It's natural for children to put objects in their mouths, especially as they begin to explore their surroundings. This behavior can increase as they start to move around. Various reasons can explain this habit, which we will discuss in more detail below.
According to the family magazine service of Saed News, putting objects in the mouth is a common behavior for children, driven by their natural curiosity to explore and understand their environment. Children often use their sense of touch to learn about the world around them, and one way they express this curiosity is by putting objects in their mouths. However, this behavior can be dangerous as some objects might pose a choking hazard or carry bacteria and viruses that can cause infections. It is essential to supervise children closely and keep small, sharp, or potentially toxic objects out of their reach.
Reasons Why Children Put Objects in Their Mouths
Sensory Exploration: Young children use their senses to understand their surroundings. By placing objects in their mouths, they can learn about the taste and texture of different items. This sensory exploration is a natural developmental stage that involves using visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, and taste senses to experience the world.
Signaling and Interaction: For young children, interacting with their environment is crucial. Sometimes, putting objects in their mouths can be a way to signal or connect with the objects or people around them.
Lack of Danger Awareness: Children may not fully understand the dangers of putting objects in their mouths, especially at a young age. They might do this as they begin to eat solid foods, which can be risky due to the high potential for choking.
Expressing Excitement and Need for Attention: Some children might put objects in their mouths to express excitement or to seek comfort and attention.
Satisfying Curiosity and Discovery: Children explore and discover their world by putting objects in their mouths, helping them understand different properties and better interact with their environment.
Teething Relief: When children are teething, they might put objects in their mouths to relieve discomfort. The pressure on their gums from biting down on objects can provide a massage-like sensation, easing their pain.
Sensory Stimulation: The taste, texture, and feel of various objects can be stimulating for a child. Soft and crinkly items, for example, can provide a pleasant sensation when held or placed in the mouth.
Feeling of Ownership: Children might put objects in their mouths to experience a sense of control and ownership over their environment, making them feel like the objects belong to them.
Anxiety Relief: When children feel anxious, this behavior might act as a self-soothing mechanism, bringing them comfort and security. For older children, this could be related to psychological habits, anxiety, stress, or conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Hunger: Sometimes children put objects in their mouths because they feel hungry. This behavior is especially common in younger children, and parents or caregivers can recognize this pattern over time.
How to Address and Prevent This Behavior
Supervise children closely and ensure their surroundings are safe and age-appropriate.
Educate children, especially older ones, about the dangers of putting objects in their mouths.
Offer safe alternatives for teething, such as high-quality silicone teething rings.
Provide sensory toys to satisfy their need for exploration without the risks.
Consult with a pediatrician or child psychologist if the behavior persists or is accompanied by anxiety and stress.
Solutions to Prevent Children from Putting Objects in Their Mouths
Preventing children from putting objects in their mouths is a crucial aspect of child care. Addressing this issue is essential for safety and to avoid various risks to children. Here are some effective solutions to help prevent this habit:
Constant Supervision: Children should be under continuous supervision, especially when there are dangerous objects and substances around them. Until they can understand and responsibly handle objects, parental or caregiver guidance is necessary.
Secure Hazardous Materials: Ensure that dangerous items like medications, cleaning products, acids, and small objects that can be swallowed are out of children's reach. Store these items in safe, elevated locations.
Use Covers and Caps: Utilize covers and caps for electrical outlets, windows, and furniture to prevent children from accessing them.
Educate Children: Teach children, using simple language appropriate for their age, not to put small objects in their mouths to avoid health risks. Explain why this behavior is dangerous.
Enhance Safety Around: Keep children away from obstacles and hazardous objects such as small items, toys larger than their mouths, etc. Use locks and safety devices on doors and drawers to make various objects inaccessible to children.
Provide Safe Objects for Kids: Focus on providing age-appropriate and safe toys and objects for children. These items should be produced with high safety standards and be non-hazardous.
Smart Home Planning: Design your home so that access to dangerous objects is minimized. For example, place sharp, glass, and harmful items in locations where children cannot easily reach them.
Be a Role Model: As parents or caregivers, always set a good example. If children see that you do not put dangerous objects in your mouth, they are less likely to mimic the behavior.
Pay Attention to Specific Signs: If your child persistently puts objects in their mouth, it might indicate specific issues or needs. Consulting a pediatric specialist and seeking professional advice can be helpful.
Find Solutions for Sensory Needs: One reason for children putting objects in their mouths is to satisfy sensory needs. If your child needs sensory relief, use safe and effective methods to help them feel calm and comfortable, such as:
Communication and Conversation: Talk to older children and listen to their problems and concerns. Interaction helps them feel heard and allows them to discuss their worries.
Deep Breathing and Relaxation: Teach children how to breathe deeply and calmly. Deep breathing can help manage emotions and provide sensory relief. Meditation and relaxation exercises can also guide children toward calmness and comfort.
Play and Entertainment: Use fun activities and games to reduce your child's stress and anxiety.
Creative Activities: Allow children to engage in creative activities like drawing, coloring, writing stories, etc., which can help express their emotions.
Support Positive Emotions: Encourage children to share their positive feelings with others and enjoy their good moments.
Motivation and Praise: Encourage positive behavior with praise and rewards. Focus on rewarding good behavior rather than punishing them for putting objects in their mouths.
Support the Child: When children feel their needs and emotions are acknowledged and supported, the likelihood of undesirable behavior decreases. Parents should raise their children with love and respect, as unmet emotional needs can lead to habits like putting objects in their mouths.
Final Thoughts
If this behavior persists in older children, it may become a serious problem in the future. Therefore, consulting a psychologist or pediatric specialist for professional guidance is advised. Remember, putting objects in their mouths can pose life-threatening risks and lead to dental and facial deformities in children, making it crucial to address this behavior.
