Oral fixation - 14 month old

[SamJTony]

I’ve written quite a few posts on my worries about my sons development so I won’t go over old ground. Today when I picked up my son from nursery, his key workers mentioned their concerns over the fact that he puts everything into his mouth. And I mean everything. Toys, non toys, it makes no difference. Quite often he will crawl around with something hanging out of his mouth. If I give him a spoon in an attempt for him to feed himself he just forgets about the food and chews the spoon. He also chews his fingers and hands, the nursery particularly expressed their concerns about just how far he shoves his hands in. I don’t think it’s necessarily teething related as it has been going on for so long and now just seems to be a habit or an obsession that I just can’t break. He will sometimes play with toys normally, usually his toy cars or his balls, but everything else just gets chewed to death. Anyone else had any experience of this and know what it might mean?

14 months old? I would say this is normal 🤷🏼‍♀️

I remember your previous threads and I'd say at this point you really need to seek some help for your own anxieties.

Every single thread you have started has been met with countless people saying your son sounds completely NT, but then a couple of months go by and here you are again. Your doctor, HV, and paediatrician have no concerns. Stop googling and listen to the professionals.

In terms of this "oral fixation" it sounds normal - probably teething. Any concerns see one of the aforementioned medical professionals.

DS is 16 months and does the same.

I’m pretty sure at 14 months that sounds normal. If he’s still doing it as much at 2, then I’d be a bit concerned that he had some sensory issues, but it’s normal behavior in many children up to about the age of 3.

Is he not teething?

Did they mention their concerns or did they just mention it. It’s not the same thing.

Completely normal for a 14 month old.

Thanks everyone for your replies. @PotteringAlong - Yes they specifically mentioned their concerns, mostly from a safety perspective but also that they’d never seen a child seem so fixated on doing it. I know children put things in their mouth, but he does it a lot! He even chews the metal handle on the fridge! @DivGirl I am seeking help for my anxiety and post natal depression, but when things like this happen, it does feel like a setback. I am listening to the professionals, or trying to, but it’s hard to ignore that feeling that something isn’t quite right.

My daughter had everything in her mouth at 14 months, it’s perfectly normal.. I used to chuckle that she was like a dog, crawling around with a toy hanging out her mouth. It’s just one of their ways of exploring the world! And kids teeth past two years old, so you can’t rule that out either! The molars are horrible ones to get through! My daughter only just got the full set at 2.5!

As for chewing metal.. I actually posted about this the other day. My daughter is obsessed with chewing metal still & always has. Keys, spoons, zips, buttons on coats! I find it a bit peculiar, she really is quite obsessed with metal! But she’s otherwise a happy, healthy, confident toddler who is meeting and surpassing her milestones so I assume she just likes the taste! She has no sensory issues, she’s just a regular two year old who enjoys chomping on keys apparently! I think it’s comfort ..

Please just try to enjoy your child. You’ll miss out on just being mum to your child if all you think about is what’s wrong with them. At 14 months, you won’t get a diagnosis of anything. So it’s pointless. Just be a mum, give your child a happy life and if anything presents itself later in life, it’ll get sorted at school age. You can’t change anything now & it won’t change who your child is. You’ll love them regardless. Chances are he’s totally fine. Kids develop at their own pace.

The not for under threes badges are because all children under 3 put things in their mouth all the time.

Chewing things at 14mths seems 100% normal.

My eldest is almost 6 (that's 6 years) and still puts stuff in her mouth 😩

Hi @SamJTony how is your little one now?

Gosh when my DD was 2 she used to have everything in her mouth & had an awful habit of licking everything, doors, floors you name it! Kids are weird.

@Topjoe19 aww gosh, when did she grow out of it?

I can't remember honestly, maybe she licked something disgusting & thought better of it 😅 Do you have a concern about your DC?

It sounds like you’re going through a challenging time with your son's behavior. It's not uncommon for young children to explore the world through their mouths, but given the intensity and duration of your son's habit, it might be worth discussing with a pediatrician. In the meantime, try offering safe, teething toys or sensory chew toys specifically designed for mouthing, which might help redirect his habit. Stay patient and supportive, as these behaviors can take time to modify.