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Food Ideas for Teething Tots
Teething can bring about an array of moods in our little ones…
I notice that Evie goes off her food if her mouth is particularly sensitive. While there is quite a bit of debate out there about if teething truly causes as many issues as we talk about, or what to do to help relieve it, what I do know are the foods that I am able to get Evie to eat or at least get her to try during these challenging times. I don’t believe that she truly “goes off” her food, it is more a case of things that she would normally eat hurt her little gums.
I thought I would jot down some go to meals, snacks and ideas of things you can make that are soft and soothing on little teething gums, it is quite the list because let’s face it, they teethe until they are around 2, give or take!
• Ice blocks – so easy and so cheap! Combinations that I have made that have been a success are: Watermelon, mint and cucumber (skin on still), pineapple, small amount of fresh turmeric (this combination is food as medicine at its best, both of these foods have anti-inflammatory properties, curcumin in the turmeric and bromelain in the pineapple) and finally spinach, apple and blueberries, just because.
• While we are on the topic of icey treats, blended frozen fruits that some like to call “nice cream” are another great way to go. Basically anything with frozen banana and a dash of coconut cream can be made into a tasty, creamy treat. I have had a go with frozen mango recently, oh. my. goodness YUM!
Be prepared with either of these that it can get messy so a bath or play under the hose outside may be in order after it! Plus side is this could also be a nice way to distract from any teething niggles.
• Warming foods such as broths, soups and slow cooked meats are great too as they require minimal chewing and are already partially digested thanks to the slow cooking process. Adding anti-inflammatory culinary herbs in as well such as ginger, turmeric and/or cinnamon may be beneficial, and taste great!
• Home-made breads that are loaded with nutrients, not just made on refined ingredients. Think soft banana bread or savoury types such as pumpkin breads made on a blend of nuts and seeds. There are some great paleo recipes available, but my very favourite is in a book I own by Lola Berry called the 20/20 diet cookbook. This recipe is also available online and is titled Pumpkin, Zucchini and Almond Loaf. Find it at www.myhomeharvest.com.au/newmhh/zucchini-pumpjin-almond-loaf/
• Gelatine gummies – see my recipe I posted last year: www.scfamilynutritionist.com/recipes/
• Mexican beans, these can be cooked on the stove top or in a slow cooker for extra flavour. Using any desired herbs and spices, turmeric being one on the list and whatever vegetables. The longer you cook, the softer it is. Serve with mushy polenta, softer than rice or quinoa during this stage or even a bit of mashed sweet potato.
• If you have a baby led weaning baby or used any of those techniques, think back to when you first started to introduce solids, things like steamed vegetable sticks, avocado and soft baked vegetable chips are also a win.
I hope this provides some inspiration! Don’t dismay if your baby or toddler are off food, within reason. Keep them hydrated and keep offering and if you have any concerns about their appetite outside of teething, contact your doctor or child health nurse for extra guidance.