If your baby seems determined to put absolutely everything in their mouth – their hands, toys, clothes and anything else they can grab – don't worry. Mouthing is a normal part of baby development.
Babies use their mouths to explore and learn about the world around them. While adults can look at an object and understand a lot about it, babies are still developing these skills. Picking something up, feeling it and putting it in their mouth gives them lots of information about its texture, shape and feel.
Of course, once your baby starts doing this, you'll also need to pay a little more attention to what they can get their hands on.
Why Do Babies Put Everything in Their Mouth?
A baby's mouth is highly sensitive, making it an important way for them to explore their surroundings.
When your baby picks up an object and puts it in their mouth, they're discovering whether it's hard or soft, smooth or bumpy, warm or cool.
This type of exploration is often called mouthing, and it's a normal stage of development.
Your baby's hands are usually among the first things to make their way into their mouth. As their ability to reach, grasp and hold objects develops, toys and other objects quickly follow.
When Do Babies Start Putting Things in Their Mouth?
Babies can suck their hands and fingers from a very young age, but you'll usually notice more deliberate mouthing as they become better at reaching for and grasping objects.
There isn't one exact age when this happens, as babies develop at different rates.
As your baby becomes increasingly mobile and able to pick things up independently, it's particularly important to check their surroundings for anything that could be dangerous if it ends up in their mouth.
Is Mouthing Good for Baby Development?
Putting safe objects in their mouth is one of the ways babies explore and learn.
Reaching for an object, picking it up and bringing it towards their mouth involves several developing skills, including hand-eye coordination and grasping.
Babies are also learning about different textures, shapes and sensations.
As long as the object is safe and suitable for their age, there's generally no need to stop your baby from exploring it with their mouth.
Is My Baby Mouthing or Teething?
Mouthing and teething can happen at around the same stage, but they're not quite the same thing.
Babies mouth objects because they're exploring their surroundings. When they're teething, chewing on something may also feel soothing on tender gums.
Signs of teething can include:
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Sore or red gums
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Dribbling more than usual
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Chewing on things frequently
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Being a little more unsettled than usual
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A mild temperature below 38°C
If your baby seems unwell or you're concerned about their symptoms, don't simply assume that they're teething.
You can find more information about baby teething symptoms and what you can do to help on the NHS website.
What Can Babies Safely Put in Their Mouth?
Once your baby starts mouthing, you'll probably find yourself looking at your home very differently!
Age-appropriate toys and teethers designed specifically for babies can be suitable for them to hold, explore and chew.
Always follow the manufacturer's age recommendations and regularly inspect toys for signs of damage or loose parts.
Anything your baby can reach could potentially end up in their mouth, so get down to their level and look around for objects you might otherwise overlook.
Be Particularly Careful About Choking Hazards
One of the biggest concerns during the mouthing stage is choking.
Babies and young children can pick up surprisingly small objects, so regularly check floors and low surfaces for potential hazards.
Keep items such as these well out of reach:
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Coins
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Buttons
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Batteries
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Small toy parts
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Magnets
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Jewellery
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Pen lids
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Small household objects
Food can also present a choking risk, so it should always be prepared appropriately for your child's age.
The NHS has useful guidance on how to prevent a baby from choking, including information on common choking hazards and what to do in an emergency.
Button batteries and small magnets are particularly dangerous if swallowed and should always be kept securely away from babies and young children.
What About Hygiene?
When everything goes into your baby's mouth, it's natural to start worrying about germs.
There's no need to sterilise every toy your baby touches, but toys that are regularly mouthed should be cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Wash toys when they're visibly dirty and clean anything that's been dropped somewhere unhygienic.
It's also sensible to avoid letting your baby share toys that have been in another child's mouth without cleaning them first, particularly when someone is unwell.
Most importantly, regularly check toys for damage. A toy that was previously safe may become a hazard if a piece becomes loose or breaks off.
What About Mouthing During Weaning?
Babies also use their senses when they're learning about food.
When you introduce solid foods, don't be surprised if your baby squashes, squeezes, drops and explores their food as well as putting it in their mouth.
Eating is a completely new experience involving different tastes, textures and skills.
Always supervise your baby while they're eating and make sure food is prepared appropriately for their age and stage of development.
When Do Babies Stop Putting Everything in Their Mouth?
There's no exact age when babies stop mouthing objects.
It tends to become less frequent as children get older and develop other ways to explore and understand their surroundings.
Some toddlers will continue putting objects in their mouths occasionally, particularly when they're tired, teething or seeking comfort.
Rather than focusing on an exact age when your child "should" stop, concentrate on providing a safe environment while they're going through this developmental stage.
If you're concerned about your child's development or they persistently eat or swallow non-food items, speak to your GP or health visitor for advice.
Let Them Explore – Safely
It can feel like a full-time job stopping everything your baby finds from heading straight towards their mouth, but mouthing is a normal way for babies to explore their world.
Rather than trying to stop it completely, concentrate on making their surroundings safe. Keep choking hazards and dangerous substances securely out of reach, offer age-appropriate toys and regularly check anything your baby likes to chew.
Before long, they'll find plenty of other ways to explore – although you may still occasionally find yourself asking, "Why on earth would you put that in your mouth?"
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my baby put everything in their mouth?
Babies use their mouths to explore objects and learn about different textures, shapes and sensations. Mouthing is a normal part of early development.
When do babies start putting toys in their mouths?
You'll generally notice more deliberate mouthing as your baby develops the ability to reach for, grasp and hold objects. Every baby develops at a different rate, so there isn't one exact age.
Does putting things in their mouth mean my baby is teething?
Not necessarily. Mouthing is a normal developmental behaviour, although babies who are teething may also chew on objects because the pressure can feel soothing on their gums.
Should I stop my baby putting toys in their mouth?
There's generally no need to stop your baby mouthing toys that are safe, age-appropriate and designed for this purpose. The important thing is to keep small objects, choking hazards and anything potentially harmful well out of reach.
When do babies stop putting everything in their mouths?
Mouthing generally reduces as children get older and develop other ways of exploring their surroundings. There isn't an exact age when every child stops.
Do I need to sterilise toys my baby puts in their mouth?
You don't need to sterilise every toy after your baby mouths it. Follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions, wash toys when they're dirty and regularly inspect them for damage or loose parts.
