Understanding Mouthing in Babies: Why Do Babies Put Everything in Their Mouths?
Quick Answer
Yes, putting everything in their mouth is completely normal and actually important for your baby's development! This behavior, called "mouthing," typically starts around 3-4 months and peaks between 6-12 months. It's how babies explore and learn about their world. Don't worry - just keep dangerous items out of reach and let your baby explore safely.
Why Do Babies Put Everything in Their Mouth?
Watch: Best Safe Developmental Toys for Babies 0–12 Months | What Every Parent Must Know! #BabyDevelopment
When your baccha grabs your phone, keys, or anything else and immediately puts it in their mouth - they're not being naughty! They're learning. Here's why:
1. The Mouth is Their Best Explorer
Babies have MORE nerve endings in their mouth than in their fingers. So they literally "feel" objects better with their mouth than their hands. They learn:
Is it hard or soft?
Is it warm or cold?
What texture is it?
What shape is it?
2. Brain Development
Each time a baby mouths an object, new neural connections form in the brain. This sensory exploration is critical for cognitive development.
3. Preparing for Eating
Mouthing helps develop the muscles needed for:
Chewing solid foods
Speaking
Swallowing
4. Teething Relief
From around 4 months, babies may start teething (daant aana). Chewing on objects provides relief from sore gums.
5. Natural Curiosity
Babies are born scientists! They explore their environment using all their senses, and taste/touch through the mouth is a primary tool.
Age-by-Age Guide to Mouthing
0-3 Months
What's normal:
Baby may suck on their fists
Limited mouthing as motor skills are developing
Hand-to-mouth coordination is just starting
What parents should do:
Keep baby's hands clean
Let them explore their own hands
Avoid putting mittens on constantly (they need sensory input!)
3-6 Months
What's normal:
Mouthing increases significantly
Baby grabs objects and brings them to mouth
Everything goes to the mouth - toys, blankets, your dupatta!
Lots of drooling (raal tapakna)
What parents should do:
Introduce safe mouthing toys
Start tummy time to help develop motor skills
Keep small objects out of reach
Wash toys regularly
6-12 Months
What's normal:
Peak mouthing phase!
Baby is crawling and reaching more things
Exploring food textures (khana shuru phase)
May mouth non-food items more when teething
What parents should do:
Baby-proof the house thoroughly
Offer teething toys (teether)
Supervise constantly as baby is mobile
Start finger foods safely
12-24 Months
What's normal:
Mouthing gradually decreases
Baby learns to explore with hands more
May still mouth when stressed, tired, or teething
Oral exploration becomes more focused
What parents should do:
Gently redirect if mouthing inappropriate items
Don't scold - they're still learning
Provide sensory play activities
After 2 Years
What's normal:
Mouthing should significantly reduce
May continue during teething of molars
Some mouthing during stress is normal
When to be concerned:
Excessive mouthing after age 2
Mouthing interferes with eating or speaking
No decrease in mouthing behavior
Safe Mouthing: What to Offer
Good Teething Toys (Available in India):
Silicone teethers: Mee Mee, Chicco, Pigeon brands
Water-filled teethers: Can be chilled (not frozen)
Wooden teethers: Natural, chemical-free
Fabric toys: Soft, washable
Safe Household Items:
Clean muslin cloth (malmal)
Refrigerated metal spoon (for teething)
Clean, soft silicone spatula
Large wooden spoons (supervised)
Chilled Foods (for 6+ months):
Cold cucumber sticks (thick ones)
Chilled banana
Frozen banana in mesh feeder
Cold apple slices
Chilled carrot sticks
Mouthing vs. Teething: Know the Difference
Mouthing
Teething
For exploration and learning
For relieving gum pain
Present from birth
Starts around 4-6 months
Uses different objects
Prefers harder objects to bite
Not associated with fussiness
Often comes with irritability
Decreases after 18-24 months
Comes and goes with each tooth
Safety Guidelines
Choking Hazards to Avoid:
Any object that can fit through a toilet paper roll is a choking risk. Remove:
Coins
Buttons
Small batteries (extremely dangerous!)
Small toys or toy parts
Marbles
Beads
Grapes (cut lengthwise if giving)
Cherry tomatoes (cut)
Nuts (avoid until 3 years)
Toxic Items to Keep Away:
Plants (many are toxic)
Cleaning products
Medicines
Cosmetics
Detergent pods
Small magnets (very dangerous if swallowed)
Hygiene Tips:
Wash toys regularly with soap and water
Clean teethers before each use
Wash baby's hands frequently
Avoid letting baby mouth shoes or floor items
Check toys for loose parts
When to Worry About Mouthing
See Your Pediatrician If:
No mouthing at all by 6 months: May indicate developmental delay
Excessive mouthing after age 2-3: Could suggest:
Sensory processing differences
Developmental concerns
Oral seeking behavior that needs evaluation
Mouthing interferes with:
Eating (refuses to eat, only wants to mouth)
Speaking
Social interaction
Daily activities
Only mouths non-food items (Pica):
Eats dirt, paint, chalk, etc.
May indicate nutritional deficiency or behavioral concern
Signs of choking frequently:
Get CPR/first aid training
Review what baby has access to
Oral Hygiene During Mouthing Phase
Even before teeth appear:
Clean gums daily:
Use clean, damp cloth
Wipe gums after feeds
Once teeth appear:
Use soft baby toothbrush
Just water until age 2
Tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste after age 2
First dental visit:
By age 1 or within 6 months of first tooth
Expert Insight: As our pediatricians remind parents: 'Milestones have wide ranges. Focus on progress, not comparison.'
FAQs
Q: My baby puts EVERYTHING in their mouth. Is this normal?
A: Absolutely normal! This is peak exploration age. Your job is to make sure what they're mouthing is safe, not to stop them from mouthing. It's a critical developmental phase.
Q: How do I stop my baby from putting things in their mouth?
A: You shouldn't try to stop it completely - it's important for development. Instead, redirect to safe items. Remove dangerous objects and provide plenty of safe mouthing options.
Q: My 18-month-old still mouths everything. Should I be worried?
A: At 18 months, some mouthing is still normal, especially during teething. It should gradually reduce. If it continues strongly after age 2 or interferes with eating/speaking, consult your pediatrician.
Q: Can too much mouthing cause infection?
A: Occasional exposure to germs is actually good for building immunity! However, keep obviously dirty items, floor debris, and outdoor shoes away. Wash toys regularly and practice good hand hygiene.
Q: My baby mouths their hands constantly. Is this okay?
A: Yes! Hand-mouthing is one of the earliest and most important self-soothing behaviors. It also helps develop body awareness. Let them explore their hands.
Q: Should I use teething gel when my baby is mouthing a lot?
A: Teething gels with benzocaine are NOT recommended for babies. Instead, offer chilled teethers, gentle gum massage, or appropriate pain relief medicine (consult your pediatrician for dosing).
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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025
Questions about your baby's mouthing behavior? Chat with Babynama's pediatricians on WhatsApp anytime.
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