“How do I get my teething baby to drink milk?”
My baby is 6 months old. I want to know how do I get my teething baby to drink milk?
3 Answers
under 12 months all babies should be on formula
Give some infant Motrin for pain and cold teething toys. This will pass too.
Infants under the age of 12 mos should not drink "milk" -- meaning typical cows' milk OR any of the newer non-dairy alternatives such as soy, almond, coconut, cashew, rice, oat, etc.
6 mo old infants should only drink infant formula or breastmilk. Based on recommendations from the pediatrician, they may be ready for introduction of solid foods. No other beverages are recommended. Teething can be painful, and the most discomfort occurs BEFORE the tooth buds are visible penetrating the gum ridges. The bottom central teeth are usually the first to appear. Infant pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin) can be helpful. Chewing on hard, but not cold, teething toys may relieve some discomfort. Numbing agents such as "oragel" have been removed from the market, as have teething rings that go in the freezer or refrigerator. For caregivers who use essential oils, a single drop of clove oil, added to 1-2 tsp of a carrier oil such as olive, coconut, etc., can be rubbed on the gum and some relief may be achieved.
Shelley C. Springer, MD, MBA, MSc, JD, FAAP
6 mo old infants should only drink infant formula or breastmilk. Based on recommendations from the pediatrician, they may be ready for introduction of solid foods. No other beverages are recommended. Teething can be painful, and the most discomfort occurs BEFORE the tooth buds are visible penetrating the gum ridges. The bottom central teeth are usually the first to appear. Infant pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin) can be helpful. Chewing on hard, but not cold, teething toys may relieve some discomfort. Numbing agents such as "oragel" have been removed from the market, as have teething rings that go in the freezer or refrigerator. For caregivers who use essential oils, a single drop of clove oil, added to 1-2 tsp of a carrier oil such as olive, coconut, etc., can be rubbed on the gum and some relief may be achieved.
Shelley C. Springer, MD, MBA, MSc, JD, FAAP
