My Baby Keeps Eating Paper and Cardboard
Medically reviewed by Dr. Rachel Kim, MD, RDN · Pediatric Nutrition Specialist
Content reviewed against published AAP, NIH guidelines
Last reviewed:
Feeding challenges are one of the most common concerns new parents face. When it comes to keeps eating paper and cardboard, here is what the guidelines recommend.
The short answer
Babies love to explore paper and cardboard by mouthing, chewing, and sometimes swallowing small pieces. Small amounts of plain paper or cardboard are generally not toxic and usually pass through the digestive system without issue. However, paper with colored ink, glossy coatings, or small pieces that could be a choking hazard should be kept away from baby.
Key takeaways
- Babies love to explore paper and cardboard by mouthing, chewing, and sometimes swallowing small pieces. Small amounts of plain paper or cardboard are generally not toxic and usually pass through the digestive system without issue. However, paper with colored ink, glossy coatings, or small pieces that could be a choking hazard should be kept away from baby.
- Usually normal when: Baby chews on board books while looking at them
- Call your doctor if: Child has swallowed a large piece of paper or cardboard that may be a choking hazard
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“The AAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months after birth. Furthermore, the AAP supports continued breastfeeding, along with appropriate complementary foods introduced at about 6 months, for 2 years or beyond.”
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIH guidelines, babies love to explore paper and cardboard by mouthing, chewing, and sometimes swallowing small pieces. Small amounts of plain paper or cardboard are generally not toxic and usually pass through the digestive system without issue. However, paper with colored ink, glossy coatings, or small pieces that could be a choking hazard should be kept away from baby. At 0-3 months, very young babies do not typically access paper or cardboard independently. It is generally considered normal when baby chews on board books while looking at them. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if child has swallowed a large piece of paper or cardboard that may be a choking hazard.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-3 months
Very young babies do not typically access paper or cardboard independently.
4-6 months
As babies begin to grab objects, they may reach for paper and bring it to their mouth. Board books are safer than regular paper for this age.
6-9 months
Babies actively explore by mouthing everything including paper and books. Use board books rather than paper books. Redirect when you see baby eating paper. Small pieces of paper are a choking hazard.
9-12 months
Babies may deliberately tear paper and eat it. This is normal exploratory behavior. Supervise book reading and offer chew toys as alternatives. Keep magazines, newspapers, and tissues out of reach.
12-24 months
If your toddler continues to seek out and eat paper or cardboard in large amounts, it may be worth discussing with your pediatrician. Occasional mouthing of books is normal but persistent eating of non-food items could be pica.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed keeps eating paper and cardboard and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if child deliberately eats paper or cardboard regularly and in large amounts.
- Mention if child seems to crave paper and seeks it out.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Baby chews on board books while looking at them
- Baby accidentally swallows a tiny piece of paper
- Baby mouths paper as part of normal exploration
- Child deliberately eats paper or cardboard regularly and in large amounts
- Child seems to crave paper and seeks it out
- You are concerned about the safety of the paper products your child is eating such as glossy or printed materials
- Child has swallowed a large piece of paper or cardboard that may be a choking hazard
- Child is choking on paper
- Child has eaten paper that may have chemicals or toxic ink
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice keeps eating paper and cardboard — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that baby chews on board books while looking at them — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-3 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Offer feeding in a calm, distraction-free environment. Avoid forcing or pressuring your baby to eat.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if child has swallowed a large piece of paper or cardboard that may be a choking hazard.
Related Conditions
My Baby 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.
My Baby Ate a Crayon or Art Supplies
Most major brand crayons like Crayola are non-toxic and not dangerous if a small amount is eaten. However, always check labels for the ACMI non-toxic seal. Small pieces of crayon usually pass through the digestive system without issue. Other art supplies may be more concerning. If your child eats a non-toxic crayon, offer water and monitor. For unknown products, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
My Baby Keeps Choking on Food
First, it's important to distinguish between gagging and choking. Gagging is a normal protective reflex that helps babies learn to eat, while true choking is silent and requires immediate intervention. Most "choking" episodes parents describe are actually gagging, which is common and expected as babies explore new textures. However, if your baby frequently struggles with swallowing or shows signs of true choking, it's worth discussing with your pediatrician.
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Feeding & Nutrition Guide
Complete guide to breastfeeding, formula feeding, and solid food introduction.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is keeps eating paper and cardboard normal?
When should I call the doctor about keeps eating paper and cardboard?
When is keeps eating paper and cardboard normal?
What causes keeps eating paper and cardboard?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about keeps eating paper and cardboard?
Is keeps eating paper and cardboard normal at 0-3 months?
Is keeps eating paper and cardboard normal at 4-6 months?
Should I go to the ER for keeps eating paper and cardboard?
Does keeps eating paper and cardboard go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Baby Keeps Eating Paper and Cardboard.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed keeps eating paper and cardboard and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if child deliberately eats paper or cardboard regularly and in large amounts.
- Mention if child seems to crave paper and seeks it out.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Child deliberately eats paper or cardboard regularly and in large amounts
- Child seems to crave paper and seeks it out
- You are concerned about the safety of the paper products your child is eating such as glossy or printed materials
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Child has swallowed a large piece of paper or cardboard that may be a choking hazard
- Child is choking on paper
- Child has eaten paper that may have chemicals or toxic ink
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
Bottom line
Most cases of keeps eating paper and cardboard are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if child has swallowed a large piece of paper or cardboard that may be a choking hazard.
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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Related Feeding Concerns
My Baby 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.
My Baby Ate a Crayon or Art Supplies
Most major brand crayons like Crayola are non-toxic and not dangerous if a small amount is eaten. However, always check labels for the ACMI non-toxic seal. Small pieces of crayon usually pass through the digestive system without issue. Other art supplies may be more concerning. If your child eats a non-toxic crayon, offer water and monitor. For unknown products, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
My Baby Keeps Choking on Food
First, it's important to distinguish between gagging and choking. Gagging is a normal protective reflex that helps babies learn to eat, while true choking is silent and requires immediate intervention. Most "choking" episodes parents describe are actually gagging, which is common and expected as babies explore new textures. However, if your baby frequently struggles with swallowing or shows signs of true choking, it's worth discussing with your pediatrician.
When to Introduce Allergens to Baby
Current guidelines recommend introducing common allergens (peanut, egg, cow's milk products, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, sesame) starting around 4-6 months when your baby is developmentally ready for solids. The landmark LEAP study showed that early introduction of peanuts (by 4-6 months) reduced peanut allergy risk by 80% in high-risk infants. Do not delay allergens - the old advice to wait until 1-3 years has been reversed because early exposure actually prevents allergies.
I'm Worried My Baby Is Aspirating During Feeds
Aspiration means liquid or food enters the airway instead of the stomach. Occasional coughing during feeds is common and does not usually indicate aspiration. True aspiration is less common and may present as recurrent respiratory infections, a wet or gurgly voice after feeds, or chronic cough. If you are concerned, a swallow study can provide a definitive answer.
When Does My Baby Need Amino Acid Formula?
Amino acid-based formulas (also called elemental formulas) are prescribed for babies with severe cow's milk protein allergy, multiple food protein intolerances, or conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis who cannot tolerate standard or extensively hydrolyzed formulas. They are the most hypoallergenic formula available because the proteins are broken down into individual amino acids, making allergic reactions virtually impossible.