Your child likely puts things in their mouth because oral seeking is a normal part of development, especially in babies and infants.
Understanding Oral Exploration
Putting objects in the mouth, also known as oral exploration or mouthing, is a common way for babies and toddlers to learn about their environment and self-soothe. Here's a more detailed explanation:
- Sensory Exploration: Babies and young children use their mouths to explore the textures, shapes, and tastes of objects. It’s a way for them to gather information about the world around them.
- Self-Soothing: Sucking can have a calming effect. Just as a baby might suck their thumb, mouthing objects can be a way for them to self-regulate and feel secure, especially when they are tired, hungry or feeling overwhelmed.
- Normal Development: This behavior is a critical part of normal development, particularly during the first few years of life.
Why Infants Mouthing Items
Infants use their mouths as a primary means of exploration.
Why is this common during infancy?
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Sensory Development | The mouth has many nerve endings, making it a rich source of sensory input for infants who are just discovering their world |
| Muscle Development | Mouthing helps strengthen the muscles of the mouth, which are necessary for eating and speech development. |
| Self-Regulation | Sucking can be a self-soothing mechanism for babies, helping them to manage feelings of discomfort, hunger or fatigue. |
| Exploration of Textures and Shapes | They’re learning by feeling different surfaces and shapes with their mouths. This provides new sensory information. |
Practical Insights
- Supervision: Always supervise your child, especially with small objects, to prevent choking hazards.
- Safety First: Ensure your child has access to safe, age-appropriate toys designed for mouthing.
- Hygiene: Clean toys regularly to prevent the spread of germs.
- Alternatives: If your child is older and still exhibits this behavior extensively, you may offer alternative ways for them to regulate themselves, such as chewable toys or fidgets specifically designed for that purpose.
Solutions
- Offer Safe Alternatives: Provide teething toys, silicone or wooden items meant for chewing.
- Redirect Attention: Engage your child in different play or activity that requires their hands to be active and busy.
- Consult a Pediatrician: If the mouthing behavior is persistent, excessive or accompanied by other concerning behaviors, consult with your pediatrician.
By understanding why your child is putting things in their mouth, you can better support their development while ensuring their safety.
