Feral Toddler Co.

Key Highlights

• Toddler chewing is often a form of oral sensory seeking, which is a way for children to get sensory input.
• This behavior can be a self-soothing mechanism, help with focus, or be related to sensory processing differences.
• It’s important to distinguish between typical exploration and persistent oral sensory seeking, which might signal an underlying need.
• Providing safe alternatives like chew toys and creating a sensory diet can help manage this behavior.
• If chewing is intense or causes safety concerns, consulting an occupational therapist is recommended.

Introduction

Have you ever wondered why your toddler seems to put everything in their mouth? From their shirt collar to toy cars, nothing seems off-limits. This common behavior, known as toddler chewing, is often a form of oral sensory seeking. Your child is looking for sensory input to help them understand their world, self-soothe, or regulate their bodies. Understanding the reasons behind this behavior, which is often linked to sensory processing, is the first step to supporting your little one in a positive and safe way.

Understanding Chewing Behavior in Toddlers

Chewing on things is a very common behavior in toddlers. It’s often a sign of oral sensory seeking, where a child uses their mouth to get more sensory input. This can be for exploration, comfort, or to help them process information from their environment. A child who does this regularly is sometimes called a sensory seeker.

For these children, the oral input they get from chewing helps them feel calm and organized. Understanding this need is crucial for parents. Instead of just trying to stop the behavior, you can learn why it’s happening and find safe ways to provide the oral input your child is looking for. We will explore what oral sensory seeking is, the reasons behind it, and how it differs from typical toddler exploration.

What Is Oral Sensory Seeking and Why It Matters

Oral sensory seeking describes the actions children take to get intense input through their mouths. This can involve chewing, sucking, biting, or mouthing objects. It’s a way for their nervous system to get the feedback it needs. Our mouths are full of sensory receptors, and for some kids, engaging them provides a calming or organizing effect.

This matters because it’s a window into your child’s sensory systems. When a child constantly seeks oral input, it’s often their way of self-regulating. It might help them focus during a task, calm down when they feel overwhelmed, or simply explore the texture and feel of an object. It’s a natural part of development for babies, but when it continues past the toddler years, it could indicate differences in sensory processing.

Understanding oral sensory seeking allows you to respond effectively. Instead of seeing it as a “bad habit,” you can view it as a communication of need. If the behavior is persistent or concerning, an occupational therapist can help identify the underlying reasons and create strategies to support your child’s sensory needs in a healthy way.

Common Reasons for Chewing Behavior in Toddlers

There are several reasons toddlers might chew on non-food items. The behavior is often driven by their oral sensory needs and is a way to get strong sensory input. For many, it’s a self-soothing technique that helps them cope with stress, anxiety, or sensory overload. The repetitive motion and pressure of chewing can be very calming.

This need for oral stimulation can also be linked to improving oral motor skills. Chewing helps strengthen the muscles in the jaw and mouth, which are important for eating and speaking. Some children may chew because they are developing these skills, while others do it to help them focus, much like an adult might chew gum while working.

Other common reasons for this behavior include:

• Developmental Delays: A child might be exploring with their mouth at an age later than is typical.
• Dental Issues: Teething or other discomfort in the mouth can lead to chewing.
• Sensory Issues: Conditions like sensory processing disorder or autism can lead to a greater need for sensory input.

How Oral Sensory Seeking Differs from Typical Exploration

It’s completely normal for babies and young toddlers to engage in typical exploration by putting objects in their mouths. This is how they learn about their environment—discovering textures, shapes, and tastes. This phase usually decreases and stops between 18 and 24 months of age as they develop other ways to explore.

Oral sensory seeking, however, is different. It’s often more intense, persistent, and not just about discovery. A child who is sensory seeking might chew on their shirt sleeve until it’s soaked or bite down hard on toys. This behavior is less about learning what an object is and more about getting a specific kind of sensory input to regulate their system. It’s one of many sensory regulation strategies a child might use.

The key difference lies in the purpose and intensity. While typical exploration is a passing developmental stage, persistent oral sensory seeking can be related to sensory processing. It might indicate that the child’s brain is having trouble organizing sensory information and is using chewing as a tool to feel more balanced and calm.

Signs Your Toddler is Oral Sensory Seeking

Recognizing the signs of oral sensory seeking can help you understand your child’s needs better. If your toddler is an oral sensory seeker, you might notice they consistently put non-food items in their mouth well past the typical exploratory stage. This oral sensory seeking behavior is driven by a need for strong sensory input.

Observing your child’s habits closely is key. Look for patterns in their chewing. Does it happen more when they’re stressed, bored, or trying to concentrate? Understanding these triggers can provide valuable insights into their sensory processing and help you figure out the best way to support them. In the following sections, we’ll cover specific behaviors to watch for and how to know when it might be time to seek extra help.

Typical Behaviors to Watch For (Chewing on Toys, Clothing, and Objects)

One of the most common signs of oral sensory seeking is a child chewing on various non-food items. While all toddlers explore with their mouths, persistent chewing can signal a deeper need for sensory input. You might notice your child frequently has their shirt collar, sleeve, or another piece of clothing in their mouth, often to the point of it being soaked or damaged.

This behavior isn’t limited to just clothing. A child might also chew on toys (even those not meant for chewing), pencils, their hair, or their own fingers and nails. This isn’t about hunger; it’s about the physical sensation that chewing provides. The pressure on the jaw is a powerful form of feedback for the brain.

Here are some specific things you might see:

• Constantly putting objects like pencils or toys in their mouth.
• Chewing on clothing, such as collars and sleeves, frequently.
• Biting or chewing on their own hands, fingers, or nails. If these behaviors are frequent, they may be a clear sign your child is engaging in oral sensory seeking and could benefit from safe alternatives like chew toys.

How to Spot Sensory Seeking Toddler Actions

Spotting the actions of a sensory seeker goes beyond just noticing what they chew on. It involves observing the context and intensity of their sensory seeking behavior. A toddler who is actively seeking oral input might seem restless until they find something to put in their mouth. The chewing itself often appears purposeful and can help them calm down or focus.

You might notice these behaviors increase during certain situations. For example, does your child start chewing on their shirt during a noisy party or while trying to build a block tower? This indicates they are using oral input to cope with sensory overload or to concentrate on a challenging task. It’s their way of managing their internal state.

Another clue is a strong preference for certain food textures. A sensory seeker might crave crunchy, chewy, or hard foods like pretzels, dried fruit, or raw carrots, while avoiding softer textures. This preference for intense oral sensations is another manifestation of oral sensory seeking and provides more evidence that your child is looking for more oral input.

When Chewing Behavior Signals a Need for Attention

While many cases of oral sensory seeking are part of development, there are times when this behavior might signal an underlying need that requires more attention. If the chewing is so intense or frequent that it interferes with daily activities like eating, playing, or socializing, it’s worth looking into further.

Pay attention to safety concerns. Is your child chewing on dangerous items that could be a choking hazard, toxic, or cause damage to their teeth? If redirecting them is difficult and they seem distressed when unable to chew, this could indicate a more significant issue. The behavior is no longer just a quirk but a compelling need that isn’t being met.

In these situations, the chewing is a clear communication that your child needs support. It’s not about being “naughty”; it’s about an unmet need for sensory input. If you’re worried about the intensity, frequency, or safety of your child’s chewing, it may be time to seek professional help to understand and address the root cause.

Why Do Toddlers Chew on Everything?

So, why exactly does your toddler chew on everything? This behavior is often a clear sign of oral sensory seeking. The child chews to get a specific type of sensory input that their brain is craving. This can be for a variety of reasons related to their development and sensory processing abilities.

For some, it’s a way to self-soothe when feeling anxious or overwhelmed. For others, it helps them focus or is part of their oral motor development. Understanding the connection between chewing and sensory needs is key. Let’s look at how motor development, sensory processing, and other underlying challenges can contribute to this behavior, and when an occupational therapist might be helpful.

Oral Motor Development and Self-Soothing

Chewing plays a significant role in oral motor development. The act of biting and grinding helps strengthen the muscles in the jaw, cheeks, and tongue. These are the same muscles needed for proper chewing of food, swallowing, and clear speech. For some toddlers, constant chewing is their body’s way of working out these muscles and honing their coordination.

Beyond physical development, chewing is a powerful tool for self-soothing. The rhythmic, repetitive motion of chewing can have a very calming and organizing effect on the nervous system. This is why babies suck on pacifiers and why a toddler might chew on their shirt when they are tired, stressed, or in a new environment. It’s a predictable and comforting form of oral stimulation.

This link between oral sensory seeking and comfort is strong. The input from chewing provides a sense of grounding, helping a child manage big emotions or overwhelming sensory experiences. It’s a built-in coping mechanism that provides them with a sense of control and calm when they need it most.

Connection Between Chewing and Sensory Processing

The connection between chewing and sensory processing is centered on how the brain interprets and responds to information. For some children, their brains may not be processing oral sensory input effectively. They might need more intense input than their peers to feel “just right.” This is where oral sensory seeking comes in—it’s an attempt to get the right amount of sensation.

This behavior is a key aspect of sensory integration, which is the brain’s ability to organize sensory information for use in daily life. When a child chews, they receive strong proprioceptive feedback from their jaw muscles. This input is known to be very calming and organizing for the brain. It can help a child who feels overwhelmed by other sensory information, like loud noises or bright lights, to filter out the excess and regulate their state.

If a child has ongoing challenges with sensory processing, an occupational therapist can be a valuable resource. They can assess the child’s unique sensory profile and recommend strategies to improve sensory integration. This can help the child meet their oral sensory needs in more functional and appropriate ways.

When Chewing Points to Underlying Needs or Challenges

Persistent and intense chewing can sometimes be a sign of an underlying need or challenge that goes beyond typical development. For some children, it can be a significant symptom of a sensory processing disorder (SPD). In SPD, the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses, leading to a constant search for or avoidance of certain sensations.

While oral sensory seeking is not exclusive to autism, it is a common behavior among children on the spectrum. It’s often part of a larger pattern of sensory issues and can serve as a self-regulating tool to manage anxiety. However, it’s important to remember that chewing behavior alone is not a definitive sign of autism. It must be considered within the context of a child’s overall development and behavior.

If your child’s chewing is severe, causes safety risks, or significantly impacts their daily life, it’s a good idea to seek professional help. A pediatrician or an occupational therapist can help determine if there is an underlying need or condition that requires support and intervention. They can provide a proper evaluation and guide you on the best next steps.

How to Support a Toddler Who Constantly Bites or Chews Objects

Supporting a toddler who constantly chews is not about stopping the behavior, but redirecting it to safe and appropriate outlets. Your goal is to help them meet their oral sensory needs in a healthy way. This involves implementing sensory regulation strategies that provide the input they are craving.

You can do this by creating a “sensory diet” that includes specific oral activities, introducing safe chewing alternatives, and incorporating calming activities like heavy work into their routine. These approaches validate your child’s needs while teaching them how to manage their sensory system. Let’s explore some practical ways to put this support into action.

Creating an Oral Sensory Diet at Home

A sensory diet is a personalized plan of activities designed to give your child the sensory input they need to stay focused and organized throughout the day. For a child who seeks oral input, this means scheduling activities that provide that specific stimulation. This isn’t about adding more food but incorporating sensory diet activities that engage the mouth.

Creating this plan can be simple. You can start by offering crunchy or chewy snacks at regular intervals. Activities that provide proprioceptive input to the jaw, like blowing bubbles or drinking a thick smoothie through a straw, are also great additions. The goal is to proactively provide oral sensory input so your child doesn’t have to seek it out in unsafe ways.

Here’s an example of what you could include in an oral sensory diet:

Activity Type	Examples
Chewy Foods	Dried mango, fruit leather, chewy granola bars, bagels
Crunchy Foods	Apples, carrots, pretzels, rice cakes, celery sticks
Sucking Activities	Drinking smoothies or yogurt through a straw, using a sports bottle
Blowing Activities	Blowing bubbles, whistles, kazoos, or pinwheels

Safe Alternatives for Toddler Chewing (Chewable Toys and Jewelry)

One of the most effective strategies for managing oral sensory seeking is to provide safe, designated items for chewing. Instead of letting your child chew on their clothes or unsafe objects, you can redirect them to specially designed chew toys. This validates their need for oral stimulation while ensuring their safety.

There is a wide variety of chewelry (chewable jewelry) and other sensory chew toys available. These come in different shapes, sizes, textures, and levels of durability to match your child’s specific preferences. Some look like necklaces or bracelets, making them discreet and easily accessible, while others are handheld tools. It’s important to choose items made from non-toxic, food-grade materials.

When introducing these alternatives, consider the following:

• Find the right fit: Observe if your child prefers to chew with their front teeth or molars and choose a shape that accommodates this.
• Offer variety: Have a few different options available, as their sensory needs may change.
• Supervise and inspect: Always check chew toys for signs of wear and tear to prevent choking hazards, and supervise use, especially with new items.

Oral Motor Activities and Calming Strategies for Toddlers

Engaging in specific oral motor activities can help strengthen mouth muscles and reduce the overall need for chewing. These playful exercises can improve oral motor skills and provide the sensory input your child craves. Activities like blowing bubbles, using fun straws, or playing with whistles and harmonicas are excellent for this.

In addition to oral activities, providing deep pressure input to the whole body can have a profoundly calming effect and reduce the need to chew. These heavy work activities engage the muscles and joints, delivering organizing sensory information to the brain. Think about incorporating simple, fun tasks into your child’s day that involve pushing, pulling, or carrying.

Here are some calming strategies that provide deep pressure and heavy work:

• Bear hugs: Give your child firm, gentle squeezes.
• Pillow pile-ups: Let them crash into a pile of soft pillows.
• Heavy work helpers: Have them help carry groceries, push a toy shopping cart, or do animal walks like crab walks or bear crawls.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding why toddlers chew on everything is crucial for addressing their needs and supporting their development. Chewing behavior can stem from various factors such as oral motor development, sensory processing, or even a means of self-soothing. By recognizing the signs of oral sensory seeking and providing safe alternatives, you can create a nurturing environment that caters to your toddler’s needs. Remember, it’s a normal part of their exploration, and with the right strategies in place, you can help them navigate this phase effectively. If you’re looking for personalized advice or more tips, feel free to reach out for a consultation!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is oral sensory seeking behavior common in toddlers and older children?

Yes, oral sensory seeking is very common in younger children as they explore the world. While it typically decreases with age, it can persist in some older children, especially those with differences in sensory processing. Their continued need for oral input might be a way to self-regulate or focus.

When should I worry about my toddler’s chewing habits?

You should consider seeking professional help if the oral sensory seeking is intense, causes safety concerns, or interferes with daily life. While it can be a sign of autism or a sensory processing disorder, persistent chewing often points to an underlying need that a professional can help address.

What are effective oral sensory activities to reduce chewing behavior?

Effective sensory diet activities include eating chewy foods, drinking through straws, and blowing bubbles to improve oral motor skills. Incorporating heavy work activities can also provide calming input. These strategies support sensory integration and can reduce the constant need to chew by providing alternative forms of stimulation.