Say Bye-Bye to Crib Chewing: The Foolproof Guide to Stopping Your Baby’s Teething Troubles

Are you a new parent struggling to get your little one to stop chewing on their crib? You’re not alone. Many parents face the same dilemma as their curious and teething babies explore their surroundings with their mouths. While it may seem harmless, this behavior can actually be dangerous for your baby and damage the crib. Luckily, there are effective ways to discourage this behavior and ensure a safe and sound sleeping environment for your little one. In this article, we will discuss some tried and tested tips on how to get your baby to stop chewing on their crib. Keep reading to find out more!

Chewing is a common behavior for babies, especially when they start teething. However, when this behavior is targeted towards their crib, it can become a concern for parents. Not only does it cause damage to the crib, but it can also pose a safety hazard for the baby. So, how can you get your baby to stop chewing on the crib? In this guide, we will discuss effective strategies and tips on how to manage and ultimately stop this behavior.

Understanding why babies chew on cribs

Before we dive into the solutions, it’s important to understand why babies chew on cribs in the first place. Babies start teething at around 4-7 months old and this is when they feel discomfort in their gums due to new teeth emerging. Chewing helps relieve this discomfort and soothe their sore gums. Additionally, chewing is a way for babies to explore their environment and satisfy their natural instinct to put things in their mouth.

The Risks of Chewing on Crib

While chewing may seem harmless at first, there are risks involved when it comes to crib chewing. Some of the common risks include:

-Splintered wood: This can happen when baby’s teeth come in contact with rough edges or loose pieces of wood on the crib.

-Choking hazard: If baby bites off and swallows small pieces of wood from the crib, it can lead to choking hazards.

-Toxic chemicals: Some cribs may have toxic chemicals or paint that can be harmful if ingested by the baby.

-Damage to teeth: Excessive chewing on hard surfaces like wood can cause damage or misalignment to baby’s developing teeth.

Therefore, it’s essential to address and stop this behavior as soon as possible.

Tips To Stop Your Baby From Chewing On The Crib

1. Provide Safe Alternatives

The first step to managing crib chewing is to provide safe alternatives for your baby to chew on. This can be in the form of teething toys or teethers that are specifically designed for this purpose. Silicone, wood or rubber teething toys are great options as they are soft and gentle on baby’s gums. Make sure to choose toys that are free from any toxic chemicals.

2. Apply a Safe and Bitter Tasting Solution

Another effective way to stop crib chewing is by applying a safe and bitter tasting solution on the areas of the crib that your baby likes to chew on. This will deter them from putting their mouths on the crib. You can purchase commercial products like a bitter apple spray or make your own solution with ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice.

3. Change the Texture of the Crib

Some babies may prefer chewing on cribs because of the texture it provides for their sore gums. By changing this texture, you can discourage them from continuing this behavior. You can attach soft fabric or padding on areas where your baby likes to chew, making it less appealing for them.

4. Keep Baby Busy

Sometimes, babies chew on cribs out of boredom. To prevent this, make sure your baby is engaged and busy with other activities throughout the day. This can be through playtime, reading books or taking walks outside.

5. Encourage Positive Reinforcement

Praising and encouraging positive behavior goes a long way in managing crib chewing. When your baby is seen playing with their teething toy instead of chewing on the crib, praise and reward them for it.

6. Seek Professional Help

In some cases, crib chewing may be a symptom of an underlying issue such as anxiety or sensory needs in babies. In such cases, it’s best to seek advice from a pediatrician or child behavior specialist who can provide appropriate strategies and support.

Precautions To Take

-Inspect the crib regularly for any damaged or loose pieces that may pose a risk to your baby.

-Never use harsh or toxic solutions to discourage crib chewing.

-Always supervise your baby when they are playing with teething toys or other objects that can fit in their mouth.

-If your baby shows signs of discomfort even after trying different methods, consult a pediatrician for further guidance.

Crib chewing is a common behavior among babies but it can be managed and stopped with the right strategies. Remember to provide safe alternatives, make changes to the crib texture, keep your baby busy and praise positive behavior. And if all else fails, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. With patience and consistency, you can help your baby stop chewing on the crib and ensure their safety.

Understanding Why Babies Chew on Cribs

Babies are known for putting anything and everything they can get their hands on into their mouths. This includes toys, fingers, clothes, and even crib rails. While this may seem like a strange behavior, it is actually very common among babies. So why do babies chew on their cribs?

There are a few reasons why babies engage in this behavior. One of the most common reasons is teething. As babies’ teeth start to come in, they experience discomfort in their gums which can be relieved by chewing on something hard and firm – like a crib rail.

Another common reason is exploration. Babies are curious by nature and use their mouths to explore the world around them. Chewing on different objects, including the crib rails, helps them learn about textures and shapes.

Lastly, some babies chew on their cribs as a way to self-soothe when they are feeling anxious or bored. The repetitive motion of chewing can be calming for them.

The Risks of Crib Chewing

While it may seem harmless for babies to chew on their cribs, there are actually some risks associated with this behavior. Some of the potential dangers include:

-Chipping or breaking off pieces of wood or paint from the crib, which can pose a choking hazard
-Ingesting harmful chemicals from the crib’s paint
-Damaging teeth or gums if the crib rails are too hard
-Putting too much pressure on the gums, which can lead to more discomfort during teething

As responsible parents or caregivers, it is important to address this behavior and find ways to prevent potential harm to your baby.

How You Can Get Your Baby to Stop Chewing on Their Crib

If you want your baby to stop chewing on their crib, here are some strategies that you can try:

1. Give them safe alternatives to chew on – Instead of their crib rails, offer teething toys or safe chew toys that are specifically designed for babies. This will satisfy their urge to chew while keeping them away from potential hazards.

2. Keep the crib area interesting – Boredom can be a common trigger for crib chewing. To prevent this, make sure to regularly rotate the toys in your baby’s crib and provide them with new, stimulating items to explore.

3. Use a teething gel or medication – If your baby is teething and experiencing discomfort, consider using a teething gel or giving them an appropriate dose of baby acetaminophen. This can help alleviate their discomfort and reduce their need to chew.

4. Check the safety of the crib – It’s important to regularly inspect your baby’s crib for any chipping paint or loose pieces of wood that could potentially be hazardous. If you notice any issues, repair or replace the crib immediately.

5. Distract your baby – When you see them starting to chew on the rail, gently redirect their attention with a different activity or toy. The more consistent you are with this approach, the more likely they will eventually learn not to chew on the crib.

6. Teach them not to chew on their crib – Babies understand more than we give them credit for. You can try saying “No” in a firm voice every time you catch your baby chewing on their crib. Over time, they will associate this action with disapproval and may eventually stop doing it.

When to Seek Help

In most cases, breaking the habit of chewing on their cribs is just a phase that most babies grow out of over time. However, if your baby continues this behavior beyond 2 years old or if you notice any signs that they may have ingested harmful substances from the crib, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

Tips for Maintaining a Safe and Hygienic Crib Environment

Aside from addressing the issue of crib chewing, it is also important to ensure that the crib is a clean and safe environment for your baby. Here are some tips to help you maintain a safe and hygienic crib:

-Always wash your baby’s hands before putting them in their crib
-Regularly clean and sanitize the toys in the crib
-Change the sheets regularly to avoid bacteria buildup
-Regularly inspect the crib for any potential hazards, such as loose screws or potential choking hazards
-Avoid placing any unnecessary objects in the crib that could potentially suffocate your baby, such as loose bedding or stuffed animals

Chewing on cribs is a common behavior among babies, usually caused by teething, exploration, or self-soothing. While it may seem harmless, this behavior can pose some risks to your baby’s health and safety.

By following the tips mentioned above, you can help your baby break this habit and provide them with a safer and more hygienic sleeping environment. As always, if you have any concerns about your baby’s chewing behavior or their overall health, don’t hesitate to consult with your pediatrician.

Q: What are some reasons why my baby is chewing on the crib?
A: Babies typically chew on their cribs as a natural part of their teething process. It can also be a way for them to explore and learn about the world.

Q: How can I prevent my baby from chewing on the crib?
A: There are a few things you can try, such as using a teething rail or cover for the crib, providing your baby with safe and appropriate teething toys, and ensuring they have enough supervised playtime to safely explore and learn.

Q: Is it safe for my baby to chew on the crib?
A: While it may seem harmless, chewing on the crib can actually be dangerous for your baby as they may ingest small pieces of wood or paint that could potentially cause choking or other health issues. It’s best to redirect their chewing behavior to safe alternatives.

Q: What should I do if my baby is already ingesting parts of the crib while chewing?
A: If you suspect your baby has ingested parts of the crib, seek medical attention immediately. Watch for any signs of choking or difficulty breathing.

Q: How do I teach my baby to stop chewing on the crib?
A: As with any unwanted behavior, consistency is key. When you catch your baby chewing on the crib, gently redirect them to a safe alternative or give them a firm “no” and remove them from the area. Reward positive behavior when they use appropriate teething toys instead.

Q: Are there any natural remedies for soothing my teething baby’s gums?
A: You can try giving your baby a clean and cold washcloth or chilled teething ring to chew on. Some parents also find success with massaging their baby’s gums with their finger (cleaned thoroughly before and after) or using natural teething gels. Consult with your pediatrician before trying any remedies.

In conclusion, getting a baby to stop chewing on their crib is a common concern for many parents. Understanding the reasons behind this behavior, such as teething and exploration, is crucial in finding an effective solution.
Some methods to try include providing teething toys, redirecting their attention, and reinforcing positive behaviors. It is also important to ensure that the crib is safe and free of any potential hazards that could encourage chewing.
As with any parenting challenge, patience and consistency are key in addressing this behavior. It may take some trial and error to find what works best for your baby, but with patience and persistence, it is possible to successfully get them to stop chewing on their crib.
Remember that every child is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. As long as the behavior does not pose a safety risk or harm to the child, it should not be a cause for concern.
In addition to addressing the immediate issue of crib chewing, it is important for parents to remember that this behavior is just a phase and will eventually pass as the child grows and develops other coping mechanisms.
Overall, keeping a positive attitude and staying consistent in your approach can help you successfully navigate this phase with your child and avoid any unnecessary stress or worry. With