Mouthing in Young Children: A Speech Therapist's Perspective

Meryl Chinman
Jan 24
2 min read

As speech therapists, we are frequently asked by parents and teachers whether it is “normal” for babies and toddlers to put everything in their mouths. While mouthing can look concerning, it is often a developmentally appropriate behavior and an important foundation for feeding, speech, and self-regulation. These early sensory-motor experiences lay the groundwork for later cognitive, motor, and language development.

Why does mouthing occurs and when should it decrease?

1. Sensory Exploration

The oral cavity is one of the most sensitive sensory systems in infancy. Mouthing provides rich tactile and proprioceptive input, allowing the child to explore:

Texture
Size and shape
Temperature
Resistance

This oral sensory input supports early body awareness and sensory integration.

2. Neurodevelopment and Learning

From a developmental standpoint, mouthing contributes to:

Object permanence
Cause-and-effect learning
Integration of sensory and motor pathways

These early sensory-motor experiences lay the groundwork for later cognitive, motor, and language development.

3. Teething, Comfort, and Regulation

Between approximately 4–12 months, mouthing often increases due to teething. Chewing and sucking are also powerful self-regulation strategies, helping infants and toddlers manage discomfort, fatigue, or emotional stress.

4. Oral-Motor Development for Feeding and Speech

Mouthing strengthens and coordinates the lips, tongue, jaw, and cheeks. These skills are essential precursors for:

Efficient chewing and swallowing
Cup drinking
Articulation and speech clarity

From a speech therapy perspective, mouthing is part of normal oral-motor development, not a behavior to suppress prematurely.

Typical Development

Birth to 6 Months

Expected and necessary

Primary exploration occurs through the mouth
Hands, toys, and caregiver fingers are frequently mouthed

This stage supports early sensory integration and oral-motor awareness.

6 to 12 Months

Peak mouthing phase

Improved hand-to-mouth coordination
Increased mouthing related to teething
Preference for textured or resistive items

The therapeutic focus should be on safety and appropriate oral input, not elimination of mouthing. This stage supports early sensory integration and oral-motor awareness.

12 to 18 Months

Gradual reduction

Increased functional play using hands
Mouthing may still occur during stress, illness, or fatigue

Children begin shifting toward more mature exploration methods.

18 to 24 Months

Occasional mouthing may still be observed

Often linked to emotional regulation rather than exploration
More common with familiar comfort objects

At this stage, persistent mouthing should be monitored within the broader developmental profile.

2 to 3 Years

Mouthing should be minimal

Exploration is primarily hands-based
Oral behaviors may surface during anxiety or transitions

Frequent mouthing beyond this age is less typical and may warrant further consideration.

When to intervene

Referral or further assessment may be indicated when:

Mouthing persists frequently beyond 3 years
The child chews on non-food items compulsively
Mouthing interferes with attention, play, or peer interaction
There are co-occurring concerns with feeding, speech sound development, or sensory regulation

Persistent mouthing may be associated with: