Can I let my 3 month old (with severe supervision) chew on a frozen banana for his teething?

Question

I was just wondering if bananas would upset his stomach alot? He's teething SOOO bad. I have been trying Orajel, frozen washcloths, teething rings, gripe water, Tylenol... Plus he seems to be EXTREMELY tired. All he wants to do is sleep, but it's restless and he's REALLY cranky when he awakes and wants to go back to sleep. Does anyone have any advice?

Answer 1

For all the dips who said you can't feed him bananas are full of crap.
Your baby can start solids WHENEVER your baby is ready. Both of mine started way before six months. My last one started jar food at 3 months. Some people shouldn't give advice. It amazes me how stupid some people are.

Every baby is different. Bottom line. As for the bananas, you could try, but definitely watch close. It will mush up for you with the slobber, but be careful for the big pieces. I used waffels (great for the drool) and frozen orange slices. My first son got his two bottom teeth a little over 3 months old. There can be long days and nights, but give it a shot. It just might work!

***** For the dumba$$ who said your baby isn't getting teeth is WRONG. Rare, but some kids are even born with a tooth.
Stupid people, stupid.

Answer 2

The American Pediatric Association recommends nothing but breastmilk (or formula, but from your picture I'd say that's not an option) for the first six months.

Bananas can be constipating even in children with fully developed digestive systems.

So, no, I wouldn't try it yet.

What kind of teething ring have you used? My son didn't care for the liquid/gel filled kind, but loved the solid silicone ones. (A much harder consistency -- like a frozen banana would be.)

Have you tried Hyland's Teething Tablets? http://www.hylands.com/products/teething.php
A lot of moms I know SWEAR by these. (And you can use them without fear with other treatments.) Also, I might try infant Motrin instead of Tylenol. Motrin is an anti-inflammatory, Tylenol isn't. So the Motrin might help reduce any inflammation in his gums.

I know... it's murder watching your little one suffer. My son cut all four molars at once, and he was just in agony until the first two came through. (After that, he seemed able to bear it OK.) When all else fails, just love him, comfort him as you can, and know this shall pass.

Oh... when he's older, and you DO want to try frozen bananas? (Or just chunks of apple, which worked well for us) Check out the Mesh Teethers (I like the ones by Sassy, because the mesh is replaceable and it has a lid.) http://www.babyage.com/products/2-3428_sassy_sassy_teething_feeder_and_16_replacement_bags.htm
Just run through the dishwasher or laundry to keep it clean.

Answer 3

From the American Dental Association website...

"Primary teeth typically begin to appear when a baby is between age six months and one year."

If your baby is just 3 months old, the I seriously doubt his pain is teething. He may have an ear infection, a stomach/digestion problem, or just colic.

I'd ask the baby's pediatrician for an exact diagnosis of what's going on. No one in this kind of forum is qualified to diagnose or suggest treatment. Only a doctor can do that.

Answer 4

Not too much banana. A baby can develope a food sensitivity if given too much of a good thing. Bananas can also constipate and cause gas if fed too much. Maybe you should see the pedi. Babies do not normally sleep a lot unless not feeling well. Teething can make them cranky, but a lot of sleep is not usually a sign of teething. Even with the best of supervision, a baby can become choked.

Answer 5

I wouldn't give him a banana. 3 months is way too young for solid foods. even though it is frozen it will thaw fast and could also be a choking hazard. A frozen banana wouldn't do any more than the stuff you have already tried.

Answer 6

If u do bananas, definately MASH it up til he could chew w/o teeth. Also, be aware that bananas (at least w/ my daughter) is going to constipate him. it is going to depend on how long he will be teething, how many teeth he has as well. The teething rings dont always work though, and u have to be careful w/ how u use them also.

Answer 7

Try the following -

- Hyland's homeopathic teething tablets - far better than Orajel
- metal spoon kept in freezer
- ice cube tied up in a baby sock
- ice cube or "boob cube" in a Baby Safe Feeder
- stick of hard, cold celery - he can't get anything off of that, unlike the banana which would thaw and be messy
- get one of those "finger condom" type baby toothbrushes - rubber thing that goes on your fingertip - and massage his gums with it

Answer 8

It's unlikely the banana will work if all of those things didn't. have you tried them in combination with one another, ie Tylenol and Orajel?

Answer 9

I would not because there is a chance that a piece would become lodge in his thoat, I seen it choke a child to death, I would suggest a simple teething ring.

Answer 10

Bananas will probably give him the runs.