Do babies reduce feeding when teething?

Understanding the Impact of Teething on Baby Feeding Habits
Teething is a significant milestone in a baby’s development, often accompanied by discomfort and changes in feeding behavior. As babies begin to cut their first teeth, many parents notice a marked reduction in their little ones’ appetite. This phenomenon raises the question: do babies really eat less when teething?
Reduced Appetite During Teething
Research indicates that teething can indeed lead to a decrease in a baby’s feeding. Many parents report that their teething infants tend to consume less solid food and may also reduce their intake of breastmilk or formula. It’s not uncommon for a teething baby to skip meals or turn away from the breast or bottle altogether. This behavior can be attributed to the discomfort caused by sore gums, which makes the act of eating less appealing.
Preference for Softer Foods
Interestingly, teething can also influence the types of foods babies prefer. During this period, they may gravitate towards softer, easier-to-eat options, often showing a desire for sugary or salty foods that require less chewing. This shift in preference can complicate mealtime, as parents try to balance their child’s nutritional needs with their changing tastes.
Normalcy of Reduced Feeding
Experts emphasize that a temporary reduction in appetite during teething is normal and generally not a cause for concern, as long as the baby remains hydrated. Parents are encouraged to continue offering food and fluids, as babies will typically resume their normal eating habits once the discomfort subsides. The key is to remain patient and supportive, providing a variety of textures and flavors to entice the baby back to eating.
Strategies for Encouraging Eating
To help soothe a teething baby and encourage feeding, parents can employ several strategies. For instance, offering frozen breastmilk in mesh feeders can provide relief while also serving as a nutritious snack. Additionally, parents might consider introducing soft, cold foods that can ease gum pain while appealing to the baby’s appetite.
In conclusion, while teething can lead to a noticeable decrease in a baby’s feeding, this behavior is a common and temporary phase. By understanding the reasons behind this change and employing thoughtful strategies, parents can help their little ones navigate this challenging time with greater ease.

Why is my baby suddenly drinking less?

Reasons for baby not drinking enough
Baby is too tired to feed effectively. Baby has poor appetite. Baby is prevented from effectively accessing the food (something is making it difficult for her to drink enough). Baby has impaired ability to suck.

Do babies struggle to feed when teething?

Signs of teething
Some of the signs that parents report include: Changes in the way a baby latches on to the breast: feeding your baby may start to be uncomfortable, or she may change the position of her mouth or head, or her latch may just feel a bit different.

Is it normal for babies to go off milk when teething?

During teething, babies and small children can also show a simple loss of appetite. They may just refuse their feeds, or take smaller volumes or portion sizes. As children are likely to grow 20 teeth by their 3rd birthday it is possible that at some point feeding may go awry.

Is it normal for babies to drink less when teething?

Sore gums can make feeding tough! During teething your little one might seem to be less hungry than usual or reject their feed. In some cases, the bottle or nipple may cause discomfort when feeding a teething child. If this appears to be the case, you may want to try a differently shaped teat or feed from an open cup.

Is it normal for a baby to nurse less when teething?

While breastfeeding can continue well after the baby’s first teeth come in, the experience may change. First, your baby may be more fussy or irritable while nursing. They may want to nurse more for comfort or to stimulate their gums. Other babies are less interested in feeding because their mouths are too sore.

Can teething cause loss of appetite in babies?

During the teething period there are symptoms that include irritability, disrupted sleep, swelling or inflammation of the gums, drooling, loss of appetite, rash around the mouth, mild temperature, diarrhea, increased biting and gum-rubbing and even ear-rubbing.

Do babies stop drinking milk when teething?

During teething, babies and small children can also show a simple loss of appetite. They may just refuse their feeds, or take smaller volumes or portion sizes. As children are likely to grow 20 teeth by their 3rd birthday it is possible that at some point feeding may go awry.

Do babies eat less when they are teething?

Don’t Be Alarmed If They Are Not Eating Much
It is completely normal for teething to affect your baby’s eating habits. Their little mouths are hurting and they may not feel like eating. They may lose weight and put it back on once the phase is over. If you are worried, check in with your pediatrician.

Can teething cause baby to stop feeding?

Common causes of a breastfeeding strike include: Pain or discomfort. Teething, thrush or a cold sore can cause mouth pain during breastfeeding. An ear infection can cause pain during sucking or lying on one side.

Why is my baby suddenly nursing less?

Sudden refusal or nursing strike
There are several reasons why your baby may suddenly start to refuse your breast: they are unwell (tummy ache, earache, oral thrush etc.) too little milk. too much milk, your baby may be struggling with the flow of milk.