You have to keep in mind that babies are still exploring their environment and they try to learn everything from it. Part of this exploration is the stage where your baby chewing on everything and baby licking everything they handle. This exploration is commonly called mouthing. Mouthing is said to be vital in your baby’s learning process. But you also have to remember that this has lots of risks that you should take note of. To help you deal with this process, let us understand why babies put everything in their mouths and how to make them stop it.
Oral exploration for babies
Why babies put everything in their mouths and how to make them stop it? During the early stages of your toddler or baby’s life, they put everything they see in their mouth and you tend to prevent it. This process is commonly known as mouthing. You have to take note that licking or putting everything they hold in their mouth is normal and this is considered as a sign that they are growing their interest in the things around them. This can also help them to learn about different textures, sizes, and shapes. Another good thing about mouthing is that they can also learn to distinguish what tastes good and not.
The risks associated with mouthing
Why does my toddler lick everything or why do babies lick everything? As mentioned above, this is because they are trying to explore and learn everything. Since mouthing has lots of benefits, you also have to keep in mind that there are risks associated with this, that’s why it is important to learn why babies put everything in their mouth and how to make them stop it. Some of the risks that you can encounter are the possibility of choking and getting bacteria and germs. For them to reduce the chance of choking, you have to ask for the recommendations of the pediatricians about what toys or things are safe to play. You also have to make sure that the object or toys they play are smooth enough to avoid the chance of scratching your child’s mouth or hands. When it comes to lessening the risks of bacteria or germs, all you need to do is to ensure that your baby is not sharing his toy to someone who is sick. Remember that your child can get sick not because of the dust but because of bacteria and viruses.
Why babies put everything in their mouths and how to make them stop it?
During your little one’s early stages, you have to keep an eye and be knowledgeable in monitoring them towards their daily adventures. To help you deal with one of their adventures which is “mouthing”, here are some of the important things that you should take note of to help them stop this habit.
- Move the things away from them especially those objects that you don’t want them to put in their mouth
One of the best ways to ensure that they will not lick or put unnecessary things in their mouth is to make sure that they don’t have access to any of it. It is best if you move these kinds of things away from them. You have to ensure that they don’t have access to toxic and choking items. You also have to tell the other family members to put away all the hazardous things or toys on the floor to ensure your baby’s safety.
- Give them teethers or something safe to chew
Another best way to deal with this situation is to give them some alternatives like teether or something safe to chew. Sometimes the cause of your baby’s “mouthing” is their teething process. Teethers can help them soothe their aching and itchy gums.
- You need to supervise your little one
You always have to make sure that you are always looking after them since they are still exploring and learning. During this phase, they need someone who will supervise them especially when some dangers are bound to happen. You have to remember that even if you think you put hazardous things away from them, rest assured that they will still find something to put in their mouth that’s why extra supervision and care is very necessary.
If you have a baby at home, knowing why babies put everything in their mouth and how to make them stop it is very important knowledge. You always have to take note that lots of benefits and risks are both associated with this one of your baby’s journeys. We hope that you can manage and deal with their mouthing phase through the help of this article.
Read also:
- What are The Best Teething Toys for Babies?
- What to Expect When Your Baby Starts Teething
- Everything you Should know about Child Growth
