If you’re a parent or caregiver, chances are you’ve discovered your baby attempting to gnaw on everything—from toys and clothing to television remotes and car keys. Mouthing is the name of the game, and while it can look odd or even alarming at times, it’s a perfectly natural and vital component of a baby’s growth. Knowing why infants do this, when it usually begins and stops, and how to protect them while they are doing it can put your mind at ease and let your infant get a good look around the world safely.
Why do babies put objects in their mouths?
Infants perceive the world mostly through their senses, and during the first few months, the mouth is one of their most sensitive instruments. When an infant is chewing on something, they’re not simply goofing off—they’re learning.
Exploration: Mouthing leads babies to experiment with texture, temperature, and taste.
Comfort: It is calming for painful gums, especially when teething.
Development: It develops the muscles required for eating and communication.
Immunity: Exposure to slight germs could help support their immune system later on.
Mouthing also provides a feeling of mastery and security, and so is a multi-purpose tool for early growth.
When does mouthing begin and end?
Mouthing typically begins around 3 to 4 months of age and peaks between 4 to 7 months, particularly during teething. This age is not fixed and may vary in every baby. Your baby may chew on fingers, toys, or even your shoulder while being held.
The vast majority of children will outgrow mouthing normally between 18 and 24 months as their motor and communication skills develop. It’s not uncommon for toddlers to still mouth things on occasion. If the behaviour persists after age two, particularly with items that are not food, such as paper or dirt, it may indicate underlying conditions like pica or sensory processing disorder.
How to make your baby safe during the mouthing stage
Mouthing, or the act of shoving everything in their mouths, is very common in babies. As mentioned above, it helps them explore the world around them. Dr Shashank Jain, MBBS, MD (Paediatrics), says, “Although mouthing is natural and essential, you need to do some baby-proofing.” Here’s how to keep your baby safe during their mouthing phase:
Offer safe toys
Select toys suitable for your baby’s age that are large enough not to cause choking, BPA-free and manufactured from non-toxic materials, soft, robust, and simple to clean. Teething rings, silicone teethers, and cloth books are great options.
Remove choking risks
Scan your house from the baby’s perspective. Take small objects such as coins, beads, rubber bands, and batteries out of reach. Clear floors and low-level surfaces.
Keep cleanliness
Babies shove everything in their mouths, so make those items clean. Wash toys, pacifiers, and teething toys frequently. Cleanly wipe frequently used surfaces. Wash their hands before snacks or meals.
Monitor play
Monitor your baby closely during playtime. Even well-designed toys can shatter or become unsafe over time. Hang around to intervene if your baby picks up something unsafe.
Soothe teething safely
Provide chilled (not iced) washcloths or teething rings. Massage their gums gently or consult with your paediatrician about safe treatments if the pain appears extreme.
Teach and redirect
As your baby gets older, they will begin to comprehend simple rules. Remove hazardous objects gently and repeat words such as “Not for mouth” and offer something safe to chew on instead.
Conclusion
Mouthing is an important milestone in your baby’s life—it aids them in exploring, self-soothing, and building up oral muscles. Though it can at times be frustrating to watch everything go into your baby’s mouth, it’s generally not something to worry about. With a few basic safety measures, such as providing safe teething toys and taking away choking objects, you can navigate your baby through this phase with ease. Just keep reminding yourself, this too shall pass—and in the process, it’s helping your baby develop in more ways than one.
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