Okay, let’s talk about why your toddler seems to chew on everything. Seeing your little one gnawing on toys, books, furniture, or even their clothes is very common. Is it normal? Yes, in most cases, this is a completely normal part of toddler development. There are several key reasons why toddlers chew on things, from exploring their world to soothing themselves.
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Grasping Why Toddlers Chew
Toddlers use their mouths for many things besides eating. Chewing is a big part of how they learn and grow. It helps them figure out new things and can even make them feel better. Let’s look at the main reasons behind this chewing behavior.
The Oral Exploration Phase
From the time they are babies, children learn about the world using their senses. The mouth is a very sensitive area. It has many nerve endings. When toddlers put things in their mouths and chew, they get lots of information. This time of learning with the mouth is called the oral exploration phase.
Think of it like using their hands to feel something new. But instead of hands, they use their mouth. They learn about how hard something is. They learn if it is rough or smooth. They learn its shape and size. This helps them understand the world around them. This phase is a key part of normal toddler development milestones. It shows their brain is working hard to take in information.
Putting things in the mouth is one of the first ways babies explore. This continues into the toddler years. They touch things, look at them, and often put them in their mouths. It is a natural step in figuring out how things work. It’s like their own personal science experiment.
This type of chewing is usually harmless. It shows they are curious and learning. It’s important to make sure what they chew on is safe. We will talk more about safety later.
Chewing Because of Teething
Teeth coming in can be hard for little ones. Toddler teething often causes sore gums. Chewing can help make the pain feel better. The pressure from chewing acts like a massage for their gums.
Babies start teething early, but it goes on for a while. Toddlers are often still getting their back molars. These can be very painful when they come through the gums. Chewing on something firm can give them relief.
Signs of teething might include:
* More drool than usual
* Slightly red or swollen gums
* Being fussy or irritable
* Trouble sleeping
* Chewing on everything they can find
If your toddler is teething, you might see them chewing more. Providing safe things to chew can be a big help for them. Teething rings, special chew toys, or even a cold wet cloth can feel good on their gums.
Sensory Seeking Behavior
Some toddlers chew because they need extra sensory input. This is known as sensory seeking behavior toddler. The mouth gives strong sensory feedback. Chewing provides deep pressure to the jaw. This feeling can be calming and help them feel more organized.
Children who seek sensory input might chew more than others. They might seek out different textures to chew on. Some might like hard things. Others might like soft things. This behavior is about meeting a sensory need. It is not always just about exploring.
Sensory seeking is a normal part of development for many children. They might also seek other types of sensory input. This could include spinning, jumping, or touching everything. Chewing is just one way they might meet these needs.
Sometimes, a child might need more sensory input than usual. This is when it might be called sensory seeking behavior toddler. If this seems like your child, it’s good to observe when and why they chew. Is it when they are excited? Is it when they are tired? Is it when they are trying to focus?
Chewing can help them regulate their bodies. It can help them feel more in control. It’s like a tool their body uses to feel right.
Chewing for Self-Soothing
Just like babies suck their thumbs or use pacifiers, toddlers might chew to calm down. Chewing can be a form of toddler self soothing. When a child is feeling upset, tired, or overwhelmed, the act of chewing can be comforting.
The rhythm of chewing is repetitive. Repetitive actions can be very soothing. They can help lower stress. They can help a child feel safe and calm.
You might notice your toddler chewing more when they are:
* In a new place
* Around new people
* Dealing with changes in their routine
* Feeling frustrated or sad
* Getting ready for sleep
Chewing can be a way for them to cope with big feelings. It’s their way of trying to feel better. It’s important to recognize this as a coping tool. It is often a temporary behavior. As they learn other ways to cope, the chewing might lessen.
Sometimes, excessive chewing can be a sign of something more. This is where it might connect with toddler anxiety signs. If a toddler seems overly anxious and chews constantly, it’s worth looking into. But for most toddlers, chewing is just one of many ways they learn to handle their emotions.
Fathoming Pica in Toddlers
Most of the time, toddlers chew on safe things like toys or teethers. But sometimes, toddlers chew on things that are not food and are not safe. This can be a sign of pica in toddlers.
Pica is when someone eats or chews on things that are not food. For a toddler, this could be dirt, paint chips, paper, fabric, or other strange items.
Chewing on non-food items once in a while might still be part of exploration. But if it happens often, or if they are trying to swallow these things, it could be pica.
Pica can be risky because of:
* Choking hazards for toddlers: Small or hard items can get stuck in their throat.
* Poisoning: Some non-food items like paint or dirt can contain lead or other toxins.
* Damage to teeth or mouth: Chewing on hard things can hurt their teeth or gums.
* Digestive problems: Eating non-food items can cause stomach aches or blockages.
It is not always clear why a child has pica. It can be linked to:
* Nutrient problems (like not getting enough iron)
* Sensory needs
* Developmental delays
* Stress or anxiety
If you think your toddler has pica, it’s important to talk to their doctor. They can check for health problems. They can also suggest ways to help manage the behavior. It is not a behavior to ignore due to the potential dangers.
Interpreting Chewing as a Behavior Issue
For most toddlers, chewing is normal. It’s part of growing up. But sometimes, it can become a concern. This might happen if:
* The chewing is constant and stops them from doing other things.
* They are only chewing on unsafe items.
* They are hurting themselves or others by chewing (though this is rare).
* It seems linked to strong toddler anxiety signs.
In these cases, chewing might be seen as one part of toddler behavior issues. It’s not the chewing itself that is the problem. It’s what the chewing means or how it is impacting their life.
If you are worried about your toddler’s chewing, think about:
* How often do they chew?
* What do they chew on?
* When do they chew (what triggers it)?
* Are there other concerning behaviors happening too?
Talking to your pediatrician is always a good first step. They can help you figure out if the chewing is typical or if it needs more attention.
Keeping Your Toddler Safe While Chewing
Since chewing is a normal part of being a toddler, you can’t stop it completely. But you can make sure they are safe while they do it. This is where thinking about choking hazards for toddlers is very important.
Toddlers’ airways are small. They can choke easily on small, hard, or round items. When they are chewing, they might break off pieces.
Avoiding Choking Hazards
Here are some things to watch out for:
* Small toys: Any toy that can fit inside a toilet paper tube is too small and a choking risk.
* Loose parts on toys: Check toys for buttons, eyes, or other small pieces that can be chewed off.
* Household items: Coins, buttons, batteries, marbles, pen caps, magnets are all very dangerous. Keep these out of reach.
* Food: Some foods are high choking risks for toddlers. Hot dogs (cut lengthwise), whole grapes, hard candies, nuts, popcorn, raw carrots, apples (unless cut into very thin slices).
* Broken items: Toys or objects that are broken might have sharp edges or small pieces.
Always supervise your toddler, especially when they are chewing on something. Teach older siblings about what is safe and unsafe for the toddler. Get down on the floor to see the world from their level. You might spot dangers you didn’t see before.
Providing Safe Things to Chew
Instead of stopping the chewing, give them safe things they can chew on.
Here is a table of ideas for safe chew items:
| Safe Chew Items for Toddlers | Notes |
|---|---|
| Teething rings (BPA-free) | Can be chilled for extra relief. |
| Special chew toys | Look for toys made for chewing, different textures. |
| Soft rubber or silicone toys | Make sure they are large enough not to be choked on. |
| Clean, damp washcloth (knotted) | Can be chilled. |
| Some food items (supervised) | Bagels, teething crackers (watch for breakage). |
| Hard plastic keys (toy version) | Make sure they are sturdy and clean. |
| Large, smooth wooden toys | Check for splinters or paint that can chip. |
Make sure any chew toy you offer is:
* Clean
* Sturdy and won’t break into small pieces
* Made from safe, non-toxic materials
* Large enough that they cannot swallow it whole
Offer these safe options when you see your toddler starting to chew on something unsafe. This helps redirect their behavior in a positive way.
Managing Toddler Chewing
If your toddler’s chewing is more than occasional, or if you are worried about it, there are steps you can take.
Redirecting the Behavior
The simplest approach is often to redirect. When you see your toddler chewing on something they shouldn’t, gently take it away. Then, give them a safe alternative right away. Say something like, “I see you need to chew. Here is your chew toy!”
This shows them what is okay to chew on without making them feel bad about the need to chew. Consistency is key with redirecting.
Identifying Triggers
Try to figure out why your toddler is chewing.
* Are they teething? Offer a cold teether.
* Are they tired or stressed? Offer a comforting chew toy and some quiet time.
* Are they bored? Give them a new activity.
* Are they exploring? Make sure their play area is safe and filled with chewable toys.
Knowing the trigger can help you meet their need in a better way. If it’s a sensory need, providing safe chewing options regularly might help reduce chewing on unsafe things.
When to Seek Help
Most toddler chewing is normal and passes. But sometimes, you might need extra support. This is especially true if:
* You suspect pica in toddlers.
* The chewing is causing harm.
* The chewing is constant and affecting their daily life.
* You see other concerning behaviors like toddler anxiety signs.
* The chewing seems like a significant toddler behavior issue that you cannot manage.
Your pediatrician is the first stop. They can rule out any medical reasons like nutrient deficiencies. They can also give you advice.
Sometimes, a specialist can help.
Occupational Therapy for Toddler Chewing
An occupational therapist (OT) can be very helpful for toddlers with strong sensory needs or persistent chewing issues. Occupational therapy toddler chewing focuses on understanding the underlying reason for the chewing.
An OT can:
* Assess your toddler’s sensory needs.
* Figure out if the chewing is sensory seeking, related to anxiety, or something else.
* Suggest strategies to meet their sensory needs in safe ways.
* Recommend specific types of chew toys or tools (sometimes called “chewies”). These come in different shapes, sizes, and textures to meet different needs.
* Work with you on a “sensory diet” – a plan that includes activities to help your child get the sensory input they need throughout the day. This can help reduce the need for unsafe chewing.
* Help address other toddler behavior issues that might be linked to sensory needs or anxiety.
Seeing an OT is not about “fixing” the chewing. It is about understanding it and helping your child get what they need in a safe way. It is a great option if you feel the chewing is more than typical exploration or teething.
Deciphering Different Chewers
Not all toddlers chew the same amount or on the same things.
| Type of Chewer | Possible Reasons | What It Might Look Like |
|---|---|---|
| The Explorer | Oral exploration phase, Learning about objects | Puts toys, books, anything new in mouth for a moment. |
| The Teether | Toddler teething, Sore gums | Chews on hard items, drools more, might be fussy. |
| The Sensory Seeker | Sensory seeking behavior toddler, Needs input | Chews often, seeks specific textures, might chew on clothes. |
| The Comforter | Toddler self soothing, Anxiety, Stress | Chews when tired, upset, or in new situations. |
| The Persistent Chewer | Strong sensory need, habit, possibly anxiety/pica | Chews almost constantly, might prefer unsafe items. |
Knowing which type of chewer your toddler seems to be can help you understand their needs. It can guide you on how best to support them.
The Long-Term Picture
Most toddlers outgrow the intense oral exploration phase and teething needs. Chewing might decrease significantly by age 3 or 4. However, some children continue to use chewing as a toddler self soothing tool or because of ongoing sensory needs.
If chewing continues past the toddler years and causes problems, it is still worth addressing. An OT can work with older children too. Providing safe chewable options can be a lifelong strategy for some people with sensory needs.
It is important not to shame or punish a child for chewing. This behavior is often meeting a real need for them. Focus on safety and providing alternatives.
Remember that normal toddler development milestones include lots of learning and trying new things. Chewing is a big part of that early learning. As they grow, they find new ways to explore and new ways to soothe themselves.
Chewing can look like a toddler behavior issue, but most of the time, it is a clue about what your child needs. Are they in pain from teething? Are they feeling overwhelmed? Do they need more sensory input? Are they just figuring out what that new toy feels like?
By paying attention and offering safe tools, you can help your toddler through this phase. Keep an eye on what they chew. Keep dangerous things away. Offer lots of safe alternatives. If you are worried, talk to your doctor or an occupational therapist.
Most likely, your toddler is just being a toddler. They are learning, growing, and figuring things out one chew at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long does the chewing phase last?
A: The most intense oral exploration phase usually lessens by age 2 or 3. Teething chewing decreases as teeth come in. However, some toddlers continue chewing for sensory needs or self-soothing for longer. It varies for each child.
Q: Is it okay if my toddler chews on their clothes?
A: Chewing on clothes (sleeves, collars) is very common. It can be a sign of sensory seeking or self-soothing. Make sure their clothes are clean. Watch for holes developing. You can offer a safe chew toy as an alternative when you see them chewing on clothes.
Q: How can I stop my toddler from chewing on furniture?
A: It’s hard to stop it completely. The best way is to redirect. When you see them chewing furniture, say “No, we don’t chew the table. Here is something safe to chew.” Then give them a designated chew toy. Make sure they have plenty of safe things available to chew on.
Q: Could chewing be a sign of hunger?
A: While babies explore hunger cues orally, persistent chewing in toddlers is less likely to be purely about hunger. It’s more often linked to teething, sensory needs, or self-soothing. However, make sure your toddler is getting enough to eat at regular mealtimes.
Q: What is a good chew toy for a sensory-seeking toddler?
A: Good sensory chew toys come in many textures and levels of hardness. Some are worn on the wrist or as necklaces (breakaway clasp needed for safety). Others are handheld shapes. An occupational therapist can recommend types based on your child’s specific needs. Look for non-toxic materials like silicone.
Q: When should I be really worried about my toddler’s chewing?
A: Be worried if they are regularly chewing or trying to eat non-food items (pica in toddlers). Also worry if the chewing is constant, causing injury, or seems linked to significant distress or toddler anxiety signs. If you cannot manage the behavior or are concerned about safety, talk to your doctor right away. Be extra careful about choking hazards for toddlers.