Kids often chew on a diverse array of items, from their own clothing to toys and other objects they encounter daily. This behavior is a common part of childhood, driven by various developmental, sensory, and emotional needs.
Common Items Kids Chew On
Children explore their environment and self-soothe through mouthing and chewing. This behavior leads them to chew on a wide range of objects they can access.
| Item Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Personal Belongings | Clothing items such as their collar or sleeves, hair, fingernails, strings from hoodies or shoelaces. |
| School & Office | Pencils, pen caps, erasers, rulers, book covers. |
| Play & Recreation | Toys made of plastic or rubber, game controllers, action figures, parts of building blocks. |
| Household Objects | Remote controls, keys, jewelry, blanket corners, pacifiers (for younger children), and essentially whatever they can get their hands on that is within reach and grasp. |
Why Kids Chew
Understanding the reasons behind chewing can help parents and caregivers address the habit appropriately and provide suitable alternatives.
- Teething Relief: For infants and toddlers, chewing on objects helps to soothe sore gums during the teething process. The pressure provides comfort as new teeth emerge.
- Sensory Exploration: Young children naturally use their mouths to explore the texture, shape, and taste of objects as a primary way to learn about their environment.
- Self-Regulation and Anxiety: Chewing can be a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, boredom, or overstimulation. The repetitive motion can provide a calming effect, helping children self-regulate their emotions.
- Focus and Concentration: Some children find that chewing helps them to focus and concentrate during tasks, such as schoolwork or quiet activities. It can provide a form of sensory input that aids attention.
- Oral Sensory Needs: Children with certain sensory processing differences may seek out oral stimulation more intensely than others, using chewing to satisfy an unmet sensory need. To learn more about oral sensory seeking, you can consult resources like The Star Institute for Sensory Processing Disorder.
Promoting Safe Chewing Habits
While chewing is often a normal part of development, it's important to guide children towards safe and appropriate chewing practices to prevent injury, damage to property, or the ingestion of harmful substances.
- Offer Safe Alternatives: Provide durable, non-toxic chew toys or sensory chewables specifically designed for children. These items are typically made from food-grade silicone and come in various textures and strengths. For more information on choosing safe chew tools, resources like the American Dental Association (ADA) often provide guidance on oral health and safety.
- Assess the Environment: Regularly check the child's surroundings for small, potentially hazardous objects that could be choked on or materials that are unsafe to chew. Ensure that pencils and pens are used for their intended purpose, or provide chewable toppers if needed.
- Observe Patterns: Pay attention to when and what a child chews. This can help identify triggers such as stress, boredom, or a need for concentration, allowing for targeted intervention.
- Consult Professionals: If a child's chewing habits are excessive, destructive, causing harm, or interfering with their daily life, consulting a pediatrician, occupational therapist, or developmental specialist is recommended. They can offer personalized strategies and support. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers valuable insights into various child development and behavior topics.
Chewing is a common behavior in children driven by various developmental and sensory needs. By understanding its causes and providing safe alternatives, adults can support healthy habits and ensure a child's well-being.
