My Baby Keeps Eating Paper and Cardboard
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.
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By Age
What to expect by age
Very young babies do not typically access paper or cardboard independently.
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.
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.
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.
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 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
Sources
Related Resources
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician.
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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.
Could My Baby Be Aspirating During Feeding?
Aspiration occurs when food or liquid enters the airway instead of the esophagus. Signs include coughing or choking during every feed, a wet or gurgly voice after eating, recurrent chest infections, and breathing changes during meals. Silent aspiration can occur without obvious coughing. If you suspect aspiration, contact your pediatrician as a swallowing study can diagnose it.