Here’s Why Babies Put Everything in Their Mouths

There’s an unspoken rule among babies: If it’s within reach, it goes in their mouths. It doesn’t matter if “it” is their shirt sleeve, your car keys or a muddy shoe.

Exhausted (and baffled) parents and caregivers everywhere want to know: Why do babies want to taste everything? And when will it stop?! Pediatrician Joshua Coleman, MD, explains why babies put everything in their mouths and what you can do to keep them safe.

Is it normal for babies to put things in their mouths?

If your infant or young toddler is putting everything in their mouth, congratulations! They’re going through a normal stage of development.

“Nearly all babies go through a phase of putting things in their mouth, and this is expected,” Dr. Coleman says. “Some babies tend to do this more than others. Just like other phases and milestones, every baby is different.”

Why do babies ‘mouth’ everything?

Your baby’s taste tests help them explore the world around them, soothe themselves and even find relief from painful teething.

Let’s take a closer look at each of these reasons.

Learning and exploring

“Babies are constantly exploring the world, and one way they do that is by putting things in their mouth,” Dr. Coleman explains. “Your baby learns about different tastes and textures from mouthing objects.”

Yes, grandpa’s hat probably tastes terrible, but your child isn’t looking for a gourmet snack.

“Babies aren’t necessarily mouthing things because they’re hungry or they think the object will taste good,” he points out. “They’re putting things in their mouth to gather additional sensory information that helps them learn.”

Self-soothing

Sucking on things is calming for babies, which is why they may linger on a breast or bottle or become attached to their pacifier. But if none of those are available, they may look for a suitable alternative.

“Babies suck on things when they’re tired, overstimulated or just because they enjoy it,” Dr. Coleman says. “Often, they use their hands to self-soothe, but they may also use toys or clothing. They might try whatever they can grab.”

Teething

Most parents know that teething isn’t fun — for you or your baby. As new teeth break through your baby’s gums, they experience pain and pressure. And many babies find that biting things brings some relief.

“If your baby tries to chew or chomp on things, they may be teething,” says Dr. Coleman. “Offer a clean, cool teething toy or washcloth to help them feel better. Hopefully, this will also help prevent them from taking a bite out of you.”

When do babies stop putting things in their mouths?

The day you saw that tiny mouth open up to eat a bite of the dog’s food, you probably started fantasizing about the final day of this phase. Fortunately, that day will come — usually between 15 months and 2 years of age.

“Some babies quickly outgrow the taste-everything phase, but others take longer,” Dr. Coleman says. “Their interest (or lack of interest) in mouthing things is usually not a sign of a problem or developmental issue.”

How do I stop my baby from putting things in their mouth?

Babies don’t understand what’s appropriate to put in their mouths, so trying to reason with them isn’t helpful. Try to redirect them instead.

“If you see your baby grab something, gently take it and give them something safe to put in their mouth,” Dr. Coleman advises.

Just be sure to keep a close eye on your little one. Babies have a way of finding things and quickly popping them in their mouths when you’re not looking!

Keep unsafe items out of reach

Unfortunately, the “mouthy” behavior of babies isn’t just yucky at times; it can be a safety issue, too. You’ll need to be diligent about keeping certain items away from them until they’re at least 3 years old, including:

• Small objects that pose a choking hazard (anything small enough to fit in a toilet paper roll)
• Button batteries, which can be life-threatening if swallowed
• Electronics, like cell phones, computers and remote controls
• Germy objects like shoes, pet toys and pet dishes
• Hot beverages, which can cause burns
• Magnets or magnetic toys, which can cause serious injury or death if swallowed
• Potential poisons, like cleaning products, medications and vitamins

Your pediatrician understands

Babies have their own way of exploring the world, and their methods don’t always make sense to adults. But if you have questions or concerns about your baby’s behavior, your pediatrician is here to help.

“Babies go through all kinds of phases as they grow and learn,” reassures Dr. Coleman. “That’s why regular well-checks with your baby’s healthcare provider are important. We’re here to answer your questions, explain behavior and milestones and keep them safe and healthy along the way.”