5 Month Old Teething - Des Moines,IA

Updated on November 10, 2009
H.W. asks from Altoona, IA
9 answers

Is it normal that my 5 month old refuses to eat cereal now that he is teething? He loved to eat it before, but has cried each time I have tried for the past week. he is still eating formula fine. Should I be worried? And any good home remedies for teething? I am doing frozen wash cloths, tylenol, orajel and a couple teething rings, just looking for options other than medication:)

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J.J.

answers from Minneapolis on

I don't miss teething! One thing that my daughter loved (she also didn't care for cereal) when she was teething was frozen mini pancakes (you can make them homemade or buy the minis at the grocery store)--was a big hit with her!

Good luck!

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A.F.

answers from St. Cloud on

It is normal! He doesn't need the cereal right now anyway. As long as he is still drinking, you are good to go! :)

Have you tried Hyland's teething tablets? I can't believe HOW WELL they actually work! Tylenol and Motrin couldn't even compare for my kids. They are completely natural and dissolve instantly in the mouth. You can get them at Wal-Mart or Target.
I hope this helps! Teething is a difficult time. Hang in there!

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M.S.

answers from Minneapolis on

I would have to suggest looking at the spoon you are feeding with. When my daughter was teething, if we accidentaly grabbed a plastic spoon, she put up a fight because it would scrap against her upper gums which were inflamed. So, we would have to switch to a covered spoon. Also try mixing up the grains. He should be able to go to oatmeal or barley. Maybe start putting some pear in it to sweeten it up a bit.
Good luck!

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S.L.

answers from Madison on

Hi, I wouldn't worry to much about the cereal, give it a rest for a day or two and then try again. My son did the same thing and was quickly back on schedule after a few days. Also, I would suggest using teething tablets in addition to what you're using. You can get them behind the pharmacy counter and all completely homeopathic but help to calm baby during teething.
Hope this helps,
S.

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M.P.

answers from New York on

Breastmilk or formula should remain baby's main source of nutrition for the first year so if your baby skips the cereal now and then, don't worry too much. As long as he is getting milk, he should be fine. Try Humphreys Teething Pellets - they work.

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E.I.

answers from Duluth on

i would not be worried. solids arent even nutritionally necessary yet. some people argue that they arent even necessary for nutritional reasons until after a year... but some others say 6 months.

but basically, as long as hes still drinking you dont need to worry about anything. just make sure you offer that first, and you can always try a bit of solids after. or maybe hes just not ready for solids.

also, you dont have to start with cereal. starting with whatever you want is now the thing. cereal only offers more iron, thats the only reason to use it in all reality. after all, it sure doesnt taste good! LOL

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B.S.

answers from Wausau on

Yes, it is totally normal for him to not want to eat anything at all. Just make sure he is getting enough to drink and it will get better soon. Try these amazing little pills called "Teething tablets". They melt in the child's mouth, taste good (yes, I tried them) and are HOMEOPATHIC!!!! You can find them at Babies R Us, walmart and I think Target carries them.

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H.H.

answers from Atlanta on

I'm also going to recommend the teething tablets. I know so many parents and children that they've helped from working in nurseries and I've also used them on our nine month old.

As someone said below, don't worry about not eating cereal. He'll start eating it again once his poor little mouth has calmed down.

Something else that has worked for us is the Munchkin Fresh Food Feeders. You can buy them on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Munchkin-Fresh-Food-Feeder-Pack/dp/...

We don't use them for our son to really eat from, we just put apple, melon, carrot, etc. chunks from the fridge in them and he chews on them whilst he's teething. It really works for him.

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M.W.

answers from St. Cloud on

Hi!

I was also going to say try "Hylands Teething Tablets!" They worked wonders with our first. Not as well with our second but still a noticeable difference.

We avoided (and still avoid) tylenol and prescription medications. We've found natural products to work better.

The only other suggestion I have is try a chiropractor. Just in case there is more to his refusing the cereal than teething. If he is out of alignment it may just be uncomfortable for him to eat in certain positions, etc. We have used the chiropractor (WITH SUCCESS) for tons of things. Ear infections, colds, sore throats, back aches, headaches, etc. They are almost always our first stop before we even consider the regualr doc. And have WORKED almost every time.... I actually can't think of a time where they didn't work when we tried them first.......

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