Teething is one of the toughest phases for babies — and moms! Babies want to chew on everything to soothe their gums, but as parents, we want to make sure what goes into their mouths is safe, healthy, and nourishing.
Homemade teething snacks are a wonderful solution. They are free of preservatives, full of nutrition, and easy to store. Here are three simple, wholesome recipes that you can try at home.
1. Ragi Sticks
Ragi (finger millet) is rich in iron and calcium, making it one of the best grains for growing babies. These crunchy sticks double up as teething aids and healthy snacks.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ragi flour
- 1 cup almond powder (dry roast almonds & grind)
- ½ cup ghee
- 1 tbsp jaggery or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp powdered cardamom
- A little water to form dough
Method:
- Mix all ingredients into a soft dough.
- Shape into sticks.
- Bake at 180°C for 30–35 minutes.
- Let them cool completely and air-dry before storing in an airtight container.
2. Sweet Potato & Oats Teething Biscuits
Sweet potato adds natural sweetness and softness, while oats provide fiber and energy. These biscuits are firm enough for teething yet gentle on gums.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato (steamed & cooled)
- 1 cup oats flour (powder rolled oats)
- 2 tbsp ghee or coconut oil
- 1 tbsp jaggery (optional; avoid for babies under 1 year)
Method:
- Mix mashed sweet potato, oats flour, ghee, and jaggery into a dough.
- Shape into finger sticks or biscuits.
- Bake at 180°C for 20–25 minutes.
- Cool and store in an airtight jar.
3. Banana Ragi Bites
Bananas give natural sweetness and softness, while ragi makes them iron-rich.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup ragi flour
- 1 ripe banana (mashed)
- 1 tbsp ghee
- 1 tbsp grated coconut (optional, for babies over 1 year)
- Pinch of cardamom powder
Method:
- Lightly roast ragi flour for 3–4 minutes and cool.
- Mix with mashed banana, ghee, and cardamom into dough.
- Shape into small sticks or rounds.
- Bake at 180°C for 20–25 minutes.
- Let cool before storing.
These easy recipes not only keep little hands and mouths busy but also provide essential nutrients during a critical growth phase. Try them out, and you might just find your baby’s new favorite snack!
