Zoe Scarlett
If you have a young one at home, you know that babies can be destructive little creatures when they’re bored. And while a baby chewing on a crib might seem like harmless fun, there are certain risks involved with this kind of behavior that parents should be aware of.
Cribs are made for children to sleep and play in. They are not designed for chewing. It is important to stop your child from chewing on a crib because it can cause damage to the crib and also put your child at risk of infections.
In addition to any possible damage caused by chewing on other parts of the crib, parents should also be concerned about choking hazards. A parent might not notice if their child is chewing on something small enough to fit into his or her mouth and then accidentally swallowing it.
Looking for ways to keep your toddler in the crib? Check this out!
Reasons why baby chew on a crib
Babies are naturally curious and they explore the world through their senses. One way of exploring the world is by tasting it. Crib chewing helps them to explore their surroundings and also get rid of their growing teeth. It is okay to chew on non-toxic cribs. It also helps them to relieve some pressure in their mouth, which can happen if they are teething. It can also help them to release tension if they have been crying or upset for a long time. Here is why some babies chew on the crib:
- Crib chewing provides sensory stimulation
- Crib chewing helps them to explore their surroundings
- Crib chewing helps in teething
- Crib chewing satisfies the urge to suckle or eat something
- Crib chewing provides comfort and security from anxiety or fear
- It is a way of communicating with their parents
- It is a natural reflex
Is it normal to chew on a crib?
It is not normal for babies to chew on their cribs. This is a common misconception that many new parents have. It is actually a sign of teething. If your baby has started teething, they will be chewing on anything and everything including mattresses and crib sheets to relieve the pain and pressure in their gums.
The best way to prevent your baby from chewing on the crib is by giving them something else to chew on that’s safe for them to use. You can also try soothing your baby with a cold cloth or massaging their gums when they are teething.
Babies have a natural tendency to chew on anything they can get their hands on. This includes their fingers, toes, clothes, and even their crib. This is sometimes concerning and babies should be accompanied at all times to avoid any kind of hazard.
Steps to make baby stop chewing on crib
The first step in stopping this behavior is by understanding what triggers it in the first place. Some parents have found success with taking away all of the crib rails or adding bumpers to it so that there is nothing for the baby to chew on. Others have found success by covering up or removing any toys that are within reach of the baby, as well as moving anything else that they don’t want chewed on, out of reach too.
The first thing you should do is to remove any toys or objects that might attract your baby’s attention and distract him or her from chewing the crib. You should also try not to leave the baby alone while he or she is awake, as this will give him or her more time and opportunity to chew on the crib. You should also try placing a teething ring in your baby’s mouth instead of his or her hand, as this will help soothe his/her gums and reduce his/her biting behavior.
Lastly, you could try placing a bitter tasting substance (such as mustard) around the edges of the crib so that it tastes bad for your baby. You can follow the below steps or get teething toys for your baby.
- Provide something for baby to chew on that is not the crib
- Put a blanket over the crib
- Put a teething ring in baby’s mouth
- Place a stuffed animal at the end of the crib so that baby can reach it
- Put a mirror at the end of the crib so that baby can see himself or herself
- Place a toy at the end of the crib so that baby can reach it
Best Teething Toys Online
- Bright Starts Chill & Teethe Teething Toy
- Baby Einstein Teether-pillar Rattle and Chill Teething Toy
- MAM Mini Cooler Teether with Clip Baby Teether
- Nuby Wacky Teething Ring
- MAM 2-in-1 Bite & Brush Baby Teether
Bright Starts Chill & Teethe Teething Toy
Features
- Material Plastic
- Color Water
- Brand Bright Starts
- Item Dimensions L x W x H 3 x 3 x 1 inches
- Item Weight 0.1 Kilograms
AmazonBaby Einstein Teether-pillar Rattle and Chill Teething Toy
Features
- Color Teething Ring
- Brand Baby Einstein
- Item Dimensions L x W x H 1.75 x 4.25 x 4 inches
- Item Weight 0.2 Pounds
- Age Range Baby
AmazonMAM Mini Cooler Teether with Clip Baby Teether
Features
- Material BPA- free teether
- Color White/blue
- Brand MAM
- Material free BPS Free, BPA Free
- Item Dimensions L x W x H 6.7 x 4 x 0.9 inches
AmazonNuby Wacky Teething Ring
Features
- Material Silicone
- Brand Nuby
- Material free BPA Free
- Item Dimensions L x W x H 0.75 x 4.75 x 5.5 inches
- Item Weight 0.19 Pounds
AmazonMAM 2-in-1 Bite & Brush Baby Teether
Features
- Color Girl
- Brand MAM
- Material free BPS Free
- Item Dimensions LxWxH 7.5 x 1.5 x 5 inches
- Age Range Baby
AmazonDisadvantages of chewing on crib
Cribs are the most common place for babies to bite. Besides cribs, other things that babies like to bite are pacifiers, toys, and other objects. Biting on a crib harms a baby in many ways. Babies can get an infection from bacteria in the mouth and this can lead to serious health issues. Biting on crib also causes teeth damage which can lead to tooth decay and cavities. It is also not safe for older children if they have any allergies because they might have a reaction when they touch the fabric of the crib. This is why as a parent, you should invest in safe and organic crib sheets.
Here are some more disadvantages. These are the reasons you should get your baby a teething toy instead.
- The crib is not designed to withstand the pressure of a baby’s teeth and can break or crack.
- It is not safe for the baby to chew on the crib because they could swallow some of the paint chips or splinters that could be in the crib.
- It can be difficult to get a baby to stop chewing on the crib, which can lead to injury or infection if they are not supervised while chewing on it.
- The paint used on some wooden cribs contains lead, which could make their teeth discolored and cause developmental problems if they chew on it long enough.
- Baby chewing on cribs may lead to developmental delays in the future, such as difficulty with speech and language skills, as well as problems with motor skills and social interactions.
Conclusion
There are multiple reasons babies chew on a crib. One of them is teething. Baby teething is undoubtedly a challenging phase for parents and while babies can resort to chewing on cribs, you can always buy them a teething toy instead. We covered everything from how to stop your baby from chewing on crib to the disadvantages of biting a crib; hope it was worth your time. Protect your baby and invest in the products we have listed. There is nothing more important than your baby’s well-being.
FAQS
Is it better to get a stationary crib or a portable one on wheels?
It depends on the needs of the parents and the space in their home. The portable cribs are more affordable and they are easier to set up. They also don’t take up as much space as a stationary crib.
Should I go for eco-friendly cribs?
Yes, you should. Eco friendly cribs are made of sustainable materials and they have a low impact on the environment. They are also safe for your baby.
How long should I use the crib?
Babies can sleep in a crib for at least six months, and they can start transitioning out of it at around 12 months old.
