The Best Strategies to Prevent Toddlers from Picking Up Everything in Their Mouths

Toddlers are inquisitive little beings who explore their world through all their senses, including tasting and touching. However, this natural curiosity can sometimes lead to potential hazards like putting small objects in their mouths. As a concerned parent, it's crucial to create a safe environment and provide appropriate alternatives to reduce the risk of choking and other accidents.

Creating a Safe Environment

The first step in preventing toddlers from picking up everything in their mouths is to ensure a safe environment at home. Regular cleaning and decluttering are essential. Small objects, particularly those that can fit in a child's mouth, should be kept out of reach. High shelves and secure storage solutions can help keep potentially hazardous items away from curious little hands.

Another important measure is childproofing your home. This includes securing cabinets, using outlet covers, and keeping anything that could be dangerous or choking hazards out of the reach of your toddler. Additionally, regular supervision is key. Toddlers are often climbers and may reach areas you might not expect, so constant vigilance is necessary.

Using Citric Acid as a deterrent

For those pesky items that still manage to make their way into your toddler's mouth, citric acid can be a helpful deterrent. Commonly found in baking aisles, citric acid can be applied to toys that have a prickly citric acid coating that makes them unappealing to put in the mouth. This coating is reminiscent of the super sour balls sensation, which can help discourage toddlers from chewing on small objects.

Understanding and Encouraging Healthy Exploration

It's important to remember that a toddler's desire to taste and touch is part of their natural developmental process. Curiosity is healthy, and it helps them learn about the world around them. However, it's equally important to teach them boundaries and what is and is not safe.

When a toddler shows interest in a potentially dangerous item, it's crucial to guide them in the right direction. Using phrases like "no" and removing the item can help them understand what is not safe to put in their mouths. Additionally, if your child has an oral fixation, it may be beneficial to provide them with appropriate chew toys. Companies that sell therapeutic chewies can be a good resource. These chew toys come in various shapes and textures, and it's essential to choose ones that are age-appropriate and safe.

Encouraging Healthy Alternatives

Fostering a healthier habit of chewing on safe items can be achieved by offering a variety of chew toys. These can include items like teething rings, which can provide relief and satisfy the oral fixation. Therapeutic chewies are another great option, as they can be shaped like animals, shapes, or other objects of interest to your child.

When your toddler starts mouthing toys excessively, it could be a sign that they need more oral input. Providing chewy items can help redirect their chewing behavior in a safe and appropriate manner. For example, you can give them a particular chew toy whenever they start to chew on something inappropriate. This can help establish a positive association and reduce the likelihood of them choosing inappropriate items to chew.

Another approach is to provide chewable necklaces. These can be worn by your child and offer a safe and convenient option for satisfying their oral desires. By guiding your toddler towards safer alternatives, you can help them develop healthier habits and enjoy a safer, more explorative childhood.

Conclusion

While toddlers are curious and experiment with their environment, it's essential to create a safe environment and provide appropriate alternatives to reduce the risk of accidents. By keeping small objects out of reach, using deterrent methods like citric acid, and offering safe chew toys, you can help your toddler learn to explore their world in a safe and healthy way.