Young children explore the world through touch, sight, and taste, and often express a natural tendency to put objects in their mouths. This habit, called “mouthing,” is very common in babies and toddlers and is often a natural part of their development. However, for parents, this can be a constant source of worry, as putting objects in their mouth can expose children to choking hazards, germs, and harmful substances. By using the right strategies, you can help your child stop mouthing objects and develop safer habits. Here’s how.
1. Understand the Reasons for Mouthing
It’s helpful to understand why young children put things in their mouths. In infants, this habit is a form of sensory exploration; they want to understand an object’s texture, shape, and taste. For babies, it also relieves the discomfort of teething, as biting down can soothe sore gums. Toddlers, on the other hand, may continue mouthing objects as they explore new items and sensations, or as a way to self-soothe.
In some cases, children continue mouthing as a response to stress, boredom, or anxiety. Identifying the reason behind your child’s mouthing can help you find the right strategies to help them.
2. Ensure a Safe Environment for Exploration
Create a safe, child-friendly space for your child to explore objects. Provide toys that are safe to chew on, like teething rings, sensory toys, or rubber teethers. When children have safe items to mouth, they’re less likely to seek out potentially dangerous objects. Rotate toys regularly to keep things interesting, as this can reduce the need for children to seek out new objects to put in their mouths.
You can also childproof your home by storing small items and hazardous materials out of reach, covering electrical outlets, and ensuring that any potentially harmful objects are locked away. Doing so helps prevent children from accessing unsafe items when they’re curious.
3. Introduce Tactile Play to Meet Their Sensory Needs
Encourage children to explore objects using their hands and other senses. Tactile play, such as playing with textured toys, soft blocks, sand, or playdough, can help children satisfy their sensory needs without using their mouths. Water play, finger painting, and kinetic sand also offer great sensory experiences. These activities can reduce the urge to mouth objects, as children become more accustomed to exploring with their hands.
4. Teach Alternatives for Self-Soothing
If your child uses mouthing as a way to self-soothe, help them find other ways to feel comforted. Introduce soft toys or blankets that they can cuddle or a stress-relief ball they can squeeze. For older toddlers, deep breathing exercises, gentle massages, or slow backrubs can provide comfort and reduce stress. Teaching these techniques early can help children learn healthier ways to self-soothe as they grow.
5. Redirect with Positive Reinforcement
If you notice your child putting an unsafe object in their mouth, gently remove the item and provide a safe alternative, like a teething ring or a favorite toy. Redirecting them calmly and without scolding reinforces safe behavior without making them feel discouraged or anxious. Praise them when they handle objects safely or put down something that shouldn’t go in their mouth. Positive reinforcement helps children feel more inclined to repeat desired behaviors, while negative reactions can sometimes increase anxiety-driven mouthing.
6. Monitor and Limit Exposure to Small Objects
During playtime or around the house, keep an eye on small objects that could pose a choking risk. Check for any small parts on toys, loose buttons on clothes, or household items that could fit in their mouths. Consider toy bins with larger toys, especially when playing unsupervised, and ensure siblings’ toys (which may have small parts) are kept separate if your child is prone to mouthing objects.
7. Encourage Chewing on Healthy Foods
Provide healthy, chewable snacks if your child is old enough for solids. Foods like carrots, celery sticks, apple slices, and cucumber pieces offer sensory stimulation and help children fulfill their chewing urge in a healthy way. Just be sure to supervise to avoid choking, and ensure the pieces are appropriately sized for your child’s age and ability to chew.
8. Introduce Social and Verbal Cues Gradually
For toddlers, you can start explaining why certain items shouldn’t go in their mouths. Use simple language like “This isn’t for your mouth” or “Let’s play with this toy with our hands instead.” Over time, they’ll start understanding that not everything is safe to chew. As they grow, they’ll learn to apply this knowledge independently.
9. Consult a Pediatrician if Needed
If your child continues mouthing objects beyond the age of three, or if it seems to be frequent or compulsive, consider discussing it with a pediatrician. Sometimes, excessive mouthing can be linked to sensory processing disorders or other developmental issues, and early intervention can provide support. A pediatrician can offer guidance and refer you to occupational therapy if needed.
10. Be Patient and Persistent
Helping your child stop mouthing objects takes time and patience. It’s normal for young children to take time to learn new habits, and they may occasionally regress. By calmly guiding and redirecting them, you can help them build safe exploration habits. Consistency is key, and over time, they’ll start to understand that mouthing isn’t necessary for exploring.
Conclusion
Mouthing is a natural phase in child development, but with a proactive approach, you can help your child safely transition out of this habit. By creating a safe environment, introducing sensory play alternatives, and teaching self-soothing techniques, you can help your child explore the world safely. With patience and support, your child will gradually develop safer ways to satisfy their curiosity and learn more about their surroundings.
