Avoid Baby Bottle Syndrome & Keep Those Pearly Whites Forever
Babies can and do get cavities, just like children and adults.
Baby Bottle Syndrome is caused by a particular set of circumstances.
It occurs when a baby is allowed to fall asleep with a bottle in his or her mouth. If the bottle contains a Sugary carbohydrate, (like soda, sugar water, juice, formula, or milk) and the liquid is allowed to pool around the teeth, the bacteria that are present will form acid, which eventually leads to decay.
Baby Bottle Syndrome usually forms on upper front teeth and back molars first. The lower front teeth are protected by the tongue, and decay in this area is seen more often in very advanced cases.
What are the signs of Baby Bottle Syndrome
- You may notice you baby or child is having some tooth sensitivity. They may be bothered by sweet foods or cold foods or liquids
- You may see white decalcified spots or areas at the edge of the gum line. This is the beginning of Cavity formation and these will eventually turn brown just like an adult cavity.
- Look at your Child’s teeth, especially the front teeth top teeth. Look for signs of discoloration or pitting. These are the first signs of decay and you should seek the help of a Dentist or Pediatric Dentist immediately.
You Can Prevent Baby Bottle Syndrome!
- Do NOT put your baby to bed or nap time with a bottle!
- Do NOT Dip your Baby’s Pacifier in Honey! (yes some people do this!) Aside from being bad for the teeth, honey is contra-indicated until age 2 for children!
- Begin Brushing your Child’s teeth as soon as they come in! You can use a soft damp baby wash cloth. No need for toothpaste at this age as your little one will swallow it and we do not want that.
- Start your little one on a schedule of regular dental exams by their first birthday!
Find a Pediatric Dentist you LOVE!
It’s Ok to give your little one a pacifier and his or her favorite blanket to go to sleep. However, I would caution against even a plain water bottle as this could be a choking hazard.
Good Dental Habits start early!
So to end with a Dose of Humor.. My Mom always said to us “Be true to your Teeth, Or they’ll be False to you!”
Daddy’s Design
They say that necessity is the mother of invention. That rings true for dads too! Born out of frustration, Daddy’s Design was created by two new dads who wanted something better for their little ones.
Like most new parents, the founders used breast feeding pillows to “prop up” their babies in lounging situations. But newborns need lots 
of head, neck, and body support. Realizing that these pillows didn’t provide enough support, they went shopping for something better. Unable to find a product that provided the total support they were looking for, the two dads sat down and sketched out design after design, literally on napkins! After a lot of trial and error, and several designs later, the Snoogie Seat was born.
The Snoogie Seat provides that much needed head, neck, and body support in a fun and comfortable way. It’s also slightly inclined to give your little one the opportunity to see his or her world. Angled at just the right amount, the Snoogie is a great tool for bottle feeding. Also as I found out first hand, traditional newborn loungers and breast feeding pillows do not securely hold a baby in place. Our Patent Pending design creates a safe and comfortable environment while still keeping baby in a secure position.
All of this was not easy to achieve. When we were designing the Snoogie Seat, we spent a lot of time creating sewing pattern after pattern. Other pillows and cushions on the market provide some support, but we felt they could be improved upon. The size, shape, and incline of the Snoogie provides support for the infant’s head, neck, and body. The ergonomically correct angle, allows the baby to rest while having their head elevated slightly. The shape of our seat creates a “well like” region in the center, which securely holds baby’s bottom in place. Think “floating in an inner tube.” In this position, baby cannot slide down or roll out. Finally, we wanted the Snoogie‘s size to be convenient for parents (roughly the size of a sofa cushion) but big enough to allow the entire baby’s body to fit within for ultimate safety. So the final shape, size, and angle(s) were of utmost importance. We worked long and hard to get the right combination of each. In the end my newborn daughter was my test model. I would place her in each prototype and observe her. When she was held securely in place and completely supported I knew we had something better! The Snoogie has also been tested by an independent lab for hazardous substances…we passed with flying colors!
On a side note, Daddy’s Design happily gives to Children’s National Medical Center. When she was just two weeks old, the daughter of one of our founders had to spend the weekend at Children’s in Washington DC. The medical personnel were true professionals, and treated the family with care and compassion. Children’s Hospital does great work, treating some of the toughest illnesses in children. Daddy’s Design is honored to contribute to this organization.
Daddy’s Design is on a mission: to have a positive influence on the lives of parents and their children through our products. We are continually looking for ways to improve the experience that parents have with their kids. New ideas are in the works.
HEALTHFUL HINTS:
How anyone (a new dad or a new mom) can feed a baby:
- Find a comfortable place to sit for a little while where you can hold your baby comfortably in your lap with the bottle in one hand (note: the Snoogie will be very helpful in making sure the baby’s at a good angle for feeding comfortably). Keep in mind that if you’re comfortable and confident in what you’re doing, you can focus more on your baby…and enjoy the experience more…and your baby will pick up on that.
- Before you start feeding the baby make sure to check the temperature of the milk. This can be done by squeezing a few drops on the sensitive side of your wrist. If it feels too hot, let it cool for a few minutes
- Make sure to keep a burping cloth or blanket handy…as spills (and spit up) are going to happen!
- Remember to burp baby when they are done feeding. They can’t tell you when they have gas…so gently pat their back until they burp each time.
- Finally, remember, even though the Snoogie Seat will keep your child safe and secure in your arms, it is not meant for sleeping or lounging on elevated surfaces. Also, although it probably goes without saying, please never leave a baby unattended in the Snoogie Seat or in any child restraining device
