My 7-month-old loves to teethe on the edge of our varnished wood coffee table. Is this safe?

Question

My mom says it's normal, and that babies have teethed on wood for hundreds of years. She hasn't visibly worn the varnish, so I don't think she's ingesting it. But I still wonder.

Has anyone talked to their doctor or read anything about this?

She won't take a teething ring. She very rarely puts non-food items in her mouth. (yes, she's an unusual baby)

Also, I could care a less what the coffee table looks like. It's not particularly new or expensive.

I was hoping someone would have actual medical information, rather than personal opinion.

I called my pediatrician, and she said it's fine. Now I'm more confused than ever.

Answer 1

I had the same problems with my twins. My oldest cut five teeth at once so she was chewing on everything her favorite though was the TV stand witch is varnished. My ped told me this is not okay at all. All it takes is the little teeth to break through. The varnish is toxic and the wood splinters is really bad because they could coke or even put a tear in their throat or belly. Watch them teething on the cribs to. I actually went out and bought a baby feeder. Its made by munchkin and runs about 4 dollars It looks almost like a teething ring with a mesh bag attached. I use that for teething smash up some ice cubes or some frozen fruit even freeze some baby juice it works wonderful. My kids wouldn't take teething rings ether

Answer 2

I think it's more a matter of setting limits, even this young. Every time she starts teething on it, just hand her a teether. You don't even really have to say anything at this age, just redirect her to teeth on something else. Otherwise, your table will be ruined.

I'm sure back in our parents days wood may have been wood - or they just didn't know about the chemicals put in the varnish, but nowadays, I'm sure wood has chemicals in it that are harmful and we know more information than our parents did.

So, to answer your question, I don't really think that anything bad would happen, but it's very possible that something "could", but most likely you will just have a spoiled baby and a messed up coffee table! :-)

Answer 3

She is still young. It will happen when it happens...There is nothing to worry about. With four children, I haven't had full nights sleep in nine years. Just kind of goes with the territory. Maybe rocking or rubbing your baby's back without offering a bottle may work after a bit. She may just be waking up like we all do. Sooth her less over time and she will figure out how to put herself back to sleep.

Answer 4

I would not let my lil one do that even if some one said it was ok I would not trust a baby eating wood why dont you just give her some thing else to distract her like my be buying her a new teether .

Answer 5

you might consider investing in a teething ring.
see link below for some wooden teething rings, if you want your kid to chew on wood.

Answer 6

Don't let your child do this, the varnish may well be harmful.

Answer 7

it is dangerous give the baby teethe on something else

Answer 8

no not ok theres chemicals on that

Answer 9

now what do you think duhhhhhhhhhhhh hell no