Mouthing, the act of putting hands, toys, or other objects into the mouth, is a common and natural behavior observed in infants and toddlers. This oral exploration is a fundamental part of a child’s early development. This article explores the typical timeline of mouthing, its developmental benefits, safety strategies, and when professional guidance might be beneficial.
Understanding Infant and Toddler Mouthing
Mouthing involves babies and toddlers placing hands, fingers, or objects into their mouths, often with sucking or chewing motions. This behavior usually begins around 3 to 4 months, when infants gain better hand control and bring hands to their mouth. Mouthing frequency increases around 6 months as babies become more adept at grasping objects.
This oral exploration can continue up to two to three years of age. While the behavior reduces after 18 months, some children may mouth objects occasionally beyond this period. It serves as a primary way for young children to learn about their environment.
The Developmental Importance of Mouthing
Mouthing offers numerous developmental benefits for infants and toddlers. The mouth contains a high concentration of sensitive nerve endings, making it a primary tool for sensory exploration. Through mouthing, babies learn about an object’s texture, shape, temperature, and hardness.
Mouthing also helps relieve discomfort associated with teething, which often begins around 6 months. Pressure applied to the gums by chewing on objects can soothe pain from emerging teeth. Beyond sensory input and comfort, mouthing contributes to oral motor development, strengthening jaw, cheek, and tongue muscles. These movements prepare the mouth for eating solid foods and developing clear speech sounds. Mouthing helps integrate the gag reflex, moving it from front to back, making it easier for babies to manage different food textures when solids are introduced.
Keeping Children Safe During Mouthing
While mouthing is a natural part of development, it requires diligent supervision to ensure a child’s safety. A primary concern is preventing choking, as young children have narrow airways and are still developing chewing and swallowing abilities. Parents should regularly inspect the environment for small objects like coins, buttons, small toy parts, or any item that could fit through a toilet paper roll, as these pose a choking hazard.
Maintaining hygiene is also important. Toys and objects frequently mouthed should be cleaned regularly with mild soap and water, or sterilized if the material allows, to reduce germ spread. Hands should be washed frequently, especially after outdoor play or before meals.
Providing safe and appropriate items for mouthing, such as teething toys made from non-toxic, BPA-free silicone, natural rubber, or treated wood, can satisfy a child’s oral exploration needs. Safe household items include silicone-tipped spatulas, baby toothbrushes, or partially frozen washcloths. Always supervise children closely when they are mouthing objects, particularly during mealtimes, to intervene quickly if a choking incident occurs.
When to Seek Professional Guidance
While mouthing is a normal developmental behavior, it may warrant consultation with a pediatrician or developmental specialist in some instances. If an infant is not consistently bringing hands or objects to their mouth by 6 months, it could indicate a developmental delay. If a child continues to excessively mouth non-food items past two to three years, particularly if it interferes with play, attention, or social interactions, it may be a concern.
Persistent mouthing, especially with other developmental delays, could suggest underlying issues like sensory processing differences, autism spectrum disorder, or dental problems. If a child consistently chews on clothing or other non-food items to the point of damage, or ingests non-food items, professional advice should be sought. A pediatrician can help determine if the behavior is within a normal range or if further evaluation by a speech-language pathologist or occupational therapist is needed.