Teething can be a difficult experience for both babies and their parents. When your child is in pain, you’ll go to great lengths to find ways to soothe their sore gums. This often leads parents to products that claim to provide relief. However, if you happen to have Gerber’s Sooth N Chew teething sticks in your home, there’s important news: Gerber has announced a recall due to a potential choking risk.
Essential Information About the Recall
On January 31, 2025, Gerber reported that it is recalling all batches of its Sooth N Chew teething sticks following customer reports of choking incidents. This decision follows at least one emergency room visit related to the product, although no additional injuries have been reported.
The FDA is collaborating with Gerber on this recall, and parents are strongly advised to discontinue use of the product immediately. The teething sticks were available for purchase both online and in brick-and-mortar stores throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. They came in strawberry-apple and banana flavors.
Affected Products
- 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)
These items were marketed as edible solutions for teething pain in babies aged six months and older. Unfortunately, there have been reports suggesting that the sticks may break, leading to a potential choking hazard.
Steps Parents Should Take
For those who have purchased any of the recalled Sooth N Chew teething sticks, Gerber recommends you:
- Refrain from feeding them to your child.
- Return the product to the point of purchase for a full refund.
- If there are any concerns regarding choking incidents, reach out to your healthcare provider right away.
Gerber has also established a 24/7 customer service hotline at 1-800-4-GERBER (1-800-443-7237) for any further questions or concerns.
Ensuring Teething Safety
Teething can be a tough period for infants as well as their caregivers. For those seeking safe alternatives to alleviate discomfort, consider the following:
- Chilled (not frozen) washcloths for a soothing touch.
- Silicone teething toys that are crafted to be safe and durable.
- Breastmilk or formula popsicles for a cool, reassuring treat.
- Gentle gum massage with a clean finger can apply pressure to ease pain.
What to Avoid for Teething Relief
It’s crucial to steer clear of certain teething remedies that may not only be ineffective but potentially harmful. According to pediatric experts:
- Avoid applying alcohol to your baby’s gums—this can enter their bloodstream.
- Stay away from gels containing benzocaine, as they may have severe side effects such as numbing the throat, leading to swallowing difficulties.
- Do not use amber teething necklaces, as their effectiveness is unproven and they carry risks of choking and strangulation.
Importance of This Recall
It is vital that baby food and teething products adhere to the highest safety regulations. While choking hazards rank among parents’ top concerns, it is reassuring to see Gerber respond promptly by recalling and discontinuing the affected product. This situation serves as a reminder that even trusted brands can face safety issues, highlighting the importance for parents to remain informed and vigilant about the products they choose for their children.
Image Source: Reshetnikov_art / Shutterstock
