Why Does My Toddler Chew on a Blanket?

Chewing on non-food items can be baffling for many parents. For instance, you might have seen your young child chews a favorite blanket or the sleeves of their shirt with an intensity that rivals snack time.

But before you panic, here’s the good news: in many cases, it’s not a big deal. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why does my toddler chew on a blanket?” or “Why does my one-year-old chews his shirt collars?”, then this article is for you.

Table of Contents

• Transitional Objects and the Sense of Security
• Identifying Red Flags: When Should You Be Concerned About Chewing?
• Sensory Input and the Role of Proprioception
• Unraveling Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
• Chewing: A Matter of Oral Fixation?
• When Chewing Becomes a Bigger Problem
• Addressing Your Child’s Chewing Needs
  • Safe Alternatives
  • Crunchy Foods and Chewy Foods
  • Deep Pressure and Heavy Work Activities
  • The Role of Routine
  • Positive Reinforcements
• More on Toddler Development

Transitional Objects and the Sense of Security

For many children, the blanket is more than just a warm, soft cloth. Often, young children form an emotional bond with their “security blanket” or other security objects like soft toys. These items provide them with a sense of security and familiarity, helping them cope with stress or anxiety.

The security blanket may become an integral part of sleep cycles and daily routines, providing a measure of comfort and security for your little one. In fact, the blanket might even hold a special place in their heart as a beloved companion during early childhood.

Transitional objects, such as blankets or soft toys, often change in importance as a child grows older. For a two-year-old, the blanket might be a constant companion. But for older children, the blanket might be replaced by other items or activities, such as sports, hobbies, or friendships. However, for some children, especially those with special needs, a transitional object might remain an important part of their daily life for a longer period.

Identifying Red Flags: When Should You Be Concerned About Chewing?

While it’s important to remember that each child is unique and develops at their own pace, there are some general age guidelines that might help to indicate when chewing behavior could be a potential concern.

In infants and young toddlers, chewing is usually associated with the teething process, which typically begins around 6 months and can continue until around 3 years of age. It’s normal for babies and toddlers to explore their world orally during this time, so if your child is in this age group and is chewing on things, there’s likely no need to worry.

From ages 3 to 7, many children begin to develop better motor skills and often decrease the habit of putting objects in their mouth. If your child continues to have a strong urge to chew on non-food items beyond this age and it starts to interfere with their social interactions or daily routines, it could potentially be a sign of sensory processing disorder (SPD) or other developmental disabilities.

It’s also crucial to consider other associated behaviors. If your child displays symptoms such as difficulty with changes in routine, overly sensitive to certain textures or sounds, or is delayed in achieving other developmental milestones along with excessive chewing, it might be a good idea to consult with a pediatric occupational therapist for a comprehensive assessment.

As always, if you have any concerns about your child’s behavior, it’s always a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional. They can provide guidance and if necessary, refer you to specialists who can help.

Always remember, there’s a wide range of normal when it comes to children’s behavior. Keep an eye out for your child’s habits, and there’s help available if you need it!

Sensory Input and the Role of Proprioception

The world is an exciting sensory extravaganza for young children. For some, their little blankets or the favorite soft toy becomes an outlet for sensory exploration. This is where the term “proprioceptive input” comes in.

Proprioception refers to our sense of body awareness, our understanding of how and where our bodies exist in space. Chewing provides proprioceptive input, a kind of sensory information that helps children understand their bodies better. 

Some children might be seeking extra proprioceptive input by chewing. Pediatric occupational therapists often call these activities involving the mouth “oral sensory input.”

Unraveling Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

Sometimes, a child chews on non-edible objects more than usual. This could be an indicator of sensory processing difficulties or sensory processing disorder (SPD). Children with SPD, including those on the autism spectrum or with developmental disabilities, might chew on objects to cope with their sensory issues.

For these children, chewing can be a form of sensory stimulation that calms their nervous systems. Non-food items like chew toys, chewable jewelry, or chewy tubes can provide this calming effect. Even older kids and high school students may chew on their shirt sleeves or chew bracelets for sensory input.

Chewing behavior in infants and young toddlers can often be attributed to teething, so if your child is still young consider this before jumping to SPD. The discomfort of new teeth coming in can lead them to chew on objects, their fingers, or even their sleeves. Offering teething toys or cold chewables can help soothe their gums and provide relief.

Chewing: A Matter of Oral Fixation?

If you’ve noticed your child chews a muslin cloth or their little hands even when they are not hungry, this could be due to an oral fixation. According to some pediatric occupational therapists, the repetitive movement of chewing can be soothing and act as a stress reliever in times of stress or anxiety. 

However, if your child is still in the baby or toddler stage then teething could be the cause. The pressure from chewing can soothe the discomfort of new teeth coming in. However, if your older toddler or child continues to chew on items even when they are not hungry and teething is no longer a factor, this could indicate an oral fixation. According to some pediatric occupational therapists, the repetitive movement of chewing can be soothing and act as a stress reliever in times of stress or anxiety.

When Chewing Becomes a Bigger Problem

While chewing on a security blanket or a soft toy is normal for many toddlers, it can occasionally signal a bigger problem. If the chewing behavior persists beyond the toddler years, or if the child chews on objects that could be a choking hazard, it’s a good idea to seek medical advice. Understanding the age-appropriate norms for chewing can help you better manage your child’s behavior.

While it’s common to see a year-old child chewing on objects, the behavior may cause concern when seen in older children. One of the first things to note is that chewing in older children doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem. Just like younger kids, they might be using chewing as a way to focus or cope with stress. However, if it becomes a source of negative attention or begins to interfere with their social or academic life, it might be worth investigating further.

When attempting to understand your child’s chewing habit, identifying the underlying cause is vital. It could be as simple as needing more sensory input, experiencing stress, or a desire for comfort. Whatever the reason, understanding what drives the behavior can help you, and potentially a professional, devise an effective strategy to manage it.

Addressing Your Child’s Chewing Needs

Now that we understand some reasons behind the behavior, how can we help children who chew? A pediatric dentist can help rule out any medical issue with the teeth, especially if permanent teeth are coming in. An occupational therapist could be a great option, too. They can offer a “sensory diet” – a set of activities designed to provide the sensory stimulation that a child needs.

Occupational therapy can be a game-changer for children with special needs who have a high propensity for chewing. Occupational therapists use various strategies and tools, including stress balls and chewable jewelry, to provide the needed oral sensory input in safer and more socially acceptable ways. This therapeutic intervention might be just what your child needs to cope with their chewing habit effectively.

It’s also important to celebrate progress, no matter how small. If your child manages to go an entire day without chewing on their shirt sleeves or has begun to use a chew toy instead of their comfort blanket, that’s a huge win! These little victories not only encourage your child but also remind you that you’re doing a great job as a parent.

Safe Alternatives

If your child loves chewing, chew necklaces or chewable fidgets might be a great option for them. These are designed to meet their sensory needs without the negative effects of chewing on potentially harmful objects. Make sure to choose products that are safe for young children to avoid any choking hazard.

In the case of older children who chew on things, strategies such as deep pressure activities and heavy work might not always be the most practical solution in every situation. In these cases, chewable jewelry or providing them with crunchy or chewy snacks can be a good alternative. Chewing gum under supervision can also serve as an outlet for the oral fixation in older children.

Crunchy Foods and Chewy Foods

Healthy eater or not, a snack time featuring chewy or crunchy foods can provide oral stimulation, satisfying your child’s chewing needs. So, it’s a good thing to include such foods in their diet.

For some children, their propensity to chew might extend to their eating habits as well. If your child insists on having much food or particularly enjoys crunchy or chewy foods, it could be due to their need for oral stimulation. However, it’s important to ensure that they have a balanced diet and not only favor food that provides this stimulation.

Deep Pressure and Heavy Work Activities

Deep pressure and heavy work activities provide proprioceptive input that can help children regulate their sensory needs. Activities like pushing a heavy cart or deep breathing can give children the same sensory information they seek from chewing.

The Role of Routine

Establishing daily routines can reduce anxiety levels and lessen the need for the sense of security provided by chewing. Having a new baby in the house, for instance, can disrupt routines and increase a child’s need for comfort.

Sometimes, a child may resort to behaviors like chewing, or thumb sucking, to garner attention. The easiest way to deal with this is by avoiding giving the child much negative attention for the behavior. Instead, use simple reminders and redirection techniques. Show them that they can receive positive attention by demonstrating appropriate behaviors.

Positive Reinforcements

Lastly, positive reinforcement can be a powerful tool. If the child stops chewing when given a simple reminder or switches from a security blanket to chew toys, applaud their efforts. Good luck with this approach – remember, you’re aiming for progress, not perfection.

As with many aspects of child development, understanding and addressing your child’s chewing behavior may take time. It’s essential to remain patient and supportive during this process. Just like any other behavior, it might take a while for your child to transition away from non-edible objects to safer alternatives, or to cope with the underlying causes of their need to chew.

If you find your toddler chewing on their comfort blanket, don’t go cold turkey. Recognize this as a passing phase that’s part of their growth. With time, patience, and the right strategies, your child will outgrow this behavior. However, if the chewing persists or if it’s causing significant distress or potential harm, don’t hesitate to consult with a children’s hospital or a pediatric occupational therapist for professional advice. Always remember, every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another.

Chewing might seem like a serious problem, but often, it’s just a part of how your child interacts with the world. And who knows, maybe one day, you’ll miss seeing those little teeth marks on their old blankets. So, while you help your child navigate through this phase, take a deep breath, and don’t forget to celebrate the amazing, unique little person they are becoming.

Lastly, remember that you’re not alone in this journey. There’s a community of parents out there who are navigating similar challenges with their children. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them for advice or shared experiences. And most importantly, know that it’s perfectly fine to seek help from professionals like pediatric occupational therapists or dentists if you’re concerned about your child’s chewing habits. After all, your child’s well-being is what matters the most.

More on Toddler Development

We hope our article helped you to understand why does a toddler chew on a blanket, and feel reassured. Check out some more toddler and child development topics that might be helpful too

• Signs and Symptoms of Teething For a Toddler
• At What Age Do Most Kids Say Their First Words?
• 6 Fun Ways to Teach Your Toddler Numbers 
• 3 Easy Ways To Set Your Toddler Up For A Good Night’s Sleep

Signs and Symptoms of Teething For a Toddler