Your baby puts her mouth on you because it's a primary way she explores and learns about her world. Babies primarily use their mouths to experience and understand their environment, so mouthing is a common behavior.
Why Babies Use Their Mouths to Explore
| Exploration Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Mouthing | Babies use their mouths to learn about objects and surfaces, understanding texture, shape, density, and taste. |
| Observing | Babies watch objects and people to gain information visually. |
| Touching | Babies feel objects with their hands to learn about them through tactile sensation. |
How Mouthing Helps Babies Learn
Babies’ mouths are incredibly sensitive. Using their mouths to explore helps them:
- Discover textures: Is it smooth, rough, soft, or hard?
- Identify shapes: Is it round, square, or irregular?
- Understand density: Is it light or heavy?
- Experience tastes: Is it sweet, salty, or bland?
Practical Insights and Solutions
- Provide Safe Items: Offer age-appropriate toys and objects that are safe for mouthing to help them explore safely.
- Keep Surfaces Clean: Make sure the surfaces and items your baby may mouth are cleaned to avoid ingesting germs.
- Respond Gently: If you prefer your baby not to mouth you, gently redirect her to a toy or a safe object.
- Understand it’s Normal: Mouthing is a natural and vital part of your baby's development, so be patient and understanding.
This exploration is a crucial part of your baby's development, helping her understand her environment through her tactile system, where her mouth is the primary tool.
