Toddlers are natural explorers, constantly learning about the world around them through their senses, including taste. However, it's important to teach them about the distinction between edible and non-edible items to ensure their safety and well-being. By approaching this topic with respect and understanding, we can guide toddlers towards making healthy choices and avoiding putting dangerous objects in their mouths. In this blog post, we will explore effective strategies for respectfully teaching toddlers not to eat non-food items or put dangerous things in their mouths.
Create a Safe Environment:
Start by creating a safe environment that minimizes access to non-food items and potential hazards. Keep small objects, cleaning supplies, and other dangerous items out of reach. This reduces the risk of toddlers encountering items that may pose a choking hazard or harm their health. Fill their space with toys that are okay to mouth. When possible, avoid toys made with harmful chemicals. I know that natural wooden, felt or wool toys are more expensive than plastic ones, but I bought almost all of my daughter's natural toys secondhand. It made me feel safe knowing she was gnawing on wooden toys rather than getting microplastics into her from plastic toys. Try to avoid stuffed toys with buttons for eyeballs and get toys that are solid pieces that are hard to break.
Offer Safe Alternatives:
Provide toddlers with a variety of safe and age-appropriate toys, teethers, and objects that are specifically designed for chewing and exploration. Freezing teethers can be a great way to entice your toddler to chew on those instead. Having alternatives readily available helps redirect their attention away from non-food items and satisfies their natural urge to explore and engage with their mouths. You might also check if your child is hungry. If they are putting lots of things in their mouth, they may want a snack. In some cases, bloodwork might be needed to test if your child is low on an important vitamin. Pica is when someone eats nonfood items. You might bring this up with your pediatrician if it seems they are putting things in their mouth beyond just a need to explore the item.
Supervise and Engage:
Active supervision is crucial during the toddler years. Be present and attentive when your child is playing or exploring. Engage with them, offering positive reinforcement when they choose safe options or make healthy decisions. This not only encourages positive behavior but also strengthens your bond with your child.
Explain and Educate:
Toddlers are capable of understanding simple explanations. Use age-appropriate language to explain why certain items are not safe to put in their mouths. Emphasize the potential dangers and consequences without using scare tactics. Encourage curiosity and exploration, but also help them understand the boundaries and limitations for their own safety.
Redirection and Distraction:
When you notice your toddler reaching for a non-food item or a potentially dangerous object, gently redirect their attention to a safe and engaging activity. Offer a toy, engage them in interactive play, or initiate a fun game to divert their focus away from the object of concern. Redirecting their energy and curiosity helps reinforce positive behavior.
Consistency and Repetition:
Consistency is key when teaching toddlers about safe choices. Reinforce the message on a regular basis, reminding them not to put non-food items or dangerous objects in their mouths. Use simple and clear language that they can understand and repeat the message regularly. The phrase we use is "no mouth." When possible, we tell our daughter what to do instead of telling her what not to do. For example, "touch only," "look only," or "smell it." But if there is not an action she should be doing instead then we use "no mouth" to stop her from putting an object in her mouth. Over time, this repetition will help establish a stronger understanding of the boundaries.
Model and Lead by Example:
Children learn by observing the behavior of the adults around them. Be mindful of your own actions and habits. Avoid putting non-food items in your mouth and demonstrate healthy behaviors. Remember that subtle actions like pretending to eat the play food might be difficult for your child to understand at this age. It's best to not even pretend to put something in your mouth unless you're okay with them putting it in their mouth for real. When my daughter hands me some play food, I go yum but do not pretend to eat it. This can change once your child is older and able to understand the concept of pretending. But modeling the correct behavior is key at this age. This sets a positive example and reinforces the message that certain objects are not meant to be eaten.
Celebrate Healthy Choices:
Celebrate and acknowledge your toddler's healthy choices. Praise them for choosing safe options and making good decisions. Use praise words that put the focus on their internal behavior, "You did it" and "You made a good choice." We want the motivation to be self-focused and not focused on parent approval. Positive reinforcement and encouragement play a vital role in teaching toddlers to make healthy choices and respecting their own well-being.
Teaching toddlers not to eat non-food items or put dangerous objects in their mouths is an ongoing process that requires patience, vigilance, and empathy. By practicing these techniques, we can respectfully guide our toddlers towards making safe and healthy decisions. Remember, the goal is to empower our toddlers to explore their world while also prioritizing their safety and well-being. Let's nurture their curiosity while gently steering them towards positive and healthy explorations.
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