A–Z Glossary

Oral exploration

Oral exploration is a normal early-childhood behavior in which babies and toddlers investigate objects by putting them in their mouths.

← Back to A–Z Glossary

Search results for: Oral exploration

Safe toys for babies

Safe toys for babies

Why toy safety changes so quickly in infancy Babies do not use toys in the way adults expect. A newborn may briefly track a high-contrast object, while an older infant may grasp, shake, bang, throw, pull, crawl toward, and mouth the same object. Oral exploration is developmentally normal, but it means every accessible surface and […]

Choosing art supplies that match a child’s age and skill level

Choosing art supplies that match a child’s age and skill level

Start with developmental readiness, not just age Age recommendations on art materials are important because they reflect predictable patterns in children’s behavior: mouthing objects, immature hand control, impulsive actions, short attention span, and limited understanding of hazards. However, chronological age is only one part of the decision. A 5-year-old with strong scissor control may safely […]