Parents Corner

Dirty Snacks

Babies will taste-test everything from mushed peas to dust bunnies. At around age 1, when the tendency to put things in their mouth is in full bloom, some may even munch on dirt, says William Weil, MD, professor emeritus of pediatrics and human development at Michigan State University.

Dirt itself may be harmless, but the stuff that’s mixed in with it can be dangerous, says Dr. Weil. Possible toxins include lawn chemicals; cat or dog feces, which may harbor parasites; or paint dust and chips, which may contain lead.

The best way to prevent your baby from acquiring a taste for dirt: Hide the temptation. When you sit outside, spread out a blanket or sit her on the grass. Have munchies on hand if she makes a move to nibble on the soil. And if she succeeds? Just clean off her mouth and her hands and distract her with a toy. If she exhibits flulike symptoms or mild diarrhea afterward (for more than a week), call your pediatrician.

A child who insists on eating dirt or other nonnutritive substances should be evaluated by a pediatrician for pica, an eating disorder than affects as many as 10 to 30 percent of kids ages 2-6. It’s thought to be triggered by an iron deficiency or stress.

Unable to find what you're looking for? Search the entire site to find information about any subject we have information on. Instructions: Type a word or words into the form below and press the Search button. You may use "quotation marks" to search for a phrase. Adding a plus sign (+) before a word or phrase will require its presence; adding a minus sign (-) before a word or phrase will require its absence.

Home • Parents' Corner • Parents' Corner Archive • Professional Corner • Professional Corner Archive • Case in Progress • Case in Progress Archive • Inspirational Messages • Inspirational Messages Archive • Direct Services • Consulting • Seminars, Workshops, and More • Special Events • Recommended Reading • Recommended Reading for Children • Ask the Experts • News Flash • Current Question and Answer • Understanding the Lingo • About the Team • Testimonials • Fees, Location, and Details • Typical Development: Makenna • Typical Development: Lacey • Resources • PrivacyStatement • Confidentiality