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Baby Mouthing is a milestone that is scary. Let’s understand how to care for children during this phase and safeguard them.

Baby Mouthing is a milestone that is scary. Let's understand how to care for children during this phase and safeguard them.

Baby Mouthing – is a term used to describe when an infant puts objects in their mouth as a way of exploring their environment. It is a normal part of the development process, as babies use their mouths to explore shape, texture, and taste. Babies may also use mouthing to soothe themselves, as sucking or chewing on objects can provide comfort and security.

Baby mouthing usually begins around 3 months of age and continues until the baby is about 12-14 months old. Parents and caregivers should be aware of what their baby is mouthing and should take steps to ensure the safety of the baby by providing age-appropriate toys and monitoring the baby’s activities.

Reasons for Baby Mouthing :-

  • Teething – Babies start to teeth between 4-7 months of age, and can often put toys and other objects in their mouth as a way to ease the discomfort of teething.
  • Exploring – Mouthing is a way for baby to explore the world around them. Babies learn about their environment through touch, taste, and smell.
  • Self-Soothing – Babies may put their hands and toys in their mouth as a way to self-soothe. This behavior is especially common during periods of stress or when the baby is feeling overwhelmed.
  • Hunger – A baby may start to mouth objects as a sign of hunger. If your baby is mouthing and doesn’t seem to want to stop, try offering them a snack or a bottle.
  • Attention Seeking – Some babies may start to mouth objects as a way to get attention. If your baby is mouthing to get your attention, try redirecting them to another activity or toy.

Is Baby Mouthing Safe :- 

  • Mouthing is a normal part of a baby’s development and exploration. It is a way for them to explore their environment, learn about texture and taste, and practice their jaw muscles and coordination. However, it is important to keep in mind that mouthing can be a potential choking hazard.
  • It is safest to keep small items away from babies or to supervise them when they are mouthing. If your baby is mouthing something that is not safe to swallow, such as coins or small pieces of plastic, take it away immediately.
  • You can also offer appropriate items for your baby to mouth, such as teething toys, washcloths, or soft cloths. These items are also good for providing sensory stimulation, helping your baby to explore their environment, and relieving teething discomfort.

 Things on which parents should be careful Baby Mouthing are :-

Mouthing is a common behavior in babies and toddlers that involves putting objects in their mouth. While mouthing can be a normal part of development, it can also present a potential health risk. This is why parents should be aware of potential hazards and take steps to ensure the safety of their children.

  • Toys: Babies and toddlers often mouth toys, so it is important to ensure that the toys are non-toxic and free of small parts that could be a choking hazard.
  • Household Items: Babies and toddlers may also put household items in their mouths, including remotes, utensils, and other small objects. It is important to keep these items out of reach or to supervise children when they are playing with them.
  • Cleaning Products: Babies and toddlers should never be allowed to mouth cleaning products or other detergents, as these chemicals can be very toxic.
  • Food: Babies and toddlers are also at risk of choking on certain types of food, such as nuts, grapes, and popcorn. Parents should take extra care to ensure that these items are not left within reach of their children.
  • Pets: Babies and toddlers should never be allowed to mouth pets, as there is a risk of contracting a variety of illnesses and parasites.

By following these guidelines, parents can help reduce the risk of mouthing-related injuries and illnesses. It is important to remember that mouthing is a normal behavior for babies and toddlers, so it is important to be patient and understanding.

Safer things that we can keep around baby :-

  • Teethers / Wooden teethers
  • Frozen fruits 
  • Soft Toys
  • Cloth books
  • Soft fabric keys

Check out our other articles on our blog:

When does Baby Mouthing stop:

Mouthing is a normal behavior for babies and toddlers, and typically stops between the ages of two and three. By this point, toddlers should have developed the ability to communicate their needs and wants without using their mouth. Parents should gently remind their child not to mouth objects, and instead use words to express their needs. Some parents may find it helpful to provide their child with a safe, non–edible object to mouth on, such as a teething toy.

Video: Baby Mouthing – is Baby Mouthing safe?

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