Picture this: You’re grocery shopping with your child, and they are happily riding along in the front of the cart. One minute, you’re reaching for a can of carrots, and the next, you are gasping in horror as your kiddo has bent down over the metal handle and licked it. What in the world are you doing?!, you think, as you try not to gag at the thought of an army of germs entering your child’s system.
While pretty gross to adults, doing impulsive, sensory-exploring behaviors like this is not uncommon for children. It is one of the many ways they explore the world. And while we, as parents, don’t like it, it’s a part of the growing process, and especially common in children from 6 months to up to even 4 years old. And while you can’t totally eliminate this kind of behavior in your child, you can do your best to understand it and take steps to prevent it from occurring as often.
Why Do Kids Lick Things?
Kids don’t go around licking things to freak you out—they do it simply to explore their world more thoroughly. In fact, children who put things in their mouths, especially as babies, are on the exact right track developmentally. This is because the mouth has a multitude of receptors that tell the baby more about the object that they are handling. Mouthing provides a means of discovering texture, taste, smell, shape, and size, which leads to better sensory tolerance and the oral motor control needed for activities like healthy feeding and eventually the formation of words. Often, older kids may stick things in their mouths out of a need for sensory input. This can provide them with a sense of comfort or even help them focus better.
Germs 101: What Are They and How Are They Spread?
So now you understand why your kid is sticking things in their mouth, but isn’t that unhygienic? Well, simply put—yes, it is. Unfortunately, most kids under the age of 6 will get a cold at least six to eight times per year due to these exploratory habits and because their little immune systems are not quite fully formed yet.
Germs are everywhere in our environment, and the term “germs” refers to any organism that can cause an infection. This includes microscopic bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa that can cause disease. Germs can be easily spread by common activities like touching dirty hands, changing dirty diapers, and then not washing your hands properly; ingesting contaminated water and food, through inhaling droplets in the air released during a cough or sneeze, by touching contaminated surfaces, and through contact with a sick person’s body fluids.
Is Licking Dangerous? Risk vs. Reality
It seems very scary for your kid to be going around licking things or sticking them in their mouth, especially since you can’t watch them 24/7 to try and prevent them from doing it. While catching viruses or ingesting bacteria can make your child ill, this behavior is a normal part of growing up. As gross as it may seem to you now, you were likely once doing this as a child, too! Generally, this behavior is low-risk to your child’s overall health, and there is some research to suggest that some exposure to certain germs may even have a positive effect on a child’s immune system. This idea is known as the hygiene hypothesis, which has been around for over 30 years. It suggests that our immune systems, much like muscles, need to be strengthened and “tested” to function properly. By exposing children to a diverse range of microorganisms, their bodies learn what to fight off and what to ignore. It’s important to understand that this does not mean you should stop basic hygiene practices like handwashing or bathing. Instead, the hypothesis points to exposure to the natural world, such as playing outside or being around pets.
Practical Strategies for Parents
Although licking behavior may seem unstoppable, there are ways to reduce the risk of illness while you wait for your child to grow out of this particular stage. Teaching good hygiene is key, starting with proper handwashing for at least 20 seconds, ensuring they scrub their wrists, between their fingers, and under their nails. It is also important to disinfect frequently touched surfaces and toys, especially during periods of illness. To gently discourage the licking behavior, redirect your child with safe oral alternatives like teethers, chewy toys, or popsicles, which can be particularly helpful if the behavior is driven by sensory needs. Finally, model the behavior you want to see by washing your own hands before meals and after outings, and explain why you are doing it to reinforce these healthy habits.
When to Contact The Baton Rouge Clinic
While a child’s licking habits are often a normal part of their development, there are times when it’s appropriate to seek professional advice. We know you might be concerned, and while it’s easy to get hyper-focused on this behavior, we want to reassure you that licking incidents are common and usually manageable. Remember, healthy routines matter more than striving for perfection.
You should consider a consultation if your child is getting sick repeatedly, exhibits unusual licking behaviors that persist, or if you feel anxious about potential infections or sensory issues. Our clinic’s pediatric experts can offer guidance on developmental behavior, hygiene counseling, and infection prevention. We encourage you to reach out to our team for advice or to discuss your concerns during a well-child visit.
To schedule your appointment with us, give us a call or request an appointment online. We look forward to answering any questions you may have about every aspect of your child’s development and well-being.