Teething and Mealtime: How to Handle Fussiness and Appetite Changes

Teething. The cruel truth of babies being born with those gummy smiles. It’s painful, and it can absolutely affect appetite.

Around 10 months, new teeth are often pushing through, which can result in:
• Fussier meals
• Preference for softer foods
• Shorter feeding sessions
• More drooling (and more hand-in-mouth moments)

This is usually temporary.

On tougher days, you might lean into:
• Cooler foods like yoghurt
• Softer textures
• Slightly chilled fruit (not hard)
• Familiar favourites

The reason we work so hard to build up their nutrition and their skills is for days like these. Knowing that teething days will not be prime feeding days, means that you can deprioritise some meals when they’re just not up for it. When they’re in pain (like any of us), intake dips briefly, but appetite often rebounds once their discomfort settles.

Try not to introduce pressure during teething phases, because comfort matters more than intake in these moments.

Offer things that soothe, and you’ll be back to nutritious eating in no time. 💛