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My 9-mo has been chewing on anything that comes his way for the past 2 months now. We initially thought this was because he would be teething soon. But nothing has come up yet.
Should I be giving him any calcium supplements to help with the process or it'll just take its time? Right now he feeds on breast milk, mashed fruits and veggies and baby food.
Thanks.
Your description sounds like teething all right, and it fits with the age. Teething can take a long time, and can be invisible for a good part of that time.
I've not heard of calcium supplements for teething, but your pediatrician likely has a professional opinion on that.
As for foods, you can try giving him something that has a little bit of consistency, like small pieces of well-boiled potato. He can chew that with his gums, even without teeth. Try increasing the firmness of foods to see what his preferences are, but be careful that he doesn't choke.
You can also offer suitable teething toys - objects with different shapes, textures, and firmness that are interesting for the baby to explore with the mouth. Many such toys can be stored in the refrigerator so that their coolness has a nice soothing effect on the gums.
Like Torben's said, it definitely sounds like teething.
Unfortunately, there's no way to 'speed' it up - until the teeth bud and erupt, your son is going to drool, gnaw and put anything he can in his mouth to alleviate the itching/burning sensation in there.
I've also never heard of calcium supplements for teething, and would also recommend a talk with your doctor; adding extra calcium to his diet might effect his iron levels negatively.
Pieces of fruit from the 'fridge were a hit with my son, as were carrot sticks. They were large enough that he could hold them and gnaw on, but not choke upon.
Another option is a clean cloth diaper - soak it in water and tie a small knot in the middle, then place it in the freezer for a half hour to an hour. It's another texture he can experiment on, but not injure himself with.
This is not medical advice, I am not a doctor.
Children from 6 months to 5 years might need a supplement of vitamins A, C, and D.
http://www.nhs.uk/Planners/birthtofive/Pages/Vitamins.aspx
Vitamin D helps with calcium absorption.
Here's a document that gives recommended daily amounts for calcium (in different age ranges) and then gives a list of calcium rich foods. This may be preferable to giving a supplement.
At 9 months he's not a late teether yet! I think that after 13 months he'll become a late teether.
