Are you struggling with your child regularly putting non-food items into their mouth? Maybe it’s paper, stones, dirt, hair, puzzles or soil. If so, you’re not alone. While this kind of behaviour can feel confusing or worrying, it’s something many children do at different stages—and it often has reasons behind it. 

When a child consistently mouths or eats things that aren’t food, it’s known as pica. It might be part of a developmental stage, linked to sensory needs or preferences, or a sign that your child is trying to communicate something such as a nutritional deficiency. Pica is more common in children with additional needs, including those who are autistic.

Many babies and toddlers naturally explore the world by mouthing things (and it can feel really stressful when they do!), but pica goes beyond this typical phase. It might continue into early childhood, reappear later, or persist over time.

Why Do Some Children Mouth or Eat Non-Food Items?

Here are some common reasons behind pica:

There are lots of possible reasons a child might engage in pica, and often they aren’t random. Your child may be trying to regulate their body, communicate a feeling, or meet a need they can’t yet put into words.

Seeking attention

If the behaviour results in a big adult reaction, it may be repeated to get connection—even if the response is negative.

Sensory input

Some children are drawn to certain textures, tastes or crunchiness. Mouthing or chewing can provide calming or stimulating sensations.

Exploration or curiosity

Young children may simply not know the difference between edible and inedible items yet.

Communication

If a child has limited speech, pica might be a way of showing they are in pain, stressed, or overwhelmed.

Emotional regulation

Mouthing can be soothing and may help some children manage anxiety, frustration, or boredom.

Medical needs

In some cases, pica is linked to nutritional deficiencies, such as low iron or zinc, or undiagnosed pain (like dental issues or tummy discomfort).

Avoiding demands

If a task feels too hard or stressful, pica might become a way of escaping or distracting from it.

Is Pica dangerous?

Not all pica is dangerous. Some children may only mouth items occasionally without swallowing, or they may ingest things that are able to pass through the body safely—even if they aren’t technically food. However, it’s always best to try to understand the behaviour, and to keep your child safe which may mean reaching out for support from a healthcare professional via your GP. 

Depending on the circumstances, and what is being eaten, Pica can sometimes pose health risks including: 

• Infections or illness from dirty or toxic items
• Choking
• Stomach or bowel blockages (if eaten substances are not digested they can form masses)
• Exposure to harmful substances
• Damage to teeth

What can you do?

Support generally starts with asking questions and getting a better understanding of the situation in general. A couple of questions to ask yourself include:  

What need might this behaviour be meeting? 

What is my child trying to communicate?

Pica is generally a signal that something is going on under the surface. And when we shift our lens from “challenging behaviour” to “communicative behaviour,” we get closer to finding solutions that may actually work.

When we ask why a behaviour is happening before we ask how to stop it, we build trust with our child, hopefully reducing some of the frustration and then choose strategies to create more positive, safe ways for them to get what they’re seeking. Think about it as a signal that needs listening to. 

Here are some suggestions to get you thinking: 

Consider nutritional deficiencies 

One of the main reasons for pica are deficiencies of nutrients, leading to the eating of non food items. 

Suggestion: Request a blood test from the GP to check iron and zinc levels. If these are low they can be corrected with supplements. 

Sensory needs

Your child may be seeking a specific texture, taste, temperature or crunch. Some children find chewing calming, others crave strong flavours or unusual sensations. Pica may offer:

• Oral stimulation (like chewing or crunching)
• Comfort through pressure or texture
• Relief from boredom or under stimulation

Suggestion: Try offering safe alternatives that match the sensory experience, for example a chewy bracelet instead of a shirt sleeve, crunchy food instead of pebbles. In reality it can be difficult to replicate a sensory need but there are lots of different options to try. Think, trial and error! 

Communicating a need

If your child has difficulty using words, spoken or non-verbal, they may be using pica to express discomfort, confusion, or distress.Suggestion: Pica might be your child’s way of saying: “I’m hungry”, “I’m anxious”, “My mouth hurts”, “I don’t know what to do”, or “This is too much.” Keeping a diary can help you to recognise any patterns or pick up on certain situations where the behaviour occurs.

Seeking out regulation

Some children use mouthing or eating as a way of regulating themselves when they’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or tired. The repetitive motion or intense input may help with feeling calm. 

Suggestion: Finding ways to help your child to regulate in other ways can be helpful. Please be mindful that every child is different—some suggestions may be helpful, while others might cause distress if they aren’t suited to your child’s preferences.

Quiet sensory corners or tents – A safe, enclosed space with comforting items offers a reset when things get too much.

Weighted blankets, shoulder or lap pads – Provide deep pressure that can reduce stress and overwhelm.

Chewable items such as jewellery or toys – Offer oral sensory input in a safe, appropriate way.

Fidget toys or stress balls – Give hands something to do and help redirect energy and attention.

Noise-cancelling headphones – Reduce overwhelming sound input and create a calmer environment.

Visual timers or schedules – Add predictability and reduce anxiety around transitions.

Soft, dim lighting – Avoid harsh lights that may overstimulate.

Gentle movement breaks – Rocking, swinging, or stretching can calm the nervous system.

Scented items – A calming smell can soothe and provide comfort. 

Breathing exercises or bubbles – Slow, deep breathing can help the body shift from “fight or flight” into calm

Finally…

Finally, if you are worried about your child mouthing or eating non-food items, you’re not doing anything wrong. This behaviour is more common than you might think—especially in neurodivergent children who are trying to navigate things like heightened sensory sensitivities, unpredictable environments, and the demands of a neurotypical world on a daily basis. 

With understanding, gentle strategies, and the right support, most children can move away from unsafe mouthing and find other ways to meet their needs.

And most importantly: you’re not alone.

If you’d like more information or personalised guidance, you can reach out to me through my Instagram page (@TheEarlyYearsDietitian) or my website. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey, and there are ways to make mealtimes a positive experience for your child.