3 Common Things Babies Can Put in Their Mouths and What You Can Do About It

If you have a child up to the age of two, you will know that everything around you can find its way into your baby’s mouth! As babies grow, they try to make the best use of their hands and mouth to feel objects. Their obsession with putting things in their mouth should be kept in mind by parents.

Why Do Babies Put Things in Their Mouths?

To explore their surroundings, babies start putting objects in their mouths after seven months. They usually start by putting their fists and feet in their mouth and then move on to grabbing, poking, shoving, and patting things as they explore their surroundings. This exercise helps children assess things and strengthens their oral muscles. 

It is also the time when their teeth begin to pop out. Teething is one of the reasons for your baby trying to taste every possible thing. When children begin teething, it can be uncomfortable for them. This phase can be accompanied by sore gums, cranky behaviour, and the urge to chew on things, like, toys, clothing, hands, etc.

With this urge to chew on things, there comes the fear of choking hazards and germs getting into a baby’s mouth. 

3 Common Things Babies Can Put in Their Mouths

Here are a few things that your child can swallow if left unattended and what steps you can take to avoid such situations.

1. Small Toys

You would often find your child putting his toys first thing in his mouth when you give him the toys to play with. Small colourful toys or parts of toys that are small can be mouthed by your baby if left unattended.

What to Do: Make sure that small toys and easily detachable toy parts that can be swallowed are not given to children aged two and below.

2. Plants

A lot of people keep indoor plants in their houses for aesthetics and clean air. But there are some plants that can be poisonous for babies despite being perfect for decoration purposes. 

Old leaves or seeds of such plants could fall on the floor and be swallowed by your baby. 

What to Do: Get rid of any wild houseplant that can be harmful to your little one by consulting your nearest nursery. 

3. Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning supplies and detergents come with fragrances and bright colours. Babies often confuse them with juice or eatable items and try to put them in their mouths or spill them on their hands.

What to Do: It is important to keep chemical products out of your child’s reach in locked spaces. 

How to Take Care of Teething Urges and Oral Hygiene of the Baby

1. Rub Your Baby’s Gums

You can gently rub your baby’s gums with a clean and moist cloth, a clean finger, or a cold spoon to reduce some pain in sore gums.

2. Give Him a Teether

Chewing on a clean teether can be soothing for your child’s gums. You must look for a good quality teether that is made of high-quality solid rubber. Teethers that are made of plastic, metals, or liquid-filled teether rings should be avoided as they could harm your baby.

3. Let Him Chew on Cold Things

A cold pacifier also helps children relieve sore gums as they chew on it. You can also give your child some cold sliced fruits to eat if he is in the stage of eating solids. This will not only provide him with nutrition but also reduce the pain.

4. Use Quality Dental Hygiene Products

Brushing from the first tooth is important. Parents often feel that brushing with just water is enough, But you can consult a dentist to learn that usage of toothpaste is essential for effective cleaning. 

You can use a baby-safe toothpaste of the size of a rice grain to remove plaque. For example, Colgate Kids 0-2 Yrs toothpaste is designed to be super gentle on your baby’s tender teeth. It has no artificial preservatives or colours or flavours. It is fluoride and SLS free. 

Once your child starts chewing on solids, you can introduce Colgate Kids 2-5 Yrs toothpaste, which is designed to protect milk teeth from cavities.

If you wish to know more about Colgate Kids Oral Care Range, view them here.

Disclaimer: This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics for children. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.