1 year old putting stones in mouth - How can I stop her?

[Lilyfairy]

My little girl has been walking for a number of weeks now and I'm now at a stage where I'll let her come out into the garden with me while I put the washing out, do a little bit of gardening etc. The thing is though, I can't take my eyes off her for a second because she seems to have a bit of an obsession with stones! As soon as we go outside she scours the paths, borders and pots looking for stones or pebbles to carry around and then (when I'm not looking) shove into her mouth! I then have to create a bit of a fuss (which I realise might encourage her to do it again) so I can get her to eject it. I keep telling her no in a stern voice and taking them away from her but this makes little difference. She just seems more keen to do it again.

It's a real shame because I'm now at a stage where I'm fearful of taking her out with me when I'm doing little jobs or even letting her have some free play because of this.

If it was a behaviour I could just ignore, I feel that would be the best strategy (because I'm sure the negative attention I give her for doing it just fuels her desire) but I can't as it's a real choking hazard and something I can't just leave.

Any ideas/sharing of similar experiences & successful strategies would be appreciated..

Many thanks.

She'll grow out of it soon. In the meantime I would just keep doing what you are doing, maybe try and intercept before the stones enter her mouth and say "we don't eat stones" or similar.

You may have to put the little outside jobs on hold for the moment, or wait till her nap time!

I gave up. . By 8-9 months baby knew not to swallow & I just fished them out periodically. No harm done.

Mine started doing this at a first birthday party . None of the others did. From then constant battle.
I think its cause mine loves food.
Even at nearly 2 she keeps putting things in her mouth (conifer seeds for example) now much harder to get out -teeth.

Mine did this too! She was obsessed with pebbles, I suppose they feel cold and nice and smooth in their mouth, so very interesting to babies.

Mine stopped when she accidentally put a clump of dried bird poo in her mouth instead - freaked me out completely and made her realise that not all stones are the same.

I took her to the GP in case she might get some hideous bird-related disease but she was fine. It did seem to stop the pebble obsession though I don't recommend this as a cure of course, perhaps taking some of her toys that she likes outside with her would help? Or get her to help you wash some pebbles and then she can just mouth the clean ones?

Sounds silly but I guess she likes the texture? Sometimes it can be a sign of a mineral deficiency but in that age I suspect not.

I would give her something to play with when outside eg set up a water table or something for her while you do chores.