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Carrots For Teething: 4 Benefits & Detailed Homemade Recipes

Zanahorias para la dentición
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Q.F. Nayibe Cubillos Morales

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Dr. Gustavo Assatourians D.D.S

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Carrots for Teething: Natural and Safe Remedies to Relieve Pain in Babies

Teething is a natural process that all babies go through; as parents, we look for ways to provide relief from teething pain. Among natural teething remedies, carrots emerge as a safe and beneficial option. But how can carrots for teething help and what precautions should be taken? Let’s explore the subject.


What is the Teething Stage?

The teething stage is a period in a baby’s teeth development during which primary teeth, also known as baby teeth, begin to erupt or break through the gums. This process usually begins around 6 months of age, although it will vary between different children. It is an important but often uncomfortable milestone in a baby’s life and can be accompanied by symptoms such as irritability and swollen, red gums.

There are also rare conditions and one of them is babies that are born with teeth. Just click the article and learn about this condition and its possible complications.

teething


How to Deal with Teething Symptoms?

Teething symptoms may begin before the first tooth becomes visible, and every baby experiences teething differently. Some may have many symptoms and discomfort, teething rash is one of them. While others may go through the process with little to no problems. During this stage, it is common for babies to chew on objects to relieve discomfort in their gums. Thus, it is vital to offer safe chewing objects and follow proper dental hygiene even before the first tooth appears.


Natural Remedies for Teething and Pain Relief

Many parents prefer to avoid the use of medications and chemicals on their babies, so the search for natural remedies for teething is on the rise. An excellent way to provide relief from your baby’s teething pain is by using carrots, thanks to their hard and crunchy texture.

In addition to carrots for teething, there are other options such as cold cloths and silicone teethers. You can also find a variety of recipes for homemade teething toys, using carrots and other natural ingredients. Always remember to consult your pediatrician before trying a new remedy to make sure it is safe for your little one.


Benefits of Teething with Carrots

The benefits of using carrots to relieve teething symptoms are many:

1. Rich source of vitamin A and fiber

2. Sensory stimulation thanks to its texture

3. Economical and natural alternative to commercial teethers.

4. Not only do they act as a natural teether, but carrots also offer nutritional benefits for your baby. Additionally, the act of chewing and biting into carrots can facilitate the teeth eruption process, thus alleviating the discomfort associated with teething.

carrots for teething


Homemade Teething Toys with Carrots

You can choose to create homemade teething toys with carrots. Simply peel a large carrot, cut off the ends, and boil lightly to soften it. You can then tie a scarf around it to make it easier for your baby to grab.

Always be sure to supervise your baby while using any teething toy, especially homemade ones. Although teething toys made from carrots are a great way to provide relief, it is always best to take extra precautions to minimize the risk of choking.


Baby Carrots and Carrot Teething Recipes

Carrots are an excellent addition to your baby’s diet. You can start with carrot puree before moving on to whole carrots as chews. Additionally, there are several carrot teething recipes you can try, such as carrot teething cookies or frozen carrot cubes.

However, it is essential to follow guidelines for introducing solid foods into your baby’s diet, usually around 6 months of age. It is always best to consult your pediatrician before introducing new foods or recipes, especially for babies with special dietary needs.


Teething and Nutrition in Babies

In addition to providing relief from teething, carrots also contribute to your baby’s nutrition. They are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, which can be especially beneficial during the teething period when your baby may be fussier and eat less than usual.

However, nutrition is only one piece of the puzzle. Although carrots for teething can be beneficial, they should not replace a balanced diet rich in various foods such as fruits, vegetables and proteins, which will contribute to the overall growth and development of your baby.

carrots


Healthy Teething Alternatives

If your baby doesn’t like carrots or if you’re looking for a change, there are other healthy alternatives for teething:

Cucumbers
Watermelon
Frozen cloth teethers
Teethers to fill with frozen fruit

These alternatives also offer a firm texture that helps soothe sore gums and provides a soothing sensation. As with carrots, be sure to always supervise your baby while using these teething pain relief methods.


Conclusion

Carrots emerge as an excellent natural option to relieve teething pain, in addition to offering nutritional benefits.

It is essential to approach this topic with caution, always consulting a pediatrician and maintaining strict supervision to ensure the safety of your little one.

Every baby is unique, and what works for one may not be right for another; so it’s always best to be well informed and prepared.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do carrots contribute to teething relief?

Chewing on cold carrots, as well as celery or cucumbers, can offer a respite for inflamed gums and reduce the tension caused by tooth eruption. Always maintain close supervision to prevent your baby from chewing too hard. Consider using a mesh feeder to soften the food and make it easier for your little one to eat.

First, peel the carrots and divide them lengthwise into two parts. Next, cut each carrot semi-tube into fragments approximately half a centimeter thick. Then, boil or steam the carrot pieces in a saucepan for about 10 to 12 minutes, until they soften completely. Next, place the softened carrots and three tablespoons of previously- boiled water in a food processor and process until smooth.

If your little one has already progressed beyond the puree stage, a simple combination of fruits and vegetables in porridge form can be very effective in minimizing any further discomfort. Foods such as mashed potatoes, baby carrots, green beans, blueberries, strawberries, and bananas are appropriate for a teething infant.

Chewing carrots helps eliminate bacteria and dental plaque that accumulates in the oral cavity. This effect is particularly noticeable if the carrot is chewed slowly, allowing the fragments to disperse throughout the mouth. If you take your time when eating a carrot, you are more likely to remove as much plaque as possible.

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References

1. Food Tips. (s/f). Mouthhealthy.org. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/nutrition/food-tips

2. Jones, M. (2002). Teething in children and the alleviation of symptoms. The journal of family health care, 12(1). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12415773/

3. Macknin, M. L., Piedmonte, M., Jacobs, J., & Skibinski, C. (2000). Symptoms associated with infant teething: A prospective study. Pediatrics, 105(4), 747–752. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.105.4.747

4. Sparks, D. (2017). What can I do to help a baby with teething pain? Mayo Clinic News Network. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/home-remedies-tips-for-treating-teething-babies/

5. Teething. (s/f). WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/teething-symptoms-remedies

6. Teething syndrome: Overview, symptoms, and pain relief. (2017). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/teething