How to Stop a Baby From Putting Things in the Mouth
As soon as baby is physically able to pick up objects --typically after four months of age -- he will. Exploring is a natural part of your baby's development. Reaching, touching and grasping objects of different colors and textures helps your baby learn about the world. Rather than keeping him from putting things in his mouth, KidsHealth says parents should make sure the objects in reach are safe.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Pack a few safe items in a purse or diaper bag. In cases where it is not possible to babyproof the area, such as when you are visiting friends or relatives, having some safe items on hand will help keep your baby from putting potentially hazardous objects in her mouth.
-
2
Use child locks and other safety mechanisms to protect your baby from chemicals and other dangerous household items that are stored in drawers and cupboards around your home.
-
-
3
After you have installed safety latches and locks on doors and drawers, walk around your home and look for any small objects that you can put away. When baby starts to crawl, it may be necessary to remove houseplants, refrigerator magnets and office supplies. Safe Kids USA recommends removing crib toys with strings, cords and ribbons.
-
4
Place a wet washcloth in the freezer for 30 minutes and allow your baby to chew and suck on it. Kids Health says babies generally start teething between the ages of 4 and 7 months, which usually leads them to chew and suck more often to ease gum irritation. Rubber teething rings and other items that are both clean and too large to swallow may help, too.
-
5
Rotate toys. If baby becomes bored with the same objects, offer new ones. This will keep him from picking up things around your home. You can store the other items for a week or so, sanitize them and reintroduce them later.
-
1
References
- Photo Credit Mimi Haddon/Lifesize/Getty Images
