Why Toddler Eats Everything Except Food?
– By Dr Joann

Parents used to the occasional surprise — a crayon mural on the wall, a mysteriously quiet toddler in the next room, or a bite mark on a favorite toy. But what if your toddler’s latest fascination is… eating paper?

Whether it’s a ripped magazine, a tissue, or the corner of a cardboard box, toddlers sometimes munch on the most unexpected things. If you’ve ever caught your little one chewing on a paper napkin or sneakily nibbling at a book, you’re not alone. It’s a surprisingly common behavior — and while it can feel strange (and even concerning!) There’s often a simple explanation behind it.

Let’s explore why toddlers eat things like paper, when it’s considered normal, and when you should talk to your pediatrician.

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👶 Why Is My Toddler Eating Paper?

At first glance, chewing or eating paper might seem odd. But in early childhood, this kind of behavior often falls under a normal developmental process known as mouthing.

1. Mouthing: A Key Part of Development

Mouthing is how babies and toddlers explore their world. Just like adults use their hands and eyes to understand things, infants use their mouths as tools to learn about texture, shape, temperature, and taste.

This behavior usually begins in infancy and peaks around 1–2 years old. Your toddler may chew or suck on anything within reach — including paper — simply out of curiosity.

2. Teething Relief

When toddlers are teething, chewing becomes a self-soothing mechanism. Paper may offer just enough resistance and texture to help ease sore gums.

3. Sensory Exploration

Toddlers crave sensory input — how things feel, smell, and sound. Some children enjoy the crinkly sound of paper or the way it tears. If your child has a strong sensory-seeking personality, they might be especially drawn to chewing or ripping paper, tissue, or cardboard.

4. Boredom or Attention-Seeking

Sometimes, paper-chewing is just a fun activity — especially if it results in a big reaction from a parent or sibling! Toddlers are incredibly smart and often repeat behaviors that get attention (even if it’s a scolding).

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🧠 When It Might Be More Than Just Curiosity

While occasional paper munching is usually harmless, there are a few scenarios where this behavior may signal something more serious.

🚩 1. Pica: Eating Non-Food Items Regularly

If your child consistently eats non-food items — not just paper, but also things like chalk, dirt, soap, or hair — they may have a condition known as pica.

Pica is defined as the persistent eating of non-nutritive substances for at least one month, at an age where this behavior is considered developmentally inappropriate (usually over 2 years old). It can sometimes be a sign of:

• Nutritional deficiencies (such as iron or zinc)

• Developmental delays

• Autism spectrum disorder

• Obsessive-compulsive tendencies

While pica is relatively rare, it should be assessed by a pediatrician if suspected.

🚩 2. Refusing Real Food

If your toddler is eating paper or other non-food items and also refusing regular meals or showing a limited interest in food, it could indicate feeding issues or a sensory processing disorder. Children with oral sensitivities may find certain food textures overwhelming and seek out more tolerable textures — like smooth paper or cardboard — instead.

🚩 3. Choking or Ingestion Risks

Paper itself is not usually toxic, but the risk lies in the possibility of choking or ingesting large amounts. Colored or printed paper, packaging, or items with ink, glue, or coatings can pose additional risks.

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🩺 When to See the Pediatrician

You should check in with your pediatrician if:

• Your child frequently eats non-food items

• The behavior persists beyond 2–3 years of age

• Your toddler is refusing meals or snacks

• You notice symptoms of iron deficiency (pale skin, fatigue, poor appetite)

• There are any signs of developmental delay or regression

A pediatrician may do a physical exam, check for nutritional deficiencies, or refer you to a feeding therapist or pediatric psychologist, depending on your child’s needs.

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✅ What You Can Do as a Parent

1. Keep Items Out of Reach

Prevention is key. Try to toddler-proof your space by keeping paper products (e.g., tissues, packaging, important documents!) out of reach. Consider using storage bins with lids, high shelves, and keeping books in closed cabinets if necessary.

2. Provide Safe Alternatives

Offer safe, chew-friendly alternatives like:

• Teething toys or silicone chewies

• Cold washcloths

• Age-appropriate crunchy snacks (carrot sticks, apple slices under supervision)

These help fulfill your child’s oral-sensory needs without the paper risk.

3. Offer More Sensory Play

If your toddler is drawn to the feel or sound of paper, provide other sensory experiences they might enjoy:

• Crinkly sensory books

• Water play

• Sand, rice, or flour bins

• Soft brushes or textured toys

These activities help engage your child’s senses in a safe, developmentally appropriate way.

4. Avoid Overreacting

Try not to scold or make a big fuss if you catch your toddler chewing paper. A calm redirection is often more effective than a loud reaction, which might accidentally reinforce the behavior.

You can say something like:

“Paper is not for eating, but you can chew this teether instead!”

Praise your child when they make a better choice.

5. Keep Mealtimes Structured

If you’re concerned about picky eating or mealtime struggles, try to maintain a consistent routine with:

• Regular meal and snack times

• A calm, distraction-free eating environment

• A variety of healthy food options (even if they’re not always accepted)

Avoid force-feeding, and trust that toddlers’ appetites vary from day to day.

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👨‍👩‍👧 Every Child Is Different

It’s important to remember that every child develops at their own pace. Some toddlers are naturally more curious or sensory-seeking than others. While occasional paper-chewing is not unusual, it’s always okay to reach out to your pediatrician if something doesn’t feel right.

Parents know their child best, and if you’re unsure whether your toddler’s behavior is normal, it’s never a bad idea to get professional reassurance.

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💬 Final Thought

While it might be funny (or frustrating) to find your toddler tearing up a receipt and popping it in their mouth, this phase — like so many others — will likely pass. Keep an eye on the behavior, redirect gently, and give your little one safe, healthy ways to explore the world.

And if you’re ever unsure… ask your doctor. That’s what we’re here for.

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