Babies mouth you primarily as a way to explore their environment and self-soothe, especially when teething.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Sensory Exploration: Mouthing is a primary way babies learn about the world. By putting things in their mouths, they can explore textures, shapes, and tastes, gaining valuable sensory information. It's like their version of reading a book or doing research.
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Teething Relief: When babies are teething, their gums can become sore and irritated. Mouthing provides counter-pressure that can help alleviate this discomfort. Dr. Bazhydai notes that mouthing helps them cope with teething pain.
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Self-Soothing: Mouthing is a self-soothing behavior. The act of sucking and mouthing can be calming and comforting for babies, helping them regulate their emotions and reduce stress. It teaches them that they can take action to feel better.
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Developing Oral Motor Skills: Mouthing helps babies develop their oral motor skills, which are essential for feeding and speech development. It strengthens the muscles in their mouth and tongue.
In summary, babies mouth as part of their development. It is a way for them to discover the world and calm themselves.
