Sunday, January 31, 2010

Carob Pods as a Teething Alternative!


I recently found this article on the Raw Mom Blog, soon after I posted the article about our new love of fresh carob pods. In the article, Ruth Hofer states that local aboriginal women living near her in Australia used the whole dried pod of the carob tree for their babies to suck on as teething rusks. I thought this was amazing! I had actually thought about giving the pods to Noa because they seemed to be hard enough and wouldn't break off in pieces as she chewed it. I was a little concerned about the seeds, but she doesn't seem to chew off enough to reach them inside.

I am loving this fresh alternative for teething! The pods even contain a mildly analgesic effect to help numb sore gums. I have them with me now all of the time. I snack on them in the car and usually give one to Noa for the car ride as well. She loves playing with them and holds them in her hands while I shop and run errands.

I was so thankful that Paul decided to order more! We went through 10 lbs. in almost 1 month! He didn't want to overdo it, but I am still craving them and love how satiating they are. He gave in, ordered 10 more pounds and he is loving them just as much!

Noa's teething does not seem to be too uncomfortable for her now, but when and if it does become painful, I will probably try a little clove oil. A friend also suggested trying chamomile too for teething. But these carob pods are keeping us both busy for now!

6 comments:

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Stephanie said...

What a wonderful idea. please share where you order the pods. Thanks in advance!

Christine Vandor said...

Hi there Andrea!
What a fabulous idea for teething! Wow. I love your blog! We 'listened' to Paul on GLC yesterday and immeadiately threw out the microwave and dusted off the juicer! We already have fresh raw goats milk (we raise goats!) and fresh eggs from our chickens every day, have just started planning a kitchen garden and are on our way to discovering edible weeds and survival foods. I'm looking forward to following you and learning from you. Thanks so much for taking the time to blog! Praise YHWH!

Linda said...

I don't think we have any way of ordering those pods here in Holland, but we've always used simple, unfinished wood 'toys' for teething.

I'm sooo puzzled why anyone would let their kid suck and chew on a piece of plastic for so long..?

Greetings from the netherlands!

Unknown said...

Hi! Where do you order 10lbs of carob pods from? Are they the Australian ones? Please let me know, Can you post the source? I'd like to get some. Thanks!

Suzanne said...

This is a great natural alternative for teething! You won't have to worry about it having dangerous compounds in its content. Other parents use herbal plants such as ginger root, chamomile and cloves, but most important is your TLC. Give your baby a lot of hugs and kisses. It's good to hear them laugh! Haha!

Suzanne Steven