Weird Things Kids Eat

Toilet brushes, insects, shoes and caterpillars have emerged as the most common items the nation's toddlers put in their mouths when mum's back is turned.

TheBabyWebsite also found other curious tots have tried keys, belts, the television remote control and stones as they explore the world around them.

The not-so-tasty treats were uncovered in a study into parents' attitudes on household cleanliness and their children's safety.

Among the hilarious tales which emerged were:

A nine-month-old boy who ate all the rubber buttons from the remote control - except the Channel Five one.

A toddler found with a tampon in his mouth!

A 13-month-old who picked up and tried to nibble a the remains of a dead mouse brought into the house by their cat.

A little boy who was found standing in a flower bed munching a snail.

An eight-month old girl who snatched a dishwasher tablet from the washing machine and began nibbling the corner of it.

A three-year-old who was taken to A&E after a fall and found to have both his ears filled with Playdoh.

* A little boy who was allowed to sleep with the family cat as a reward for being good, who was found in the morning sucking the cat's ears like he did with his teddy's ears.

And a 10-month-old girl who was found munching a woodlice.

The study, carried out by TheBabyWebsite, also found 56 per cent of mums are worried about their children picking up infections by putting everyday objects in their mouths.

Incredibly, other babies emerged as the biggest worry followed by objects toddlers find on the floor. Animals were third.

Almost 13 per cent of the mums were still unaware their own breast milk could help support a baby's natural defences against potential infection.

Studies have proved prebiotics in the milk boost baby's defences by increasing the 'friendly' bacteria naturally present in the digestive system.

The survey of more than 1,000 mothers with children under five also found that 77 per cent were worried about their baby picking up infections.

Mud, rubbish from the bin, sponges and the end of the vacuum cleaner also made the list of yucky snacks, as did spiders and dog bones.

But despite the results of the survey, 85 per cent of mothers said they believed it was important to let their youngsters explore the environment.

Editor of TheBabyWebsite.com, Kathryn Crawford said:

"One of the only ways children can build up a resistance to everyday germs is by exposure to them. When a child picks up something, even if they don't immediately put it in their mouth, the germs are still on their fingers and will end up in their mouth anyway. Snails and worms from the garden really are nothing to worry about. These items are considered to be food delicacies in many cultures. The risks of anything dangerous going into a child's mouth is much reduced nowadays, as most consumer products that are potentially dangerous are fitted with safety caps and childproof lids. There are a few things out there that may pose a risk, but they are far fewer than many parents fear. The well known risks from cat and dog faeces and certain types of mushrooms are always there and in times when exposure to these risks exists, parents need to be more careful, but generally, kids will nibble and chew."

December 2008

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