Normal?

BeachBabe22 · March 2014

My daughter is 18 months old and for a while she was over the phase of putting everything in her mouth. Now that it's warmer outside we play in the yard most days and it's pretty much her trying to put everything in her mouth. She loves to eat dirt and chalk and puts rocks into her mouth. She also ate a piece of dog food the other day and she's never done that before. One of my friends suggested that I get her iron levels checked because it sounds like it could be Pica then other people are saying that it's normal for kids her age to still be putting stuff in their mouth. I'm just worried about her getting sick or choking on a rock.

Does it seem normal for an 18 month old to be putting everything in her mouth and eating dirt and chalk?

brachysira · March 2014

My LO is 14 months. She was one of the mouthiest babies I have ever seen, and although she has toned it down a little, she still out-mouths most other babies. Babies mouth new objects more, so it's not surprising that outdoor objects are more appealing after a winter indoors. That doesn't mean that there can't be a deficiency, because eating dirt is definitely one sign of that. I would just make sure she's getting a nutritious diet and look for the novelty to wear off a bit as it warms up. If she seems focused on minerals or something or you start to feel like the behavior is ramping up even more, then you definitely should consult your doctor and see if an iron test is suggested. It's not too costly, so there's no reason not to except I guess the blood draw hurts a bit.

smileybabyboy · March 2014

DS is 18 months and isn't as bad as he was, but he still eats everything. Yesterday he kept taking bites out of his playdough. I think it's normal. If I don't say anything, sometime he stops.