Digestive

My Baby Eats Non-Food Items (Pica)

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician

Content reviewed against published AAP, Mayo Clinic, CDC guidelines

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Digestive issues are common in infants and toddlers. If your baby is experiencing eats non-food items (pica), here is what you need to know.

The short answer

It is completely normal for babies and young toddlers to explore by putting objects in their mouths. True pica, which is the persistent eating of non-food substances, is uncommon before age two and may be linked to iron deficiency or developmental factors. If your child repeatedly seeks out and eats non-food items past the typical mouthing stage, it is worth discussing with your pediatrician.

Key takeaways

  • It is completely normal for babies and young toddlers to explore by putting objects in their mouths. True pica, which is the persistent eating of non-food substances, is uncommon before age two and may be linked to iron deficiency or developmental factors. If your child repeatedly seeks out and eats non-food items past the typical mouthing stage, it is worth discussing with your pediatrician.
  • Usually normal when: Your baby under 18 months puts objects in their mouth to explore them but does not consistently swallow non-food items
  • Call your doctor if: Your child has eaten something potentially toxic such as batteries, magnets, cleaning products, or lead-based paint chips
  • Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“The biggest concern with vomiting is dehydration. Young children can become dehydrated quickly, so it's important to replace fluids. Offer small amounts of an oral rehydration solution frequently.”
— Vomiting in Children, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

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What Parents Should Know

According to AAP, Mayo Clinic, CDC guidelines, it is completely normal for babies and young toddlers to explore by putting objects in their mouths. True pica, which is the persistent eating of non-food substances, is uncommon before age two and may be linked to iron deficiency or developmental factors. If your child repeatedly seeks out and eats non-food items past the typical mouthing stage, it is worth discussing with your pediatrician. At 0-6 months, babies in this age range begin to explore the world through their mouths as part of normal oral-motor development. They will mouth toys, blankets, and anything within reach. This is not pica. However, always ensure small objects and toxic substances are kept out of reach, as choking and poisoning are the primary dangers at this age. It is generally considered normal when your baby under 18 months puts objects in their mouth to explore them but does not consistently swallow non-food items. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your child has eaten something potentially toxic such as batteries, magnets, cleaning products, or lead-based paint chips.

Sources: [1], [2], [3]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
Your baby under 18 months puts objects in their mouth to explore them but does not consistently swallow non-food items
Your child has eaten something potentially toxic such as batteries, magnets, cleaning products, or lead-based paint chips
Your baby occasionally tastes dirt, sand, or paper during outdoor play but is easily redirected
Your child is showing signs of a bowel obstruction including vomiting, abdominal distension, refusal to eat, or inability to pass stool after ingesting non-food material
Your toddler mouths toys or household objects but spits them out rather than eating them
Your child over 18 months repeatedly and deliberately eats non-food substances like dirt, clay, or paper despite redirection

By Age

What to expect by age

0-6 months

Babies in this age range begin to explore the world through their mouths as part of normal oral-motor development. They will mouth toys, blankets, and anything within reach. This is not pica. However, always ensure small objects and toxic substances are kept out of reach, as choking and poisoning are the primary dangers at this age.

6-12 months

As babies become mobile through crawling and cruising, they gain access to more objects on the floor and within reach. Mouthing intensifies during this period and is a healthy part of sensory exploration. Eating small amounts of dirt, paper, or similar items occasionally is normal and not typically harmful. Focus on babyproofing and removing hazardous items from the environment.

12-24 months

Most toddlers begin to distinguish between food and non-food items by about 18 months. Some continued mouthing is normal, but deliberately and repeatedly eating non-food substances like dirt, clay, paint chips, or chalk could indicate pica. This behavior is sometimes associated with iron-deficiency anemia or zinc deficiency, and your pediatrician may recommend a blood test to check.

24-36 months

By age two, most children have moved past the mouthing stage. If your child persistently seeks out and consumes non-food items at this age, it warrants medical evaluation. Pica in this age group can be associated with nutritional deficiencies, developmental differences, or sensory processing needs. Lead exposure is a particular concern if your child eats paint chips or soil near older buildings.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed eats non-food items (pica) and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if your child over 18 months repeatedly and deliberately eats non-food substances like dirt, clay, or paper despite redirection.
  • Mention if you suspect your child may have been eating paint chips, especially in homes built before 1978.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...
  • Your baby under 18 months puts objects in their mouth to explore them but does not consistently swallow non-food items
  • Your baby occasionally tastes dirt, sand, or paper during outdoor play but is easily redirected
  • Your toddler mouths toys or household objects but spits them out rather than eating them
Mention at your next visit when...
  • Your child over 18 months repeatedly and deliberately eats non-food substances like dirt, clay, or paper despite redirection
  • You suspect your child may have been eating paint chips, especially in homes built before 1978
  • Your child seems to crave specific non-food items and becomes upset when prevented from eating them
Act now when...
  • Your child has eaten something potentially toxic such as batteries, magnets, cleaning products, or lead-based paint chips
  • Your child is showing signs of a bowel obstruction including vomiting, abdominal distension, refusal to eat, or inability to pass stool after ingesting non-food material

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice eats non-food items (pica) — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that your baby under 18 months puts objects in their mouth to explore them but does not consistently swallow non-food items — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At 0-6 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
  • Keep your baby upright for 20-30 minutes after feeding. Note any patterns between feeds and symptoms.
  • While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your child has eaten something potentially toxic such as batteries, magnets, cleaning products, or lead-based paint chips.
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General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.

Frequently asked questions

Is eats non-food items (pica) normal?
It is completely normal for babies and young toddlers to explore by putting objects in their mouths. True pica, which is the persistent eating of non-food substances, is uncommon before age two and may be linked to iron deficiency or developmental factors. If your child repeatedly seeks out and eats non-food items past the typical mouthing stage, it is worth discussing with your pediatrician.
When should I call the doctor about eats non-food items (pica)?
Your child has eaten something potentially toxic such as batteries, magnets, cleaning products, or lead-based paint chips Your child is showing signs of a bowel obstruction including vomiting, abdominal distension, refusal to eat, or inability to pass stool after ingesting non-food material
When is eats non-food items (pica) normal?
Your baby under 18 months puts objects in their mouth to explore them but does not consistently swallow non-food items Your baby occasionally tastes dirt, sand, or paper during outdoor play but is easily redirected Your toddler mouths toys or household objects but spits them out rather than eating them
What causes eats non-food items (pica)?
It is completely normal for babies and young toddlers to explore by putting objects in their mouths. True pica, which is the persistent eating of non-food substances, is uncommon before age two and may be linked to iron deficiency or developmental factors. If your child repeatedly seeks out and eats non-food items past the typical mouthing stage, it is worth discussing with your pediatrician. Common explanations include: Your baby under 18 months puts objects in their mouth to explore them but does not consistently swallow non-food items. Your baby occasionally tastes dirt, sand, or paper during outdoor play but is easily redirected.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about eats non-food items (pica)?
You should mention eats non-food items (pica) at your next visit if: Your child over 18 months repeatedly and deliberately eats non-food substances like dirt, clay, or paper despite redirection. You suspect your child may have been eating paint chips, especially in homes built before 1978. Your child seems to crave specific non-food items and becomes upset when prevented from eating them.
Is eats non-food items (pica) normal at 0-6 months?
Babies in this age range begin to explore the world through their mouths as part of normal oral-motor development. They will mouth toys, blankets, and anything within reach. This is not pica. However, always ensure small objects and toxic substances are kept out of reach, as choking and poisoning are the primary dangers at this age.
Is eats non-food items (pica) normal at 6-12 months?
As babies become mobile through crawling and cruising, they gain access to more objects on the floor and within reach. Mouthing intensifies during this period and is a healthy part of sensory exploration. Eating small amounts of dirt, paper, or similar items occasionally is normal and not typically harmful. Focus on babyproofing and removing hazardous items from the environment.
Should I go to the ER for eats non-food items (pica)?
Seek emergency care if your child has eaten something potentially toxic such as batteries, magnets, cleaning products, or lead-based paint chips, or if your child is showing signs of a bowel obstruction including vomiting, abdominal distension, refusal to eat, or inability to pass stool after ingesting non-food material. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does eats non-food items (pica) go away on its own?
In many cases, eats non-food items (pica) resolves on its own, especially when your baby under 18 months puts objects in their mouth to explore them but does not consistently swallow non-food items. By 24-36 months, by age two, most children have moved past the mouthing stage. If your child persistently seeks out and consumes non-food items at this age, it warrants medical evaluation. Pica in this age group can be associated with nutritional deficiencies, developmental differences, or sensory processing needs. Lead exposure is a particular concern if your child eats paint chips or soil near older buildings.
AAPMAYO CLINICCDC

References

  1. [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Pica: Why Kids Eat Non-Food Items. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
  2. [2]Mayo Clinic. Pica - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic
  3. [3]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Lead Poisoning Prevention. CDC

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Baby Eats Non-Food Items (Pica).

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed eats non-food items (pica) and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if your child over 18 months repeatedly and deliberately eats non-food substances like dirt, clay, or paper despite redirection.
  • Mention if you suspect your child may have been eating paint chips, especially in homes built before 1978.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

Observations to share

  • Your child over 18 months repeatedly and deliberately eats non-food substances like dirt, clay, or paper despite redirection
  • You suspect your child may have been eating paint chips, especially in homes built before 1978
  • Your child seems to crave specific non-food items and becomes upset when prevented from eating them

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • Your child has eaten something potentially toxic such as batteries, magnets, cleaning products, or lead-based paint chips
  • Your child is showing signs of a bowel obstruction including vomiting, abdominal distension, refusal to eat, or inability to pass stool after ingesting non-food material

My notes

From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members

Related Resources

Poop Color GuideMedicine Dosage CalculatorBaby Tracker

Bottom line

Most cases of eats non-food items (pica) are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child has eaten something potentially toxic such as batteries, magnets, cleaning products, or lead-based paint chips.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

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