When parents discover their infant chewing on a crib rail, they may experience anxiety over the possibility of paint chipping or other damage to the crib. But parents should know that little tooth marks scattered throughout the crib rails are not necessarily reason for concern.
Infants learn about the world through their mouths. Anything that touches their cheek or lower lip triggers a reflexive urge to nip at it. As instincts go, this one is harmless. Getting a crib teething guard prematurely is not necessary.
A paediatric speech pathologist, feeding specialist, and published author can explain why and how infants start off exploring the world through their mouths and end up gnawing through their bed rail like a cartoon woodchuck.
Between the ages of five and ten months, a baby's front teeth begin to appear on both the top and bottom gums, and the youngster will nibble on nearly everything. By the time they are a year old, children have developed the ability to use a wide up and down motion with their jaws on hard surfaces, such as the crib rails, in addition to the more typical diagonal motion used while chewing food.
Chewing on the crib railing isn't just a form of exploration for infants.
To alleviate suffering is the goal. Any parent who has witnessed their child's swollen, reddened gums and dealt with a grumpy teething infant knows that teething is painful. It's not just the first set of teeth that are difficult to deal with; toddler molars can be especially intractable, leading to pain and frustration that last for weeks or even months.
There is a delay of around 6 months between the eruption of the first molars and the first appearance of the cuspids, which typically occurs around 18 months of age. These teeth continue to come in throughout time, and by the time a child is two years old, they have their second molars.
Babies can self-soothe by biting, which also aids in the development of their teeth. Parents don't have to accept a fate of constant splintering and fretting over the safety of their child's crib paint for the next two years (although please check the annual recall report for peace of mind.) Protecting the cot itself and providing the baby with teethers to assist relieve that discomfort and keep the baby's mind occupied and exploring are two ways in which parents can deter their infant from engaging in unwanted chewing behaviour.
Large baby-proof silicon bumpers not only prevent damage to furniture, but also make it difficult for most infants to obtain a good grip for biting. Moreover, they shield infants while they test the boundaries of their mobility and mobility development. Naturally, you'll also want to baby-proof your home extensively.
Provide the baby with a wide selection of teethers. Teething is easier when teethers include a range of shapes and textures, since newborns can play with them in ways that stimulate different portions of their jaws. A baby's cot should be kept completely empty at all times for their own protection as they sleep.
When you leave a youngster alone, don't let them use a pacifier or teether that stays attached to their mouth. A rope can easily get tangled and cause severe injury if it becomes entangled in the person's fingers, wrist, or neck. Additionally, parents can massage their children's firearms directly with a finger or a damp toothbrush.
Despite parental efforts, though, infants will continue to put anything they come across in their mouths. The mouth is used for a variety of purposes, including exploration, sensing, soothing, and discovery. It's not just a natural response for infants; this pattern often continues far into adulthood.
FAQs About Baby Nursery
Sensory input aside, chewing on something, like a crib, actually helps soothe teething discomfort and aids the teeth in breaking through the gum tissue and erupting into the mouth. (Ouch!) Especially when you consider that children are teething for much of their first months and years after birth.
He called it the “Oral Stage” of psychosexual development. His idea is that the greatest source of pleasure for infants is their mouths. Which sounds entirely reasonable—food goes in, they feel good. They chew on things when they're teething, and it feels good.
Cots are not designed to be chewed on, although some come with a “teething rail”, a plastic rail cover placed on the top edge of the cut sides, which reduces the risk of your baby chomping out paint and wood splinters, and also protects the edge of the cot.
Don't stop them from mouthing everything. Instead, gently discourage them from putting things into their mouth that they shouldn't. For example, you can say, “Dirt isn't food”, “Dog food and doggy chew toys are for Rover only!” or “That's yucky — we don't put it in our mouth.” Vacuum regularly.
When your baby is young and putting everything in her mouth, you'll want her toys to be made from a material you know is safe. Toys made from very hardwood, like birchwood or maple, are unlikely to splinter or break. Teething babies love to chew on things because it offers counter-pressure against sore gums.
What Motivates Infants to Gum on the Crib?
Baby teething is common between the ages of 9 months and 2 years, and parents often notice their child gnawing or biting on the cot. Realizing your child has developed a habit of chewing on something that is harmful to them or potentially harmful is a worrying experience. Why do infants act this way, though? Get familiar with the urban legend.
Teething
Babies often cry and cry during the teething process. Babies at this age are constantly on the lookout for something to satisfy their incessant need to chew or bite, and their crib is often the first safe haven they discover.
It's teething time, and along with the sore gums and itchy face, your kid is also experiencing a few more symptoms. In that scenario, they should chew on anything hard to relieve discomfort.
Anxiety
Your infant may chew the crib railing or his or her fingers if he or she is experiencing anxiety. Signs of anxiousness in a baby include any sort of chewing behaviour, whether it's on the crib, the infant's fingers, or anything else.
How Worried Should I Be If My Baby Starts Chewing on the Crib Rail?
If you find your baby chewing on the crib rails, it's time to start being a little more vigilant and observant. Stop the infant from chewing on the cot, since this can be very harmful to them. There are a few ways in which a baby's propensity of biting on their cot can impact them.
Negatively Affect the Face and Throat
The paint on the crib rails is the first thing a baby can hurt itself with if they start biting on the bars. Regardless of how carefully you choose the crib paint. However, it still contains intoxicants that may be detrimental to your baby's skin and stomach.
Because paint chips from biting the crib rails can go down your baby's throat and produce some unpleasant conditions for you and your baby, as well as sprinkle on your baby's face teeth (which is not as dangerous).
Impact on the Stomach
The crib's construction material is a further consideration. Parents often opt for wooden baby cribs due to their timeless appeal and durability.
In contrast, if your infant now has teeth and is nibbling or chewing on the crib rails, he or she runs the risk of ingesting wood splinters that have been painted over. Wood splinters and paint chips can cause severe damage to an infant's oesophagus and stomach.
Alarming music to my ears. Because of this, taking prompt action to prevent the infant from further damaging the crib is crucial.
Why People Lose Their Teeth
The sturdy construction of the crib ensures that it will survive several years. It's possible for your baby to injure their gums or teeth if they chew on the crib rails on a regular basis. Sometimes they cause teeth to break, which can be quite painful for your infant.
Because of this, if you notice your baby's teeth marks on the crib or catch them in the act, you should remove the crib's mattress immediately. Then you'll need to take the necessary steps to prevent the infant from further damaging the crib by chewing on it.
Preventing Your Infant From Chewing on the Crib | Senseful Solutions
Refrain from letting stress get to you. Taking a few simple, inexpensive steps will help you solve this issue.
Fit Cribs with Safety Gates
The top rail of the crib is the most common target for teething infants since it is within easy reach and can be chewed with greater ease than the crib's side rails. One of the most effective and modern strategies for preventing infants from chewing on cribs is to instal a rail guard or a silicone guard.
You won't have to look far to locate safe, effective, and generally accepted crib rail guards on the market. These protectors fit snugly over the crib's side rails and prevent your infant from ingesting harmful substances like paints, wood, or plastics.
These protectors for the crib rails are one of the safest ways to ensure a comfortable and secure teething experience for your little one. Attaching them to the crib rails is a breeze, and once they're in place, your baby is safe from harm that could have been prevented.
You'd have a hard time tearing these railing guards, and they're quite pliable. Your infant can safely gnaw on the crib now.
Teething toys can help.
A crib is a common target for a teething toddler. The baby had a difficult and painful teething period. Because of this, individuals are constantly searching for new ways to alleviate their discomfort.
Despite the fact that the infant is biting the cot. There's no need to stress over whether or not a quick fix will deter a newborn from damaging their crib. So, give them something to gnaw on besides a crib, which is both hard and boring.
The greatest way to soothe your teething infant is using teething toys that are both gentle and safe.
For the time when your baby is teething, you can choose from a wide range of toys designed specifically for this purpose. Get your baby a teething toy that is safe from chemicals and has no little pieces. Moreover, they need to be gentle and smooth so that the toy won't harm your baby's gums or teeth as they bite down.
Spread Vanilla on Frozen or Homemade Sweets.
Infants are more difficult to feed and soothe while they are teething. Because of this, your baby's health is most vulnerable while they are teething.
The solution is to start giving the infant some tasty frozen treats right away. Popsicles are a great option for parents looking to soothe their infant's sore gums with a frozen treat. Your baby would benefit greatly from a homemade frozen treat.
If you want to help ease the discomfort of teething, try adding a few drops of vanilla extract to the frozen meal. If you use vanilla extract, be careful not to use too much as it contains a substance that can be toxic to infants.
Stroke the Gums of a Baby
Finally, if your baby has a propensity of sucking their thumb or otherwise chewing on objects in their crib, you can try massaging their gums. Your baby's chewing addiction will subside and teeth will come in with less discomfort and inflammation thanks to the message for the gums.
A Lead-Free Crib Is Something You Should Definitely Invest In.
The first thing you should do if you think your baby is using the crib to teethe is to check to see whether it contains any toxic chemicals.
Older versions of cribs often employed lead-based paints or sealants, and their manufacturing methods generated significant chemical waste.
The best way to ensure your child's safety is to upgrade to a crib that meets contemporary safety regulations while still being made of natural materials.
Guard your electrical outlets with silicon.
If your baby has a habit of chewing on their crib, the next step is to instal soft guards to prevent them from getting a nasty mouthful.
Silicon cushioning is commonly used for this reason because it is soft enough for your baby's first teeth yet durable enough to keep the crib safe.
These cushions are often quite big, making it difficult for infants to wrap their lips around them and reducing the likelihood that the infant would chew on them.
Teething toys are a must for your baby.
Finally, remember to stock up on teething toys to prevent your infant from gnawing on other items. These teethers are harmless to a baby's gums and new teeth.
Toys come in a wide variety, so you can try out a few before settling on the one that your baby enjoys the most.
Crib Chewing Preventative Measures
The final question of how to protect the infant from chewing on crib railings is, thankfully, answered by a variety of methods.
Offering your child a safe option to chew on is as simple and practical as using one of the aforementioned approaches.
Keep in mind that the discomfort of teething will eventually fade, and your baby's habit of chewing on the crib rails should stop as well.
As a first option, you may provide an other solution.
A baby's sore gums can be soothed and their attention diverted from the crib rails by offering them something hard to chew on, such as a wooden spoon.
Teething rings are a popular choice for some parents. Some people find that icy snacks assist ease the discomfort without causing any harm to the baby.
Whether it's something natural or a toy, distracting the youngster from the chewing can assist, especially if it's not something they normally do.
Reusing the crib's bumpers as rail covers is another possibility.
To prevent their infants from gnawing on the crib's rails, some mothers opt to remove the bumpers.
This not only helps families save money, but also makes it simple to reinstall the bumpers once their child is over the teething stage.
The bumpers can be used again and again, extending their useful life and reducing waste.
Finally, the railing coverings are the most tried and effective method of preventing crib chewing.
While ready-made railing coverings available online or in stores are a convenient alternative for many, other homeowners prefer to take matters into their own hands.
Fabric is the most common material for railing covers, while others are created from a gel-like polymer that is gentle on a baby's teeth and gums.
If you decide to sew your own railing cover, be sure to use a plush fabric that has an inner cushion.
Fortunately, you can find railing cover patterns just about anywhere.
Gel bumpers are just one type of railing cover available; others have Velcro so you can attach teething rings or toys for your baby to play with while you're in the bathroom.
These can serve as a diversion for your infant, keeping them from teething on the handrail.
They won't be able to get any paint, stain, or wood chips in their mouths if they persist in chewing the railing, but at least you'll have peace of mind knowing that.
Conclusion
A paediatric speech pathologist explains why and how infants gnaw through their bed rail like a cartoon woodchuck. Toddler teeth can be especially intractable, leading to pain and frustration that last for weeks or even months. Getting a crib teething guard prematurely is not necessary. Babies can self-soothe by biting, which also aids in the development of their teeth. Teething is easier when teethers include a range of shapes and textures, since newborns can play with them in ways that stimulate different portions of their jaws.
A baby's cot should be kept empty at all times for their own protection as they sleep. It's teething time, and along with the sore gums and itchy face, your kid is also experiencing a few more symptoms. There are a few ways in which a baby's propensity of biting on their cot can impact them. Stop the infant from chewing on the crib rails, since this can be very harmful to them. The sturdy construction of the crib ensures that it will survive several years.
Wood splinters and paint chips can cause severe damage to an infant's oesophagus and stomach. Sometimes they cause teeth to break, which can be quite painful for your infant. Taking a few simple, inexpensive steps will help you solve this issue. Infants are more difficult to feed and soothe while they are teething. So, give them something to gnaw on besides a hard and boring crib.
Popsicles are a great option for parents looking to soothe their infant's sore gums with a frozen treat. Crib cushions are often quite big, making it difficult for infants to wrap their lips around them and reducing the likelihood that the infant would chew on them. Teething rings are a popular choice for some parents. Some people find that icy snacks assist ease the discomfort without causing any harm to the baby. Some parents opt for ready-made railing coverings or take matters into their own hands. Others opt for gel-like gels that are gentle on a baby's teeth and gums.
Content Summary
- But parents should know that little tooth marks scattered throughout the crib rails are not necessarily reason for concern.
- Infants learn about the world through their mouths.
- Getting a crib teething guard prematurely is not necessary.
- A paediatric speech pathologist, feeding specialist, and published author can explain why and how infants start off exploring the world through their mouths and end up gnawing through their bed rail like a cartoon woodchuck.
- Chewing on the crib railing isn't just a form of exploration for infants.
- Any parent who has witnessed their child's swollen, reddened gums and dealt with a grumpy teething infant knows that teething is painful.
- Babies can self-soothe by biting, which also aids in the development of their teeth.
- Protecting the cot itself and providing the baby with teethers to assist relieve that discomfort and keep the baby's mind occupied and exploring are two ways in which parents can deter their infant from engaging in unwanted chewing behaviour.
- Large baby-proof silicon bumpers not only prevent damage to furniture, but also make it difficult for most infants to obtain a good grip for biting.
- Naturally, you'll also want to baby-proof your home extensively.
- Provide the baby with a wide selection of teethers.
- When you leave a youngster alone, don't let them use a pacifier or teether that stays attached to their mouth.
- Realizing your child has developed a habit of chewing on something that is harmful to them or potentially harmful is a worrying experience.
- Get familiar with the urban legend.
- It's teething time, and along with the sore gums and itchy face, your kid is also experiencing a few more symptoms.
- Signs of anxiousness in a baby include any sort of chewing behaviour, whether it's on the crib, the infant's fingers, or anything else.
- If you find your baby chewing on the crib rails, it's time to start being a little more vigilant and observant.
- Stop the infant from chewing on the cot, since this can be very harmful to them.
- There are a few ways in which a baby's propensity of biting on their cot can impact them.
- Because of this, taking prompt action to prevent the infant from further damaging the crib is crucial.
- It's possible for your baby to injure their gums or teeth if they chew on the crib rails on a regular basis.
- Because of this, if you notice your baby's teeth marks on the crib or catch them in the act, you should remove the crib's mattress immediately.
- Then you'll need to take the necessary steps to prevent the infant from further damaging the crib by chewing on it.
- One of the most effective and modern strategies for preventing infants from chewing on cribs is to instal a rail guard or a silicone guard.
- These protectors fit snugly over the crib's side rails and prevent your infant from ingesting harmful substances like paints, wood, or plastics.
- Your infant can safely gnaw on the crib now.
- Teething toys can help.
- A crib is a common target for a teething toddler.
- The greatest way to soothe your teething infant is using teething toys that are both gentle and safe.
- Get your baby a teething toy that is safe from chemicals and has no little pieces.
- The solution is to start giving the infant some tasty frozen treats right away.
- The best way to ensure your child's safety is to upgrade to a crib that meets contemporary safety regulations while still being made of natural materials.
- Teething toys are a must for your baby.
- Finally, remember to stock up on teething toys to prevent your infant from gnawing on other items.
- Crib Chewing Preventative Measures The final question of how to protect the infant from chewing on crib railings is, thankfully, answered by a variety of methods.
- Offering your child a safe option to chew on is as simple and practical as using one of the aforementioned approaches.
- Keep in mind that the discomfort of teething will eventually fade, and your baby's habit of chewing on the crib rails should stop as well.
- Reusing the crib's bumpers as rail covers is another possibility.
- To prevent their infants from gnawing on the crib's rails, some mothers opt to remove the bumpers.
- Finally, the railing coverings are the most tried and effective method of preventing crib chewing.
- Gel bumpers are just one type of railing cover available; others have Velcro so you can attach teething rings or toys for your baby to play with while you're in the bathroom.
- These can serve as a diversion for your infant, keeping them from teething on the handrail.
