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Does That Taste Good? The Real Reason Babies Put Everything in Their Mouths

Donuts, cupcakes, ice cream… your mouth is probably watering thinking about all of these delicious treats! Wood, metal, fabric… these items just don’t have quite the same appetizing effect, right? So then why does your baby put them all in their mouth? Wouldn’t they also rather have a delectable piece of chocolate melt in their mouth?

The truth is that babies often have not yet developed an awareness of the taste of various objects. Putting food, toys, and other items in their mouth allows babies to explore their taste and texture. This type of oral exploration is a key developmental stage that allows infants to learn about their environment.

A baby’s hands and fingers haven’t developed quite enough to allow them to explore objects by feeling. On the other hand (pun intended), their lips and mouths are packed with sensory nerves that enable them to feel objects and determine if they are soft or hard, rough or smooth, warm or cool.

Babies naturally mouth objects for physical and emotional reasons as well. Mouthing objects can also be related to teething which typically begins somewhere between three to seven months. Babies often feel discomfort when a tooth is trying to break through the gums and rubbing an object, especially something cold, against the gums and/or biting down on it can bring some relief. Mouthing objects can also bring emotional relief, soothing a baby and helping them to relax when they are tired, uncomfortable, or upset.

Although we joked about it at first, babies actually develop a sweet tooth before they’re even born and they’re almost always hungry! This means that infants will mouth objects to check to see they are edible and can satisfy their sweet tooth.

Given the benefits of baby mouthing, it can be helpful to encourage this behavior by providing your child toys they can safely explore to stimulate their curiosity and learning. Natural or wooden objects such as the Small Rattle and the Clutch Discs are great options. The Sensory Ball can also provide unique sensory experiences for the child as they explore various fabrics and textures by mouthing.

References

Iftikhar, N. (2020). Baby mouthing - aka why do babies put everything in their mouths. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/baby/baby-mouthing

Montessori Edited. (2022). The Montessori puzzle ball - why is it so popular with babies? https://montessoriedited.com/puzzle-ball/

Wade, J. (2022). Why does my baby put everything in their mouth? BabyCenter. https://www.babycenter.com/toddler/behavior/why-does-my-baby-put-everything-in-her-mouth_6721

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Published on 2022. August 26.

Written by Heather White

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Heather White, Ed.S., M.Ed., is a content creator and blogger for the American Montessori Society. She is also a Montessori in-home teacher, a Montessori educational consultant for the Andrews Educational Institute and a Montessori educator for adult learners through the Center for Guided Montessori Studies. Formerly, she was a Montessori classroom guide, Lower Elementary Coordinator, and Associate Head of School. She is AMS credentialed (Early Childhood, Elementary I) and is a Certified School Psychologist. Heather looks forward to putting her years of experience and educational knowledge to use by inspiring all of those who cross her path and continuing to positively impact the lives of children through the work of Montessori by way of parents, caregivers, and educators.