Each person has two sets of teeth: 20 primary teeth (baby teeth) and 32 permanent teeth. At birth, the jawbone already contains ossified tooth buds for the primary teeth, though they have not yet erupted. Typically, primary teeth begin to emerge between 4 to 6 months after birth.Previously, we shared teething care tips for parents. Today, we've compiled dietary suggestions for each of the five teething stages—parents, let's dive in!
Stage 1: Two Teeth Period
Around 4–8 months, the lower pair of central incisors quietly emerge, marking the baby's transition from toothlessness.Babies at this stage love putting anything they can get their hands on into their mouths to chew, which can be both amusing and exasperating. Sometimes they even mimic adults by chewing on chopsticks or spoons.【Feeding Tips】: During this phase, moms can introduce semi-solid foods like mashed potatoes, mashed egg yolks, or oatmeal porridge. This helps babies transition from liquid to paste-like textures. Slightly thicker purees signal to babies that their food is evolving, laying the groundwork for future solid foods and teaching them to chew with their teeth.
Stage Two—Four-Tooth Period
Around 8 to 12 months, two or more additional teeth will emerge in the upper jaw.
【Dietary Recommendations】: Nutritional demands increase significantly at this stage. Mothers should offer more varied options like pureed meat, minced meat, tomatoes, and tofu. However, if chewing ability is poor and digestive function is still weak, large pieces of food entering the digestive system without being crushed by teeth can hinder nutrient breakdown and absorption.Therefore, parents should consciously use solid foods to guide the baby in practicing chewing during this period.
Stage Three — 6 to 8 Teeth Period
The upper lateral incisors erupt between 9 and 13 months, followed by the lower lateral incisors between 10 and 16 months.
【Dietary Recommendations】: Babies gradually adapt to solid foods during this stage as their digestive system matures. Mothers can introduce solid foods like steamed eggs and vegetables.
Stage 4 — 8 to 12 Teeth Period
Around 13 to 19 months, babies develop their first primary molars (back teeth).With the presence of primary molars, the baby's chewing ability significantly improves. During this period, the baby will enthusiastically use a spoon to feed themselves, even if food ends up all over the table. This is worth encouraging, as it positively influences the baby's future personality development.
【Dietary Recommendations】: At this stage, reduce the intake of liquid foods and increase solid foods such as soft rice, bread, vegetables, and thin slices of meat.
Stage Five — 12 to 20 Teeth Period
Between 16 and 20 months, all 20 baby teeth gradually erupt, completing the full set of primary dentition. During this phase, babies not only learn to swallow food independently but also refine their eating techniques.
【Dietary Recommendations】: Mothers can offer regular foods that are slightly softer, such as rice, noodles, and soybeans.