Is your little one teething? If so, hold off on the over-the-counter products such as Anbesol and Baby Orajel. Did you know that children under two and some adults are susceptible to a rare but serious–and sometimes fatal–condition called methemoglobinemia which greatly reduces the amount of oxygen carried through the bloodstream. And children under 2 years old appear to be at particular risk.
When Little Pumpkin Doodle started teething I was told by many to reach for the Baby Orajel, but I didn’t want to use a product that was full of chemicals. Instead, I opted for cloth teethers, baby towels drenched in water and then placed in the freezer, or just plain ice. She seemed to like the ice more than anything.
It’s hard to believe that manufacturers would make products that would be harmful to your Little Pumpkin Doodle, but it’s up to us as consumers to read labels and find alternatives to mass market products. Though teething medications such as Orajel and Anbesol have been approved for use, it’s important for to remember that FDA approval (here in the U.S.) does not indicate a medication is without dangerous side effects. It simply means that side effects are rare, or that the medication is safe for the majority of the population, despite a potential for adverse reactions in a small group of individuals.
What are you using to soothe your little one while teething? I’d like to HEAR from you:)
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With my oldest child I had used baby orajel. He is all grown up now but thank goodness he did not have an adverse reaction. Great info!
Thank goodness. I’ve used Anbesol on myself and will now think twice. Better to be safe than sorry. Thank you Lupuswolf. Always good to hear from you.
Same here; thankfully my little guy didn’t have any adverse reactions to Orajel. Thanks for the info!
You’re welcome. Glad to hear youre little one was o.k. 🙂 Always good to hear from you.