Why Do Babies Put Objects In Their Mouths And Chew Things?

If your baby is under the age of 12 months, it’s likely that you’ve noticed that they have a tendency to put anything they pick up in their mouth, and maybe even chew it. This may seem to be rather alarming and odd, but in fact it's a normal stage of development known as ‘mouthing.’ Here’s a look at what goes on, and what you can do about it.

Why do babies put things in their mouths?

From about the age of three or four months, or whenever your baby has learnt how to grab hold of objects, you might begin to notice them putting objects in their mouths. Typically, this habit will peak at around six months and gradually tail off, but it can last up until the age of two or three years. 

Sensory exploration

You might assume it’s a bad habit, but it’s a natural form of sensory exploration. Your baby is beginning to discover the world around them, and they are curious to know how it feels, smells, and yes, tastes! They are also working out how to use their mouths as they prepare to transition to solid foods. 

Babies will not discriminate between objects, but put anything from bedding to bits of food they have found on the floor into their mouths. 

Teething

If you notice that your baby is chewing on the objects they put in their mouth, this may be because they are teething. This is the stage when the first baby teeth begin to emerge, and it usually occurs between the age of four to six months, although it may go on up to the age of 12 months. 

Some babies seem to sail through this process without any apparent distress, but others can find it uncomfortable or painful, and will attempt to relieve the discomfort by chewing on objects. Look for other signs of teething, such as red swollen gums, drooling, flushed cheeks and generally being more fretful and irritable than usual.  

During teething, your baby may also find it difficult to sleep, have a slight fever, and rub their face or ears. If your baby appears to be in a lot of pain, it may be best to ask a pharmacist for advice; sometimes mild painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can be helpful. Otherwise, try rubbing your baby’s gums gently, or giving them a chilled object to chew on.

It is possible to buy toys that are specifically made for teething babies, usually made from silicone, rubber or wood. Check that it meets safety standards and does not contain toxic plastics. However, as previously mentioned, you may find that your baby ignores their own toys and will attempt to chew whatever they can get their hands on.

Self-soothing

Children often suck their thumb when they are in need of comfort, and babies may put their fingers in their mouths as a way of soothing themselves. It may be a sign of tiredness, overstimulation, or hunger.

Building up immunity

Some childcare experts believe that by putting everything they find in their mouths, babies are bolstering their immune system. This might be something of a relief if you have just seen your little one chew on your dog’s favourite toy…there is some evidence to suggest that they will be less prone to developing allergies and asthma. 

Staying safe

It’s impossible to stop your baby putting objects in their mouth, and as previously mentioned, it may even be helping them. However, it obviously does present some risks and you need to do some baby proofing before your little one reaches this stage. 

Remove choking hazards

Babies can choke on small objects that they accidentally swallow, such as coins, small toys, buttons, batteries, and hair bands, so be vigilant and keep small items tidied away.

Your baby will not be deterred by potentially toxic substances such as cleaning products, cigarettes, alcohol, and medicines, so these should be kept on high shelves or firmly locked away. Mouldy food can also cause stomach upsets, so vacuum regularly and mop the kitchen floor every few days. 

There’s no need to go overboard and be hypervigilant about cleaning and hygiene, but maintaining a certain level of cleanliness will help to protect your baby.