It is clear that any parent will tell you that as soon as Babies and Toddlers discover thier hands everything goes in the mouth, from stones to dog pellets to garden soil and more.This practice called mouthing is essential for strenghtening your child's immune system.

Babies start placing thier fingers in their mouth at 3 to 4 months and nothing is more natural.

Since the mouth has tactile receptors it is used to explore the qualities of not only objects, but toys and any foodstuff.By exploring an object with its tongue,lips,teeth and jaw ,your baby is able to  discern more about its taste,weight,textures,shape and size.If you suspect your child has swallowed something toxic , contact your nearest poision information centre as soon as possible.

When to Worry

The only time when to worry is if there is a health risk of choking or poisen.Apparently most choking appears between 5 and 18 Months of age.Help your baby to understand what is alright to put in his/her mouth or not.

Plants to avoid are Azaleas,Hydrangeas,Daffodil Bulbs,Cliveas,Lillies of the Valley.

Red Cross Hospital : 021 689 5227

Tygerberg Hospital:  021 931 6129

Unitas Hospital Pretoria: 0800 1112229