As a parent, you’ve probably experienced that moment of panic when your baby grabs something off the floor and puts it right in their mouth. They may be snacking on everything from pacifiers to remote controls. This may seem odd and even a little disgusting, but in reality, this is a completely normal and important part of their development.
Let’s take a look at why kids do it, how long it might last, and how to deal with it safely. A natural instinct to put things in their mouth Children are born with an instinct to explore the world through their senses. Their mouths are highly sensitive and are their main tool of discovery. Babies often put objects in their mouths to learn the texture, shape, and size of the object, a process that helps lay the foundation for many cognitive and motor skills. It is also a way to soothe babies whose gums become sore or inflamed, especially during teething.
The Role of Teething
One of the main triggers for mouth-opening behavior is teething. As babies get new teeth, chewing on objects can help ease their discomfort. That’s why you may notice your baby reaching for anything they can get their hands on, from toys to your furniture!
Most babies start teething around 6 months, although the exact timing can vary.
When Do Babies Stop Mouthing Everything?
Mouthing is most common in infants and young toddlers, and the behavior gradually decreases as they grow.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Childhood (0-12 months): Oral awareness peaks in the first year of life. Babies explore their environment by putting objects in their mouths, helping develop their sense of touch and taste.
- Toddlers (ages 1-3): As children improve their hand-eye coordination and begin to walk, interest in mouthing fades. Most children stop putting anything in their mouth by age 2 or 3, but some may continue to put objects in their mouth from time to time, especially if they are teething or experiencing emotional discomfort.
- Beyond 3 years: If your child is still frequently mouthing objects past age 3, it may be an indication that they need more sensory input or comfort. Some children continue mouthing well into their early school years, and this could also be a sign of a condition called PICA (a disorder where children (and sometimes adults) eat non-food objects). If the biting habit persists beyond the age of four, we recommend consulting your pediatrician.
Mouthing is equally important for development. Here’s why?
Mouthing serves multiple developmental purposes:
- Sensory Development: Babies learn about the world around them through their mouths. Putting food in your mouth allows your baby to experience all the textures, tastes, and temperatures, which helps stimulate sensory pathways in the brain.
- Oral motor skills: Putting food in your mouth helps your baby exercise his oral muscles, which are important for skills like eating, speaking, and breathing. Soothing Comfort: Many children use their mouths to soothe themselves, especially during teething, which is why teething toys and chew necklaces have become must-have items in recent years.
- Improved immunity: There is a theory that when children put objects in their mouths, they are exposed to bacteria and viruses in a controlled way, which strengthens their immune system. This is sometimes called the “immune proofreading hypothesis.” This is the same way that children’s bodies develop immunity to common germs when they encounter them in the environment.
Tips for Managing Mouthing Safely:
Although it is a natural and important part of development, it can also be dangerous if not properly controlled. Babies and children put objects in their mouths, which can strangle the danger, especially if they are small or contain harmful chemicals.
Here are some strategies to help manage this behavior:
- Provide safe chew toys: Pacifiers, soft rubber toys, and chew necklaces are great for soothing your baby’s gums and satisfying his desire to put things in his mouth.
- Childproof your home: Keep small objects, sharp objects, and choking hazards out of children’s reach. Make sure your home is child-proof, especially once your baby starts moving around and crawling.
- Keep an eye on them: Always supervise your child while they are playing. While it’s okay for them to explore with their mouths, it’s crucial to intervene if they’re trying to put something dangerous into their mouth.
- Redirect and Teach: Gently guide your baby away from unsafe objects by redirecting them to a safe, chewable item. Explain to them that some things are meant for eating (food) and others are meant for exploring (toys), which will help them begin to understand boundaries.
When should you worry?
In most cases, mouthing is a temporary phase that your child will not naturally outgrow. However, it’s important to watch out for signs that may indicate a more serious problem.
- Excessive mouthing after age 3: If your child is still regularly putting things in their mouth after age 3, it may be worth a visit to your pediatrician to rule out sensory processing or PICA issues.
- PICA: This condition is characterized by the compulsive ingestion of non-edible objects such as soil, chalk, and even fabric. PICA is common in children with developmental disabilities and psychological distress and should be treated with the help of a medical professional.
Key Takeaways
- Mouthing is a natural behavior that helps babies explore their world, develop sensory skills, and relieve teething discomfort.
- By age 3, most children will stop mouthing objects, but it’s completely normal for some to continue for a bit longer, especially if they are teething.
- Keep your baby safe by baby-proofing your environment, providing safe toys, and supervising closely.
- If the mouthing behavior continues past age 3 or becomes excessive, it may be worth seeking advice from a pediatrician.
-Ishita Jain
Child Psychologist at Deep connection
