Keeping a baby from chewing on their crib is a common concern for many parents, as teething infants often find relief by gnawing on crib rails. This behavior, while natural, can damage the crib and pose safety risks if paint or wood splinters are ingested. Fortunately, there are effective strategies to prevent this. In this guide, we will explore practical solutions for how to keep baby from chewing on crib.
From teething guards and rail covers to providing appropriate teething toys, these methods ensure your baby’s safety while preserving the crib’s integrity. We will also discuss the importance of regular crib inspections and choosing non-toxic, baby-safe materials. Additionally, understanding the teething process can help parents anticipate and mitigate chewing behavior.
By implementing these tips, you can create a safe and comfortable environment for your teething baby, promoting healthy development and peace of mind for parents.
Understanding the Teething Process
Understanding the teething process is crucial for parents to effectively manage their baby’s discomfort and prevent destructive chewing behaviors. Teething typically begins around six months of age, although it can start earlier or later for some infants. The first teeth to erupt are usually the lower central incisors, followed by the upper central incisors.
As the teeth push through the gums, babies may experience symptoms such as increased drooling, irritability, swollen gums, and a tendency to chew on objects. This phase can be uncomfortable for the baby and challenging for parents, but recognizing the signs of teething can help in mitigating the associated discomfort.
Gentle gum massages, the use of chilled teethers, or providing cold, wet washcloths for the baby to chew on can offer relief. Additionally, maintaining a regular routine of oral hygiene right from the onset of teething is essential to ensure healthy teeth and gums as the child grows.
Why Babies Chew on Cribs During Teething
Babies chew on cribs during teething for several reasons, primarily driven by the discomfort and pain associated with the emergence of new teeth. As teeth push through the sensitive gum tissue, it creates pressure that babies instinctively try to alleviate by chewing on hard surfaces, such as crib rails. The act of biting down offers counter-pressure that can temporarily soothe their sore gums, providing a measure of relief.
Additionally, chewing on objects stimulates saliva production, which helps reduce gum inflammation and keeps their mouth hydrated. Babies also explore their world through their mouths, and chewing is a natural way for them to interact with and understand their environment.
The wooden or plastic rails of a crib are often at the perfect height and firmness to serve as a teething tool, making them an accessible option for a teething infant. Understanding these reasons can help parents implement more effective strategies to redirect their baby’s chewing behavior to safer, more appropriate teething aids.
Choosing Safe Crib Materials
Selecting safe crib materials is essential to ensure your baby’s health and safety, especially during the teething phase. Opt for cribs made from solid, untreated hardwoods, such as maple, oak, or birch. These woods are durable and less likely to splinter, reducing the risk of injury. Avoid cribs constructed from composite woods, as these often contain formaldehyde-based adhesives that can emit harmful fumes.
When it comes to paint and finishes, look for products labeled as non-toxic, lead-free, and baby-safe. Water-based paints and natural finishes are preferable due to their low VOC (volatile organic compounds) levels, which means fewer hazardous chemicals.
Additionally, ensure the crib rails and other components do not have small parts or decorative elements that could become choking hazards if detached. For added safety, invest in crib rail covers made from BPA-free, phthalate-free materials to protect both the crib and your teething baby.
Regularly inspect the crib for any signs of wear and tear, such as broken slats, loose screws, or peeling paint, and address these issues promptly. By choosing safe crib materials and maintaining them diligently, you can create a secure and healthy sleeping environment for your baby, minimizing risks associated with teething and chewing.
10 Methods How to Keep Baby from Chewing on Crib
Method 1: Use a Crib Rail Cover
One of the most straightforward solutions to prevent your baby from chewing on the crib is to use a crib rail cover. These covers are specifically designed to fit over the top rail of the crib, providing a soft, chewable surface that is safe for your baby. Rail covers are typically made from non-toxic, BPA-free materials and are easy to clean. They come in various styles, including fabric covers with padding or silicone guards that are textured to soothe sore gums. By covering the crib rail, you protect both the crib and your baby from potential harm.
Method 2: Provide Teething Toys
Teething toys are an excellent alternative to crib chewing. These toys are designed to be safe for chewing and often come in various shapes and textures that can soothe a baby’s gums. Ensure that teething toys are always within easy reach of your baby, both in the crib and during playtime. You can choose from a variety of materials, such as silicone, rubber, or fabric, each offering different sensory experiences. Some teething toys can be refrigerated to provide a cooling effect that further soothes inflamed gums.
Method 3: Apply a Bitter Taste Deterrent
Bitter taste deterrents are another effective method to discourage your baby from chewing on the crib. These deterrents are safe, non-toxic sprays designed to taste unpleasant, making the crib rail less appealing for chewing. To use, simply spray the deterrent on the crib rail according to the product’s instructions. The bitter taste will deter your baby from gnawing on the crib after a few attempts. Ensure that the product you choose is specifically formulated for infants and free from harmful chemicals.
Method 4: Increase Supervision
Increasing supervision during your baby’s awake time can help you intervene when they start to chew on the crib. Pay close attention to your baby’s behavior and gently redirect them whenever they begin to chew on the crib rail. Offer a teething toy or another distraction to shift their focus. Over time, consistent redirection can help your baby understand that the crib is not for chewing. This method requires patience and vigilance but can be very effective in the long run.
Method 5: Adjust Crib Height and Position
Sometimes, adjusting the crib’s height and position can discourage chewing. Lowering the crib mattress can make it more difficult for your baby to reach the top rail with their mouth. Additionally, if the crib is positioned near other furniture or objects that your baby can use to pull themselves up, consider rearranging the room to eliminate these aids. Ensuring that your baby cannot easily access the crib rail for chewing can significantly reduce this behavior.
Method 6: Use a Crib Tent
A crib tent is a mesh cover that fits over the entire crib, creating a barrier between your baby and the crib rails. This solution can be particularly effective for babies who are persistent chewers. Crib tents are designed to be breathable and safe, providing a secure environment for your baby while preventing access to the crib rail. Ensure that the crib tent is properly installed and does not pose any entanglement risks.
Method 7: Offer Cold or Frozen Teething Options
Cold or frozen teething options can provide relief for sore gums and distract your baby from chewing on the crib. You can offer a chilled teething ring, a frozen washcloth, or a piece of fruit in a mesh feeder. The cold sensation helps numb the gums and reduces the urge to chew on harder surfaces like the crib rail. Always supervise your baby when offering frozen items to ensure they do not pose a choking hazard.
Method 8: Create a Chew-Friendly Environment
Creating an environment that encourages appropriate chewing can help redirect your baby’s chewing behavior. Ensure that your baby has access to various teething toys and objects that are safe to chew on in all areas where they spend time. Rotate the toys regularly to maintain their interest. You can also introduce textured play mats or sensory toys that provide additional stimulation and reduce the focus on chewing the crib.
Method 9: Implement a Teething Routine
Establishing a teething routine can help manage your baby’s discomfort and reduce crib chewing. This routine might include regular teething toy use, applying teething gels or ointments (as recommended by your pediatrician), and gentle gum massages. Consistent routines can provide comfort and predictability, helping your baby cope better with teething pain and reducing the likelihood of them seeking relief by chewing on the crib.
Method 10: Consult Your Pediatrician
If your baby continues to chew on the crib despite trying various methods, it may be time to consult your pediatrician. Persistent chewing could indicate a more significant teething issue or other underlying concerns. Your pediatrician can provide personalized advice and possibly recommend specific teething products or treatments to help your baby. They can also check for any dental issues that might be contributing to the behavior.
Conclusion
Preventing your baby from chewing on their crib requires a combination of proactive measures and consistent effort. By using crib rail covers, providing teething toys, applying bitter taste deterrents, increasing supervision, adjusting crib height, using crib tents, offering cold teething options, creating a chew-friendly environment, implementing a teething routine, and consulting with your pediatrician, you can effectively address this issue.
Each method has its unique advantages, and a combination of several approaches may be the most effective strategy. Ensuring your baby’s safety and comfort during the teething phase is paramount, and with patience and persistence, you can protect both your baby and the crib from the impacts of teething. Now that you know how to keep baby from chewing on crib.
While it does take a few steps each time, hopefully now you understand the process and why it’s worth taking the extra step to make sure your floor is properly cared for. So don’t wait any longer, take action today!
