2-Yo Both Putting Things in Their Mouths

Updated on November 20, 2008
K.S. asks from Salt Lake City, UT
4 answers

Second request for the day! My twins will be 2 in about 2 weeks, and they both still put EVERYTHING in their mouths, it seems. If I haven't vacuumed for a couple days, they will pick up any crumbs or leaves, and chew on them. Toys, jacket sleeves, strings, you name it. If they can't get their hands on an object, it is their fingers. I don't know where the behavior is stemming from, as we have not changed limits on their binkies recently, and I have not noticed a link with teething (neither one is teething right now). I just thought they would be way past putting things in their mouths by now! Is this normal, and how do I get them to stop?

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So What Happened?

Evidently this is very normal! Thank you for your support and responses. I guess I just get frustrated because they are so bored with the toys they have but I can't get them very many "big kid" toys because I worry about the choking hazard. We'll see how they do with a Mr. and Mrs. PotatoHead set for their birthday . . .

More Answers

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J.H.

answers from Billings on

I have a 2 year old, and he is getting his 2 year molars. I haven't seen the teeth, and he has been "teething" for probably 2 months. The doctor said he could see the teeth coming, but I can't see anything. Anyway, my son has been chewing on his fingers for months, it seems. Maybe your kids have those molars coming in and you just can't tell. Otherwise, I'd say it is just hang in there... I babysit a little boy who is close to two, and he still put a lot of stuff in his mouth. Different kids reach milestones at different rates.

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D.K.

answers from Denver on

It is a normal thing for kids that age, it just takes dilegence unfortunately to make sure there is nothing that presents a choking hazard. Both of my kids stopped by the age of two and it will happen for you too. Keep their hands occupied. I will say breaking the binkie habit will also help break them of the oral fixation habit! It will.
They are old enough and though it may prove a challenge for you, having them give it up now will save you later! Not to mention save their teeth.
Teething presents a huge factor too in the need to chew, so maybe make sure they aren't cutting molars and if so try teething tablets or motrin. It feels good if they bite down on stuff when teething.
I would really get rid of the binkies, it becomes a crutch for you both and keep them busy with other things. If you see them do it, just remove the object and calmly say that isn't what big kids do. It will stop though, promise! :)

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K.D.

answers from Denver on

It's very normal. My first did it until almost 3 and my 27 mo old shows no signs of quitting anytime soon. I always assumed it was related to their speech issues. I don't know. Hang in there. It does pass.

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B.

answers from Boise on

It's normal! :) This is a tiring age! I'm chasing around my 17 month old right now- He is BU-SY! (I have a 4 and a 6 yo too.)
If it's something dangerous then you've just got to stay diligent about saying, "Yuck!", and things like that. They are learning, it's just hard to see the fruit of your labors yet.
Hang in there!

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