When Does Oral Exploration of Toys Stop?

Updated on February 15, 2008
M.P. asks from Evanston, IL
7 answers

My 13 month old loves to chew/bite his toys. His bedtime lovey is a teddy blanket, whose nose has been chewed! Balls, stuffed animals - anything that gives a little (vs. hard blocks), he loves to bite. He's home with me, so he's not chewing on other kids' toys or toys at a daycare, but at some point shouldn't I discourage this? I think it felt good to him when he was teething, and now is a habit. If anyone has any ideas of when and how to discourage this, I'd appreciate it!
M.

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Y.P.

answers from Chicago on

The actual age varies for every child, M.. My kids are 19 and 20 now, but I have 15 nieces and nephews from 16 years through 2 years so I've had LOTS of experience. The longest "chewer" was still chewing at 4-1/2 so hang in there. As a first-timer you may not know it but children learn about the world through their mouths. Everything goes into their mouths first. It's their way of deciding whether they are going to like it or not. They don't usually put things they're not supposed to in their mouths, although my son did catch a butterfly once...:-) Just be patient. I will say don't try to start snatching things from him because that will make him want them more.
Y.
www.BeAMoneyMakingMom.com

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L.K.

answers from Chicago on

My twins are 23 months and still put things in their mouths occassionally. At around 18 or 19 months it did diminish and they would actually push it back out and make a face:)Right now I would keep a close eye on what the baby is putting in his mouth because he is learning and doesn't know what to do with it.But eventually he will know he doesn't want it especially if it doesn't taste good.

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A.P.

answers from Chicago on

I don't have any good advice, but my 5 year old daughter STILL chews things! Ugh! It annoys the heck out of me. Now she is in the phase of chewing on her hair. Totally gross! The more I tell her to stop, the less she listens! And my 2 1/2 year old son never puts toys in his mouth. So I guess each child is different. Hope I didn't scare you! maybe you will get some good ideas that I can use too!
A.

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M.H.

answers from Chicago on

I asked my friends mother who has 6 kids and she said that it comes with having kids, everything goes in your mouth. But she gave some good Ideas for this too . She said that if it some thing that can be washed then use a soap with a deep smell to it. they seem to not like the smell and wont like it near their face. You can also try nail biting polish on some of the harder toy it taste bad and they wont want that in their mouths any more and it wont hurt them. The other thing as they get older it tell them you will throw it out if they put it their mouth. Other then that its just what kids do. sorry I could help more

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E.O.

answers from Chicago on

My son who is 2yrs & 3mo still puts toys in his mouth. I try to discourage this behavior by correcting it when I see it. I'll tell him not to put the toy in his mouth and offer him an alternative food item, like a pretzel. 13mo seems young to be very concerned but I did not think that my son would still be mouthing toys at 2. My son did not really attach to using a pacifier and gave it up at 6/7 mo with out difficulty - I wonder now if he'd had it longer if we'd be having this issue now.

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A.K.

answers from Chicago on

Sorry, that is how the children of that age explore their enviornment. It will go on for a while.

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L.G.

answers from Chicago on

My son will be 2 next month and still puts everything in his mouth. Except his food, he's pretty picky about that. But if it isn't food, it goes straight in his mouth. I don't think it's ever going to stop!

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