Milwaukee, WI
A 21-year-old female asked:
Why do babies always stick everything in their mouth? also my son is almost two, is it normal for him to still be doing it?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. James Fergusonanswered
Pediatrics 48 years experience
Comfort/pleasure: The lips are supplied with bountiful nerve endings that make touching or sucking with the lips yield pleasure input to the brain. This helps make sure a baby that has never felt hunger, learns to latch & feed at birth, long before they understand that it makes their stomach full.It is a dominant instinct that persists in adults who chew nails, smoke, etc, all as a self soothing activity.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Johanna Frickeanswered
Pediatrics - Developmental and Behavioral 52 years experience
Of the 5 senses that: Allow us to explore & understand the world, what touches our lips/ mouths in a pleasurable, fulfilling way is one of the first. If that's so rewarding, why not try other things to see if they're as enjoyable? Developmentally, from 6 mos.-3 yrs is typical for mouthing objects. Insuring that access is limited to safe, clean objects too large to swallow or choke on is a parent's responsibility.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Sep 2, 2017
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