When babies are born, they have an automatic response to suck, allowing them to feed. Considered their first oral-motor skill, sucking also strengthens the muscles in the mouth and jaw, building toward biting, crunching, chewing, and licking. 

Kids who rely on sucking or chewing to focus or calm themselves may seek to do this on inedible objects, like pens/pencils or shirt sleeves/collars. If this is the case for your child, try this super tasty tip to provide more appropriate alternatives for chewers and suckers.

Continue reading →