When your baby starts to develop their first set of teeth, it’s a milestone moment. However, along with the excitement comes some discomfort for your little one. Teething can be a challenging time for both babies and parents, as babies often experience itching and discomfort in their gums. This discomfort leads to a natural instinct to chew on objects to find relief, including their crib.
Teething is a process that typically starts around six months of age and continues throughout the first few years of a child’s life. During this time, your baby’s gums become swollen and tender as the teeth push through the gum tissue. The pressure and sensation can be quite uncomfortable, leading to the need for chewing and gnawing on objects.
One common object that babies may choose to chew on is their crib. The crib railing provides a sturdy surface for them to apply pressure and soothe their teething discomfort. The act of chewing on the crib not only helps alleviate the itching sensation in their gums but also aids in the eruption of the teeth into the mouth.
It’s important to note that chewing on the crib is a natural behavior for teething babies and should not be a cause for concern. However, it is crucial to ensure that the crib is safe and free from any sharp edges or loose parts that could pose a choking hazard. Regularly inspect the crib for any signs of wear and tear to maintain a safe environment for your little one.
To help alleviate your baby’s teething discomfort and redirect their chewing behavior away from the crib, you can provide alternative teething toys or objects. Look for teething rings or toys made from safe materials that are specifically designed to soothe sore gums. These toys often have various textures or can be chilled in the refrigerator for added relief.
Additionally, you can offer your baby chilled washcloths or silicone teethers to chew on. The coolness can provide numbing and soothing effects on their gums. Just make sure to monitor your baby during these chewing sessions to ensure they are safe and don’t accidentally swallow any small parts.
It’s important to remember that every baby is different, and their teething journey may vary. Some babies may experience more discomfort than others, leading to increased chewing behavior. However, if you notice excessive chewing or other signs of discomfort, such as excessive drooling, irritability, or disrupted sleep, it’s always a good idea to consult with your pediatrician.
Babies chewing on their crib is a common behavior during the teething process. It’s a natural instinct for them to seek relief from the discomfort in their gums. Providing safe alternatives, such as teething toys, can help redirect their chewing behavior and provide relief. Remember to always prioritize your baby’s safety and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your baby’s teething journey.
Is It Normal For Babies to Bite Their Crib?
It is normal for babies to bite their crib when they are in the process of developing their first set of teeth. This behavior is often seen as a way for them to alleviate the discomfort and pain associated with teething. Here are some key points to consider:
1. Teething: When babies start teething, they experience discomfort as their teeth push through their gums. Biting on hard objects, including their crib, provides counter-pressure that can help soothe their gums.
2. Exploring the world: Babies use their mouths to explore objects around them. Biting on the crib allows them to learn about textures and sensations, similar to how they explore toys or other items by putting them in their mouths.
3. Sensory stimulation: Chewing on the crib provides babies with sensory stimulation, which can be comforting for them. The pressure and texture of the crib rails can help distract from the pain and provide relief.
4. Natural instinct: Biting and chewing are natural instincts for babies during the teething process. It is a developmental milestone that helps them prepare for solid food and strengthens their jaw muscles.
5. Temporary phase: Biting the crib is typically a phase that most babies go through during teething. As their teeth come in and the discomfort subsides, they usually move on to other forms of relief, such as teething toys or chilled teething rings.
It is important to ensure that the crib is safe and free from any loose or sharp parts that could pose a hazard. If you notice excessive biting or your baby seems to be in significant pain, it is advisable to consult a pediatrician for guidance and to rule out any underlying issues.
Why is Your Kid Chewing On His Crib?
There are several reasons why your child may be chewing on his crib. One possible explanation is that he is going through the teething process. Teething typically starts around 6 months of age and can continue for a couple of years. During this time, the teeth are pushing through the gum tissue, which can cause discomfort. Chewing on something, like a crib, can help alleviate this discomfort. The pressure applied by chewing can soothe the gums and provide some relief.
Additionally, chewing on a crib may also be a form of exploration and sensory stimulation for your child. Babies and toddlers often explore their environment through their mouths, as it is one of their primary ways of learning about different textures and objects. Chewing on the crib railings or other parts of the crib can provide a different sensory experience and satisfy their curiosity.
It is important to note that chewing on a crib is a normal behavior for teething children and is generally not a cause for concern. However, it is essential to ensure that the crib is safe and free from any loose or sharp parts that could pose a choking hazard or harm your child. If you are concerned about your child’s chewing behavior or if it persists beyond the teething phase, it is advisable to consult with your pediatrician for further guidance.
Chewing on a crib can help soothe teething discomfort and aid in the eruption of new teeth. It can also be a way for your child to explore and stimulate their senses. Ensure the crib is safe and consult with a pediatrician if you have any concerns about your child’s chewing behavior.
Why Does Your 13 Month Old Chew On His Crib?
The 13-month-old baby chewing on his crib can be attributed to a few factors:
1. Teething: At this age, babies typically have some teeth coming in or already erupted. The discomfort or itchiness in their gums due to teething can lead to a natural instinct to chew on objects, including the crib.
2. Sensory exploration: Babies explore the world around them through their senses, including taste. Chewing on the crib allows them to explore different textures and sensations.
3. Soothing: Chewing can provide a sense of comfort and relief for babies. It may serve as a self-soothing mechanism, especially when they are feeling anxious, tired, or stressed.
4. Stimulation: Chewing on the crib can also provide oral stimulation, which can be satisfying for babies. This oral stimulation helps in the development of their oral muscles.
5. Boredom or lack of stimulation: If the baby is not engaged in other activities or doesn’t have enough toys or objects to chew on, they may resort to chewing on the crib out of boredom or to seek stimulation.
To address this behavior, consider the following measures:
– Provide teething toys or chilled teething rings to help soothe their gums during teething.
– Ensure that the crib is safe and free from any harmful substances or sharp edges that the baby may chew on.
– Offer alternative chew toys or objects that are safe and specifically designed for chewing.
– Engage the baby in other stimulating activities, such as playtime or sensory play, to divert their attention from the crib.
– Establish a consistent bedtime routine to reduce any potential anxiety or stress that may trigger chewing behavior.
– Consult with a pediatrician or dentist if the chewing persists or is causing damage to the crib or if you have any concerns about the baby’s oral health.
Remember, each baby is unique, and the chewing behavior may vary. It is essential to observe your baby’s behavior and consult with healthcare professionals if needed.
Conclusion
Babies biting their cribs is a natural and common behavior that stems from the discomfort of teething. As their first set of teeth begin to develop and break through the gum tissue, babies find relief by chewing on objects, including their cribs. This chewing action helps to soothe their gums and aids in the eruption of their teeth. It is important for parents to understand that this behavior is normal and should not be a cause for concern. However, it is advisable to provide babies with appropriate teething toys or other safe objects to chew on to redirect their biting behavior away from the crib. By doing so, parents can ensure the safety and longevity of the crib while providing their teething babies with the relief they need.
