How to Stop Preschoolers from Putting Everything in Their Mouth?

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Children often explore the world around them through their senses, and one of the ways they do this is by putting everything in their mouths. This is a natural action, but for preschoolers, it can cause parents to worry about safety, as not everything is suitable to be put in the mouth. Therefore, how to stop this habit while ensuring the child’s development is safe is a concern for many parents.

When children are young, putting objects in their mouths is a way to explore their shape, texture, and even taste. Preschoolers, with their lack of clear cognitive understanding about the distinction between food and non-edible items, often put objects in their mouths to check whether they are safe. “Children use their mouths to explore the objects around them,” according to the Child Research Institute (2021).

To address this habit, one effective approach is to establish clear rules about what can and cannot be put in the mouth. For example, when a child puts a toy in their mouth, gently remind them, “This is a toy, it should not be put in the mouth,” or “We only put food in our mouths, not toys.” This will help the child understand that only food is allowed to be put in their mouth. This may take time, but patience and consistent repetition will help the child gradually form the correct habit.

Another way to reinforce this rule is to limit eating areas. When children are allowed to eat only in a specific area, such as the dining table, they will gradually develop the habit of only putting food in their mouths at this designated place.

Especially with the child’s development, this habit will gradually decrease as they grow older. Preschoolers will transition from exploring with their mouths to exploring with their hands, so you won’t have to worry too much. “As children grow older, this habit will naturally reduce as they begin to explore the world around them through other senses such as touch and sight,” (World Health Organization, 2021).

Therefore, if a child continues the habit of putting objects in their mouths when they are not yet old enough, it is normal and simply requires patience and consistency with the established rules. Most children will stop this action by the age of 4, when other exploratory skills are more developed. However, if you notice that this action is accompanied by anxiety or prolonged discomfort, you should consult a pediatrician for further advice.