How to discourage my 16-month-old from chewing on her crib?

Question

I searched the site to see if anyone had asked this before (which of course they have) but none of the answers worked for me. See, my daughter is chewing on the headboard/footboard part of her crib, so those tie-on covers that people suggested wouldn't work because there's nothing to tie on to. The headboard/footboard panels of her crib are solid, not slats. I also have the matress down as low as it will go, and she still reaches. I don't want to raise the matress either, because she's tall and I don't want her to climb/topple over the rails. 

I'm not sure why she's decided to chew on her crib all of a sudden. We always put her to bed with her favorite stuffed animal, which she chews on, and a teething ring. I try to get her out of the crib before she's awake in there for too long, but it's hard. She used to call for me or cry when she woke up, but now she's too busy chewing on her crib! 

I'm not worried about cosmetic damage to the crib; it can be re-painted. And the paint is lead-free, so even if she's swallowing it, it shouldn't hurt her. But what really makes me mad is that she's chewed all along the edge now, so when she chews more her cheeks rub on the exposed wood and she gets scratches. I'm worried about splinters and injuries like that more than anything. 

Does anyone have any suggestions? Like I said, the covers I found online woudn't work on my crib. Maybe a PVC pipe split lengthwise and slipped over? Would that be safe?

Jean · Accepted Answer

There are covers you can buy, plastic ones that, while they don't discourage chewing, they do prevent your little one from getting her teeth into the wood and causing damage that might injure her.  She's probably teething and there is a certain amount of satisfaction for them to sink their teeth into something soft enough to give a little when they bite, but hard enough to press on their gums and provide a little relief.  The covers are clear plastic and are designed to slip over the rail of the crib.  Here's something from Babies R Us: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2379138
Looks liek it's suitablefor pretty much any type of crib so should fit your perfectly!

berdine · Answer

Having her next to you in that way is right - many infants sleep like that till they're around 2 or 3. till she's 2 she desires to be close to you, and to have the means to pay attention you respiratory, and to snuggle up for heat temperature if mandatory. Co-napping like that's pronounced at present because it finally ends up in the healthiest, maximum guard childrens. through fact that's working, why substitute? you would be able to desire to purchase a toddler mattress whilst she's approximately 2, and tell her that once she's waiting she would be in a position to sleep there. yet enable her make the determination. it is going to probable come a while till now she's 3, or in all probability 4.

Anonymous · Answer

You could supervise her more, and not leave her in her cage if she's not sleeping? Just an idea. I can't even imagine how a sixteen-month-old is left alone while awake for long enough and often enough that this is a problem.

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How to discourage my 16-month-old from chewing on her crib?

3 Answers