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?

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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