You've likely noticed that your baby loves putting everything in their mouth—feet, toys, your fingers, even the remote control! This behavior is natural and will only increase as they start crawling. But don't worry; mouthing is an essential part of their cognitive development. Here’s why it happens and how you can ensure they do it safely.
Why Does My Baby Mouth Everything?
1. Curiosity and Learning:
Babies are naturally curious about the world around them. Mouthing is one of the primary ways they explore and learn. By putting objects in their mouth, babies discover sensory qualities like shape, texture, and taste.
2. Developing Taste Buds:
As babies grow, so do their taste buds. Mouthing helps them explore different flavors and textures. Fortunately, babies have a strong gag reflex, so if they encounter something they don’t like, they’ll quickly spit it out.
3. Building Immunity:
While it might seem gross, mouthing helps boost your baby’s immune system. Introducing new germs can help their body recognize and fight off bacteria, viruses, and other germs.
How to Support Safe Mouthing:
1. Provide Safe Toys:
Offer your baby safe, non-toxic toys designed for mouthing. For example, wooden transfer discs or organic crinkle pockets are excellent choices that don't contain harmful chemicals.
2. Avoid Toxic Toys:
Steer clear of plastic toys that may contain toxic chemicals. At Peariwinkle, all our products are made from natural and organic materials, ensuring they are safe for your child.
3. Keep Dangerous Items Out of Reach:
Move items like remote controls and cell phones out of your baby’s reach.
4. Watch for Choking Hazards:
Ensure your baby doesn’t have access to small or hard items they could choke on. Avoid giving them hard toys, small objects, and foods that can break into pieces, such as:
- Grapes
- Chunks of hard meat, cheese, or fruit
- Hot dogs
- Raw vegetables
- Dry pet food
- Popcorn
- Corn kernels
- Nuts
- Gum
- Hard candy
- Marshmallows
By understanding why your baby mouths objects and taking steps to ensure their safety, you can support their development healthily and securely. For more information on safe toys and tips for your baby’s development, visit Peariwinkle.