How to Stop Toddlers From Chewing on Everything

Ever since my son was a baby, he has been a chewer. Sure, most babies go through a phase of putting non-food items in their mouth (this often is a sign of teething - here are some great teething remedies), but my son took it to the next level. As a baby, he would constantly chew on his pacifiers and hands. As he has gotten older, his affinity to have something in his mouth constantly has evolved into him nibbling on his shirt, his backpack strap, or a random toy he finds around the house. What can you do to stop toddlers from chewing their fingers? Read on!

Why does my toddler chew on everything?

Kids chew for a variety of reasons, but typically, they are seeking sensory output that they aren’t getting otherwise. If you have a school-aged child who chews and you are sick of asking your little one to “stop chewing ___”, this article is for you!

5 Ways to Stop Toddlers From Chewing on Everything

We’ve listed some wonderful options you can implement today to help your child get the sensory output they're craving in a more acceptable and sanitary way.

1. Chewable Jewelry: AKA “Chewelry”

Chewable jewelry is exactly what it sounds like: chewable necklaces and bracelets that safely satisfy a child’s need to chew. There are all types of options for both boys and girls and aside from looking cute, kids can chew the item whenever the urge strikes. A quick Google search offers many ideas, but Amazon has some of my favorites.

2. Chew Tubes

Chew Tubes are fantastic because they offer a resilient chewable surface that holds up extremely well. They are safe and can be used to help redirect problem chewing behaviors and to strengthen the jaw.

3. Pencil Toppers

Pencil toppers are a fantastic choice for students who chew pencils and/or pens! These toppers typically fit any number 2 pencil and are often times socially acceptable – a big win for school-aged kids.

4. Gum

It sounds so simple, but offering gum to my child when he is in a chewy mood has been a game-changer. I understand that not all parents want their children to have gum, so only offer it if it aligns with your parenting philosophy! My 6-year-old son often needs to chew but doesn’t want to chew anything that looks “different,” for fear of being picked on. I buy him sugar-free mint gum and give him a piece whenever he asks.

5. Straws

Again, offering a straw to chew on has been a huge parenting win for my husband and me. Whether we are out for a meal, driving through a coffee shop, or just hanging out at home, straws are pretty readily available and cheap. While not the most environmentally friendly option, I only use this option in a pinch.

How to Stop Toddler Chewing Fingers? Give Them Alternatives

As you can see, one of the best ways to help stop your toddler chewing fingers is to give them alternatives. Eventually, your child will grow out of this habit, and giving them better options is a great way to help ease this transition.

Schedule Your Child’s Care Assessment Today

At Care Options for Kids, we understand the unique challenges of caring for a child with health conditions. Our dedicated team of pediatric home health nurses is here to support your family with compassionate, expert care tailored to your child’s needs. Contact us today to schedule an assessment and learn how we can help you navigate this journey with confidence and care.

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This post is for educational and informational purposes only. You should always speak with your own therapist before implementing this information on your own.