Hello, I'm an expert in pediatric health and safety. Let's discuss why benzocaine is not recommended for use in babies.

Benzocaine is a local anesthetic that has been used for temporary relief of pain from teething in infants. However, it has been associated with a serious condition called methemoglobinemia. Methemoglobin is a form of hemoglobin that cannot carry oxygen effectively, leading to a lack of oxygen in the body's tissues. In babies, this can be particularly dangerous because their immune systems and bodies are still developing and are more susceptible to the harmful effects of methemoglobinemia.

Additionally, benzocaine can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, which can be severe. For babies, whose immune systems are not fully developed, even a mild allergic reaction can be a significant health risk.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises against the use of benzocaine for treating pain from teething in infants and recommends alternative methods for pain relief, such as using a clean, cold teething ring or giving acetaminophen (in doses appropriate for the child's weight).

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When a baby is teething, many a mom or dad reaches for a pain remedy containing benzocaine to help soothe sore gums. ... Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first warned about potential dangers in 2006, the agency has received 29 reports of benzocaine gel-related cases of methemoglobinemia.read more >>