Teething can make even the best eaters suddenly lose interest in food, leaving many parents wondering, do babies eat less when teething?
The short answer is, yes! Many babies eat less when teething, especially solids. Sore, swollen gums can make chewing uncomfortable, and some babies may also take shorter feeds at the breast or bottle, which is discussed in more detail in our article How Teething Affects Appetite for Solids
This change in appetite is usually temporary. Most babies return to normal eating once the discomfort eases.
Today, we explain why teething affects appetite, how much of a decrease is normal, and when it may be time to check in with your pediatrician.
Do Babies Eat Less When Teething?
While many babies eat less during teething, the change in appetite can look different from one baby to another.
Some babies mainly refuse solid foods but continue to breastfeed or take a bottle well. Others may take shorter feeds or seem less interested in eating overall. You might also notice your baby starts a meal but stops quickly or becomes fussier than usual at mealtimes.
It is also common for appetite to come and go. Your baby may eat normally one day and much less the next as the tooth moves closer to the surface.
In most cases, these changes are short lived and improve once the tooth erupts and the pressure in the gums decreases.
Why Teething Can Reduce Your Baby’s Appetite
Teething can be uncomfortable, and this discomfort is the main reason some babies eat less. Here are the most common factors:
Gum Pain and Swelling
As teeth push through the gums, the area becomes tender and sore. Chewing solid foods or even sucking from a bottle or breast can irritate the gums, making eating less appealing.
Increased Oral Sensitivity
Teething can make the mouth more sensitive. Some foods may be painful, so babies may reject foods they normally enjoy.
General Fussiness or Distraction
Teething can make babies irritable or restless. When your baby is distracted by discomfort, hunger cues may be less obvious and mealtimes shorter.
Temporary Loss of Appetite
Because of discomfort, some babies eat smaller amounts or skip meals. This is usually brief and resolves once the tooth emerges and the gums feel better.
How Much Less Is Normal
It is normal for babies to eat a little less during teething. Some may skip a meal or two, eat smaller portions, or take shorter feeds. These changes are usually short-lived, lasting a few days or so for each new tooth.
Not all babies are affected the same way. Some continue eating as usual, especially once they are comfortable with mealtime routines. For general guidance on daily feeding patterns, see When Do Babies Eat Solid Foods In A Day?
You may notice patterns, such as:
- Appetite dips on days when the gums feel particularly sore
- Babies prefer softer or cooler foods over harder textures
- Occasional fussiness at mealtimes that passes quickly
If your baby is eating less solid food, you can help make sure they stay hydrated and nourished by offering extra breastmilk or formula feeds. You might:
- Offer more frequent feeds rather than trying for long sessions
- Try feeding when your baby is calm and alert, not overly fussy
- Keep bottled breastmilk or formula slightly chilled if your baby prefers cooler feeds
In addition to offering milk frequently, you can refer to our Baby Feeding Chart – How Many Ounces By Age to understand typical breastmilk and formula intake by age.
In most cases, these changes are temporary. Appetite generally returns once the tooth breaks through and the gums feel more comfortable.
When to Be Concerned About Teething and Eating
Most appetite changes during teething are temporary, but there are a few signs that mean it’s time to check in with your pediatrician:
- For younger babies (mostly breastfed or formula-fed): Refusing all feeds or taking noticeably less than usual for more than a few hours
- For older babies (eating solids as well as milk): Refusing all food and fluids for more than 24 hours or showing markedly reduced fluid intake for more than a day
- Signs of dehydration, such as significantly fewer wet diapers, dry mouth, or unusual lethargy
- High fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, which are not caused by teething
- Prolonged loss of appetite lasting more than a week
If your baby shows any of these symptoms, it is important to seek advice promptly. Otherwise, temporary dips in appetite are usually normal and resolve once the tooth emerges.
What to Do If Your Baby Is Eating Less While Teething
Even if your baby is eating less than usual, there are ways to help them stay comfortable and nourished during teething:
Offer Extra Milk or Formula
If your baby is skipping solids or eating smaller amounts, make sure they are getting enough breastmilk or formula. Offer shorter, more frequent feeds throughout the day, and try feeding when your baby is calm and alert. Slightly cooler milk can sometimes be more soothing.
Offer Milk or Formula (+ Water for Older Babies)
For babies under one year, breastmilk or formula should remain the main source of nutrition and hydration. Offer shorter, more frequent feeds when your baby is calm and alert, and slightly cooler milk can be more soothing. For older infants and toddlers, you can also offer small amounts of water if they are eating fewer solids to help keep them hydrated.
Adjust Food Textures and Temperatures
Softer, cooler foods are often easier to eat, and if your baby is just beginning solid foods or still adjusting to textures, our guide How To Introduce Solid Foods To Your Baby offers helpful tips for making meals positive. Try chilled purees, yogurt, or mashed fruits and vegetables. Avoid very hard or crunchy foods until the tooth has emerged.
Create Calm Mealtimes
Teething can make babies fussy. Keep meals short, relaxed, and distraction-free, and follow your baby’s cues. If they are uncomfortable, it’s okay to pause and try again later.
Use Soothing Measures
Gentle gum massages, chilled teething rings, food as teethers, or clean, cool washcloths can help relieve discomfort and make mealtimes more comfortable.
Remember, teething is temporary, and most babies return to their normal eating patterns once their new teeth emerge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. Some babies eat normally, while others may eat smaller amounts or skip meals. Appetite changes during teething are usually temporary and vary from child to child.
Most babies eat less for a few days at a time. Appetite generally returns once the tooth breaks through and gum discomfort eases.
Focus on offering breastmilk or formula to ensure proper nutrition. You can also try softer, cooler foods, shorter and more frequent meals, and soothing measures like chilled teething rings, frozen or gentle gum massages.
Final Thoughts on Babies Eating Less When Teething
Teething can temporarily reduce a baby’s appetite, but this is usually normal and short lived. Most babies continue to get enough nutrition from breastmilk or formula and return to their usual eating patterns once the tooth emerges. By offering comfort, adjusting foods, and following your baby’s cues, you can help them stay nourished and comfortable during this phase.
For more detailed guidance on how teething affects solid foods specifically, see our companion article How Teething Affects Appetite for Solids.
