My 3-year-old puts everything in her mouth, is this normal?

I don't notice other children her age doing this. She chews up all of her toys, books, everything that she puts her hands on ends up in her mouth. She has even chipped the edge of her front tooth because of this.

Should I be concerned ?

Answers:
I am a pediatric RN and also have a 3 year old,usually toddlers of this age do not put everything in their mouth since they have found other ways to explore their world. depends on if you should be concerned though. if she seems totally apporopriate in other areas like speech motor skills and intelligence then i wouldnt worry so much. She is probably just looking for attention..she knows you get stressed about this behavior and it probably warrants a reaction from you??? try not fussing about it and see what happens...also if she seems delayed in any of the above areas I would ask your peditrician for an opinion...

Other Answers:
becareful but to get her sucking on a pacifier youll never break it then

Lots of toddlers do, yes you have to keep pulling things out of her mouth until she gets it. nope its normal for some kids to do this

dont worry, ever see adults chew on pen caps and fingernails

same thing

It's not usually the case at 3 years old, but don't worry, I started sucking my thumb and biting my cuticles at 3. She is either stressed about something or is lacking some nutrients. Change her diet for the better and keep her occupied and busy... Sign her up for activities, she'll be too busy to bite. it is a oral fixation! No I'm not kidding~
Source(s):
I have an Oral Fixation

Babies 'feel' things with their mouth at first. It is a very instinctual action.
In time they start using their hands more.

Your baby is teething, you should be buying teething toys for it.
These toys DON'T damage its teeth. Buy em! NOW!

Being concerned is part of being a parent. My son at that age was the same way. Everything he picked up went into his mouth. That's just something they do at that age. I would have the chipped tooth checked out, so it won't cause problems later when the permanent teeth become to come in. It's not uncommon for a child of that age to put things in their mouth. dont be concerned my psychology professor said its normal... going through the oral stage

I don't think it is normal for 3 year olds. I was recently employed at a day care and I was the 3 year old teacher. I didn't have this problem ever. I also have 3 children and they stopped at about 2. Check w/ your pediatrician.

if my memory serves me correctly, a child goes thourgh this stage to experiement thier enviroment and this is usually the best way they can express it. it should taper off about 4 as they begin to express theirselves more vocally, and intellectually.

shes probably teething buy some rubber mouthed sippy cups and with a firm but loving tone tole her not to choow anything alse
Source(s):
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muscleguy242002@yahoo.com if you use messanger, message me at muscleguy242002

Nope....my 8 yr old niece is still putting everything in her mouth...lol Hasn't killed her yet, don't expect it to any time soon. this is not normal

I would check with the pediatrician, who might recommend an early childhood psychologist. It might be nothing but best to check it out sooner than later.

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My 3-year-old puts everything in her mouth, is this normal?

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