Why do babies put fingers in their mouth: All about mouthing in babies, why it’s not hunger

It’s a common sight, and concern, for new parents, when their baby stuffs its fingers into its mouth, accompanied by endless drool. Several questions arise, is it hunger? Teething? Or just a habit? According to Dr Imran S. Patel, a popular paediatrician on social media and founder of Asian Children Hospital in Ahmedabad, it’s none of those. It’s called mouthing, a natural developmental stage that begins well before the first tooth appears. And it’s one of the clearest signs your baby is growing just as they should.

In a recent Instagram Reel, Dr Patel responds to a cheerful five-month-old baby whose mother is concerned about constant finger-in-mouth behaviour. She also shares that he bites while feeding. “His mouthing has started. His lower jaw is beginning to strengthen, and that itch and irritation are a sign of early teething prep,” Dr Patel explains.

He adds that the baby isn’t necessarily hungry, this is a completely normal developmental milestone that helps jaws, gums and saliva glands get ready for the changes ahead.

Also read | Healthy newborn care tips every new parent should know

Dr Patel further clarifies that babies produce more saliva at this stage to help soothe the irritation caused by jaw growth and gum sensitivity. This process often leads to biting during feeding, which many parents misread as a behavioural issue or hunger signal. “It’s not hunger, it’s not a bad habit, it’s part of how their body prepares for teeth. “Mouthing may look odd, but it’s an encouraging sign that your baby is hitting the right milestones,” says Dr Patel.

Here’s what mouthing in babies actually means, based on tips from Dr Patel:

• It’s a sign of jaw strengthening: Finger chewing helps develop the muscles in the lower jaw, which is crucial for chewing, biting and eventually speaking. It’s like a natural baby gym for the mouth.

• It helps ease early teething discomfort: Babies don’t just grow teeth, they grow into them. Mouthing helps soothe gum irritation before teething even begins, acting like nature’s teether.

• It’s not a sign of hunger: Many parents mistake finger sucking for hunger cues. But if your baby has fed well and still does it, it’s likely teething-related mouthing, not appetite.

• Saliva production is a good thing: All that drooling may seem excessive, but it’s your baby’s way of coating and soothing irritated gums. It’s also a healthy immune response.

• Biting during feeding is part of the process: If your baby bites while nursing or bottle-feeding, it’s because mouthing and gum discomfort are peaking, not because they’re misbehaving or confused.