Why Does My Toddler Put Everything in Her Mouth? (And What to Do About It)

Let’s talk about toddler mouthing—because if your little one is constantly popping toys, rocks, sleeves, or carpet fuzz into her mouth, you’re probably asking: Why is this happening and when does it stop?!

Yes, mouthing is kind of gross. It’s messy, often saliva-soaked, and not exactly hygienic. But it’s also totally normal—at least for a while. Let’s unpack why kids do it, when it typically stops, and what to do if it doesn’t.

The Science Behind Toddler Mouthing: Why It Starts

From the moment they’re born, babies rely heavily on their mouths. At birth, a baby’s eyes aren’t fully developed, and while their ears work, they’re not great at locating sound just yet. But their mouth? It’s wide open (literally and figuratively) to learn everything it can. So in the early months, the mouth is baby’s primary sensory processor.

As motor skills improve and babies gain control of their limbs, they begin using hands and feet more to explore. But the mouth still leads the charge until around age 2, when most kids begin to rely more on their hands and less on oral input.

When Should Mouthing Stop?

Most toddlers outgrow mouthing behaviors by around age 2. By then, they’ve mastered eating solid foods, most of their teeth are in, and their sensory systems have developed enough that they don’t need to explore the world with their mouth quite so much.

That said… not every kid follows this exact timeline.

If your toddler is past age 2 and still putting toys, fingers, clothing, or random objects in their mouth regularly, it’s time to ask: What’s driving the behavior now?

Why Is My Older Toddler Still Mouthing?

If mouthing continues past toddlerhood, it may be linked to sensory processing differences. Some kids are under-responsive to touch, meaning their brain doesn’t easily register tactile input. It’s like needing glasses… but for your skin.

So, if their hands aren’t delivering enough sensory feedback, where do they turn? The mouth! It’s a much more sensitive area, and it provides the intensity their nervous system is craving. Chewing or mouthing helps them figure out: Is this object smooth? Bumpy? Hard? Squishy? Safe?

By the way—if your child is also drooling and they’re not teething, it might be related to this same sensory under-responsiveness. (More on that in another post!)

How to Help: Strategies to Reduce Mouthing in Older Kids

Does ongoing mouthing mean your child automatically needs therapy? Not necessarily. Start with a few simple strategies and see what changes:

1. Replace, Don’t Just Stop

Telling your child to “stop putting that in your mouth” likely hasn’t worked yet—and for good reason. The need is neurological, not behavioral. Instead of scolding, offer something more appropriate to chew on.

Try these:

• Chewy toys: There are tons of great chew-friendly tools made just for kids. Some are firm, some are soft—test a few to find what your child likes. They’re discreet, durable, and often stylish enough to wear.

• Gum (Yes, really!): Not for everyone, but if you're open to it, gum can be an amazing self-regulation tool. With clear boundaries around when and where it's allowed, gum can give kids the oral input they crave without the toy-mouthing or thumb-sucking. I used this with my own daughter, who would shut down when overwhelmed—gum helped her stay regulated in tricky moments.

2. Teach What’s Okay to Mouth

Help your child learn what’s fair game and what’s not. If they’re old enough, talk about “safe chewing” versus “no-go” objects. Create a simple system: “Chew toy = yes. Remote control = no.”

3. Watch and Adjust

If, after trying appropriate substitutions, your child is still mouthing excessively, it might be time to consult with a pediatric bodyworker like an occupational therapist, reflex integration practitioner, craniosacral therapist or chiropractor. They can assess whether there’s a sensory processing challenge at play and recommend targeted strategies. In some cases, a speech-language pathologist may also be involved if oral-motor development and feeding are factors.

Final Thoughts

Toddlers put things in their mouths because it's developmentally appropriate—and sometimes, older kids do it because their sensory systems are still catching up. The key isn’t to panic or force the behavior to stop, but to meet the need with better tools.

Remember: your child isn’t doing this to frustrate you. They’re trying to feel right in their body. When you offer safer, more appropriate ways to meet that need, you’re supporting their development and your sanity.

You’ve got this. And if you’re still feeling stuck? That’s what I’m here for. 

Do you have questions about your child’s development or your parenting? Scheduled a free 15-minute call with me here ⬇️