Teething is a rite of passage for most infants, often accompanied by discomfort and distress for both babies and their parents. When faced with the challenges of teething, parents naturally seek effective solutions to alleviate their child’s discomfort. Recently, the well-known baby food brand Gerber has attracted attention for its recall of Sooth N Chew teething sticks due to a serious choking hazard. This significant incident serves not only as a warning but also highlights the need for awareness regarding teething products and their safety.
On January 31, 2025, Gerber announced the discontinuation of all batches of their Sooth N Chew teething sticks, responding to alarming reports of choking incidents. The voluntary recall was initiated following customer complaints and a case that reportedly led to an emergency room visit. Although no further injuries have been reported, the potential risk posed by these teething sticks was severe enough to warrant immediate action by the company, and the FDA is now involved in overseeing the recall process.
The recalled products were available in two flavors—strawberry-apple and banana—and were marketed to infants aged six months and above. Branding them as edibles meant to alleviate teething pain, concerns arose when it was discovered that the sticks might break into small pieces, leading to a choking hazard. This is particularly worrying, given that infants are still developing their chewing abilities at this age.
For parents who may have these teething sticks in their homes, the urgency in checking the product’s UPC codes cannot be overstated. The specific codes for the affected items are as follows:
– GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS – Strawberry Apple, Net Wt. 3.2 Oz (UPC: 0 15000 04618 7)
– GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS – Banana, Net Wt. 3.2 Oz (UPC: 0 15000 04608 8)
– GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS – Banana, Net Wt. 1.59 Oz (UPC: 0 15000 01015 7)
Parents are advised to refrain from using these products and instead return them for a full refund. Gerber has gone the extra mile by setting up a 24/7 customer service hotline to assist concerned customers. Additionally, for those experiencing any complications or those with further questions, contacting a healthcare professional is highly recommended.
Teething can undoubtedly be a challenging time, but there are several safe alternatives that parents can explore to ease their child’s discomfort. Options like chilled washcloths can provide soothing relief when gnawed upon. Parents might also consider durable silicone teething toys specifically designed for safety. Another creative solution involves making breastmilk or formula popsicles that offer a cool, comforting treat for the baby. Lastly, gentle gum massages with a clean finger can help alleviate pain through the application of pressure.
Despite the availability of various products, parents must remain vigilant about avoiding certain teething remedies that may be unsafe or ineffective. Pediatric experts strongly advise against practices such as using alcohol on gums or employing benzocaine gels due to their potential adverse effects, which may include numbing the throat and swallowing difficulties. Amber necklaces, often marketed as teething aids, pose significant risks of choking or strangulation and lack scientific backing for their efficacy.
The Takeaway: Remaining Proactive as Parents
In light of the Gerber recall, it’s evident that even reputable brands are not immune to safety concerns, underscoring the importance of parental awareness. It’s crucial for caregivers to remain informed about the products they choose for their children, ensuring that they comply with the highest safety standards.
This incident serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of product safety in the parenting industry. Parents should stay updated via official recall notifications from the FDA and take proactive steps in safeguarding their children’s welfare. By exercising caution and prioritizing informed choices, they can make this difficult phase of teething a little bit easier and much safer.