19 Month Old Putting Everything in Mouth! Help!

Hi S., I agree being a SAHM is the best job ever. I't is very natural for your daughter to put stuff in her mouth, but sinse this was not part of her charactor she probabbly is getting it from the other kids, and sinse she sees no discipline from the other mother, she probably thinks it's OK.

Time out sweetie really does not work for most things and most children, 3 is a little old to still be putting everything in their mouth. Just try and keep an eye on her, if she is out side and puts stuf in her mounth firmly tell her get that out of your mouth, if she obeys great if not, make her go in the house, if she puts crayons in her mouth, take them away, untill she stops putting them in her mouth. I have to tell you I ate crayons all through elementry school. Maybe if your friend see's you discipline your daughter for putting things in her mouth, maybe she will get th message and do the same thing, Chocking is a concern, but also the white canker sores kids get in their mouths, those are paimful. Just be firm but loving, and keep small objects out of her reach, the bst that you can. let me know ho she does. J. L.

Truly, I don't think it matter how 'advanced' your child is or isn't, you aren't going to be able to avoid some of the normal 'toddler' behavior.

My son began putting things in his mouth at 17 months, usually only when we were outside...like yours branches and rocks. Not sure if it was out of just being curious or if he was teething, but I sat down and talked with him about what the object was and how it didn't belong in his mouth. Instead of disciplining him and making it something he was doing wrong, I showed him that if he was hungry or his teeth hurt we had alternatives. After a few times, he got the picture. As for your friend, I would say if she's not willing to take the time to try to explain things to her children, then maybe you should lead by example...show her what it looks like to be proactive and take control of the issue before your little one puts something dangerous in her mouth.

Good luck!

Could be that she's getting ready to cut her 2 year molars, my son started "chewing" on stuff again when that was getting started.

One thing that I gave him that kept everything else out of his mouth was a frozen, damp, washcloth. I keep a bunch of them in the freezer, they are ideal because they can really shove them back into where the molars are (which is hard with most teethers!) and it won't hurt them, and best of all - it seems to really feel good.

Now, my son asks me for a "wet towel" and that is how I know he needs something to chew on. Try it, it might just work for you.

The more attention you draw to this, the more she'll put in her mouth. You have to let it pass. It's age appropriate and normal. Just make sure she doesn't put unsafe items in her mouth (diaper cream, meds, marbles, nails, batteries, etc..) the items you listed - not a big deal. My son passed a sticker a day (just about) when he was that age. He was removing them from his Little People toys! I know you want advice on how to make it stop but really, I don't think you can. When she puts something in her mouth that doesn't belong, calmly say "no, not for mouth" and take it away. Try giving her some new things that she can put in her mouth to help with the teething. Maybe some frozen fruit or veggies in one of those mesh feeders. My daughter always liked frozen grapes or peas when she was teething (grapes must be in the mesh feeder at this age).

Best wishes,
M.

Hi S.:
You know, I almost get the impression,that you think your daughter does this just to annoy you.If you are determined to put a stop to this ,and as you mentioned ( NOT willing to wait till it passes, maybe you should consider puting her in a family members care,who can better understand and cope during this stage. I have never heard of a parent disaplining a toddler,for putting things in their mouth. This is considered normal behavior for toddlers. Especially teething toddlers. Try using tact with your child. Keep an eye on her,and if you see her put an object in her mouth, that shouldn't be, (CALMLY) exchange it with something that is permisable,like a cookie,or something cold to chew on. You think cardboard,and crayons is bizare? Most toddlers your daughters age have moved on to bigger and better things,like mud pies,worms, and dog poop. Consider yourself fortunate. I wish you and your daughter the best.