth, they often experience discomfort and irritability, leading many caregivers to seek effective remedies. One increasingly popular solution is the use of frozen breast milk, which can provide relief in a soothing and nutritious form.
Understanding Teething Discomfort
Teething typically begins around six months of age, although some babies may start earlier. The process can cause swollen gums, irritability, and a desire to chew on anything within reach. Parents often find themselves searching for ways to alleviate their baby’s discomfort. Traditional remedies include teething rings, cold washcloths, and, notably, frozen breast milk popsicles.
Frozen Breast Milk Popsicles: A Gentle Remedy
Frozen breast milk popsicles are not only a creative way to utilize stored milk but also serve as a soothing treat for teething infants. The cold temperature can numb the gums, providing immediate relief from the pain associated with teething. According to experts, these popsicles can be particularly beneficial because they combine the soothing effects of cold with the nutritional benefits of breast milk.
To make breast milk popsicles, parents can pour expressed breast milk into ice cube trays or specialized popsicle molds. Once frozen, these popsicles can be offered to babies in a mesh feeder, allowing them to gnaw on the cold treat without the risk of choking. This method is especially useful for younger infants who may not yet be ready for solid foods but can benefit from the cooling sensation.
Safety Considerations
While frozen breast milk can be a helpful tool in managing teething pain, parents should be mindful of a few safety guidelines. It is generally advised to avoid giving babies anything that is too hard or frozen solid, as this could pose a choking hazard. Instead, using mesh feeders allows for safe consumption while minimizing the risk of injury. Additionally, parents should ensure that the breast milk has been properly stored and thawed to maintain its quality and safety.
Conclusion
In summary, frozen breast milk popsicles can be an effective and gentle remedy for teething discomfort. They not only provide relief through their cooling properties but also deliver the nutritional benefits of breast milk. As parents navigate the challenges of teething, incorporating frozen breast milk into their toolkit may offer a soothing solution that both babies and caregivers can appreciate.

What is the 5 5 5 rule for breast milk?

Something I recommend to moms is the 5-5-5 rule. Try and use milk within five hours at room temperature, five days in the fridge, and by five months in the freezer.

Can I give my 4 month old a breastmilk popsicle?

The Tiny Pops can be filled with breastmilk / formula (for 4+ months) as well as smoothies, purees, and more (for 6+ months). The handle of the Tiny Pop is short, fat, and round, making it easy for baby to grasp and hold independently. Check out my blog for more tips about using popsicles with your baby.

Can breast milk help a tooth infection?

Some research suggests that breastfeeding may actually protect against tooth decay, while formula may contribute to tooth decay. Antibodies in breastmilk may help to reduce the growth of bacteria in the mouth (including Streptococcus mutans, the bug that causes tooth decay).

Can I give my 4 month old frozen breast milk?

Frozen breast milk should be used within 3 months if it is stored in the freezer compartment of a refrigerator. Milk stored in a deep freezer is good for 6 months. Remember to label the breast milk with the date that you pumped it. Thaw milk in the refrigerator or in warm water just before feeding.

Is frozen breast milk good for teething babies?

Give your baby a frozen washcloth before nursing to help numb their gums. Another option? Breast milk popsicles or mesh feeder bags with frozen breast milk subes to chew on for comfort. Massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger.

When is teething pain the worst?

Stage 5: (25-33 months) For some children, this is the most painful stage of teething. During this time, the large molars emerge. These are the biggest teeth, and parents may find their normal soothing techniques are no longer effective.

Can a baby be teething at 3 months?

When Does Teething Start? While teething can begin as early as 3 months, most likely you’ll see the first tooth start pushing through your baby’s gum line when your little one is between 4 and 7 months old. The first teeth to appear usually are the two bottom front teeth, also known as the central incisors.

Can I give my baby 7 month old frozen breast milk?

The temperature of kitchen freezers is typically 0° F. Deep freezers and chest freezers may be colder than 0°F. Breast milk can be stored at 0° F or colder for up to 12 months, although using it within 6 months is best.

Does breast milk help teething pain?

For some little teethers, breastfeeding will soothe the pain and they’ll want to nurse all day, almost back to the newborn days. For others, the act of sucking may make the gums hurt more. Sometimes, giving them a teething aid like a frozen washcloth or silicone teether can help calm them enough for a feeding.

What is the best pain relief for teething babies?

If your baby is in pain, you may want to give them a sugar-free painkilling medicine. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be given to relieve teething symptoms in babies and young children aged 3 months or older. Children under 16 years old should not have aspirin.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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