Rusk sticks before solids?

[Shanaynay]

Hi,

My baby is 5 months and 1 week old. She has just had a tooth come through and I think she would appreciate a rusk stick to chew on... especially at mealtimes when we are eating as well and she is watching us.

However she hasn't started solids yet, not even rice cereal. Is it ok to give her a rusk stick before she has started solids, or not?

There are no history of allergies in our family...

Thanks for your advice.

[the pero clinic]

Dear Phineas,

Something to chew on can be helpful for little ones who are teething. Given her age, and the fact she hasn’t started any other solids yet, I would be reluctant to offer her edible rusks at this stage.

Firstly, rusks can often be based on wheat products. Wheat and other cereals can be higher allergy risk foods than rice and plain fruits and vegetables. These are the foods you would normally first introduce to your bub when starting solids.

Secondly, if your little one is able to chew or suck pieces of the rusk off, these may take her by surprise. While she may just spit them out, she could also possibly gag or cough on these. Her inexperienced tongue will not be used to the different tastes and textures, and the movement and swallowing of the pieces.

At this stage, be planning your introduction of solids – it’s great that she’s interested in your meal times – and offer cool teething toys (with different shapes and textures) for your bub to chew on.

the pero clinic