This guest blog post is brought to you by brush-baby, experts in children’s oral care. At brush-baby, we share the ethos of Little Freddie where “every mealtime should be one full of smiles.” As your little one embarks the exciting journey of weaning and teething, we're here to provide top tips and recommended products to help support their oral health during these crucial developmental stages.
Teething and Weaning: A Time of Change
Weaning and teething often happen simultaneously, usually starting around six months. As your baby begins to explore solid foods and their first teeth start to emerge, it’s a time of change and growth. While weaning introduces new textures and tastes, teething brings discomfort and the need for extra care to soothe and protect those tender gums.
Though teething and weaning can be challenging, they also provide a wonderful opportunity to promote oral health. The introduction of spoon-feeding can help your baby develop the motor skills necessary for chewing and swallowing, which will later transfer to the coordination needed for brushing their teeth. These small actions during mealtime are essential steps in supporting your little one’s oral health development.
Supporting Oral Health During Teething & Weaning
It’s important to care for your baby’s gums even before their first teeth come in. As your baby begins eating solids, try not to let them suck directly from pouches, as this can limit jaw development. Instead, squeeze the food onto a spoon to encourage spoon-feeding, which helps build the muscles needed for chewing and future toothbrushing.
Introducing different textures of food helps to exercise your baby’s mouth and gums, which is crucial during this phase. This also encourages their jaw muscles to grow stronger and better prepare them for tooth brushing.
Essential Products for Teething Relief and Oral Health
At brush-baby, we’ve designed products specifically to support teething and oral health development for babies. Here are a few items to help make this process a little smoother:
- Chewable Toothbrush: The Ideal First Toothbrush
For babies who love to chew on their toothbrush, the chewable toothbrush is an excellent option. This soft silicone toothbrush allows babies to chew on the bristles, providing gentle relief for sore gums while helping to clean their milk teeth. It’s the perfect tool for babies to explore brushing with a small smear of brush-baby toothpaste or teething gel. The chewable toothbrush not only cleans the emerging teeth but also massages and soothes irritated gums, making it a must-have for teething relief. The brush is made from medical-grade silicone, which is durable, safe, and easy to clean. It’s even dishwasher and steriliser safe for added convenience.
- Bobbie Bunny: A Fun Teething Toy
Bobbie Bunny is more than just a toy; it’s a comprehensive teething solution. Designed with soft, safe, baby-friendly silicone, Bobbie Bunny helps soothe sore gums with its textured feet, ears, and tail. The silicone bristles offer a hygienic way to introduce early brushing habits, and the unique Twist & Bounce tummy engages your baby in playful teething relief, promoting motor
skill development at the same time. Plus, it’s fridge- and freezer-friendly for extra cooling comfort.
- Teething Wipes: Quick Relief on the Go
Teething can cause discomfort at any time, and sometimes your little one needs quick relief. TeethingWipes are a great solution to soothe irritated gums while helping to keep milk teeth clean. These wipes are designed to be gentle on delicate gums, containing soothing camomile and Xylitol, which is great for oral health. Simply pop a sachet in your bag and use the wipes to quickly relieve your baby’s sore gums whenever needed.
Tips for Teething and Weaning
- Introduce a Variety of Textures: As you begin weaning, try offering a variety of textures, such as purees, soft finger foods, and gently mashed vegetables. This not only helps with your baby’s chewing skills but also stimulates their gums, promoting healthy oral development.
- Maintain Clean Gums: Even before your baby’s teeth arrive, it’s essential to keep their gums clean. Use a soft cloth or brush-baby’s DentalWipes after feeds to remove any food remnants, helping to reduce bacteria and keep their gums healthy.
- Offer Soothing Teething Relief: Teething can be painful, so offering your baby a safe teething toy or a cooled teething ring can help alleviate some of their discomfort. The Bobbie Bunny and chewable toothbrush are perfect for this, as they provide relief and encourage oral health habits.
- Promote Spoon Feeding: As part of the weaning process, try spoon-feeding your baby to help them develop the necessary skills for eating and chewing. This also supports jaw strength, which is important when transitioning to toothbrushing.
- Be Consistent with Oral Care: Establish a gentle and consistent oral care routine as soon as your baby’s first tooth appears. Even before that, keeping their gums clean can set the stage for easier toothbrushing.
Conclusion
Teething and weaning are important milestones in your baby’s development, and caring for their oral health during these stages is essential. With the right products and practices, you can help make this journey a little smoother and more enjoyable for both you and your little one. From soothing teethers to gum-friendly wipes, brush-baby has the tools you need to support your baby's oral health as they navigate the world of teething and weaning.
For more information and advice on how to care for your baby’s oral health, visit us at www.brushbaby.co.uk and discover our range of products designed to support every step of their dental journey.