18 mo old eats dirt, sand and rocks help?

Question

my little 18 mo old great grandson is very quick, but for some reason eats dirt, sand and rocks.

Answer 1

When an older person is eating dirt and such, it's called pica and might be related to a mineral deficiency, but this is a baby!  Most babies put things in their mouths, and try eating everything!  He sounds developmentally right on target, so relax, the exploration is only helping advance his intellectual development.  The suggestion to beat a baby for doing baby things just makes me shudder in horror.  My grandmother had a saying that a child needs to eat a pound of dirt a year to be healthy.  We always thought that was goofy, but more recently researchers are suggesting that our children's enviornments may be too sanitized, contributing to allergy and asthma problems.  My son of a smiliar age also cruises the backyard putting everything in his mouth - he loves the sandbox and to help me garden.  Most recently he attempted to eat a 1in tiny watermelon off the vine.  The worst thing he's tried to eat is rabbit p**p, and that was neither appetizing or illness inducing to him.  It's no big deal, and I'm confidant he'll outgrow it.  It just means I stay on top of policing the backyard for dog p**p.  And diaper changes are always an adventure not for the faint of heart.

Answer 2

OOOO I tell you what!!! My daughter is the same way! I just don't get it! I asked my doctor though, and she said that as long as it isn't a TON of non-edibles, she'll be fine...she is just "experimenting in order to find her tastebuds"   oooooook!

Answer 3

My cousins did this and my uncle swore up and down they didn't get sick as often because they had a healthy diet.  lol  On a more serious note, I've heard that kids that eat dirt and sand are missing vitamins in their diets.  My kids never did this...but my niece and nephews have at least tasted it...after one taste, they gave that 'sour face' and stuck their tongues out to be washed off.  It was mostly curiousity on their parts.  If this is something that happens more than once, I'd try vitamin supplements...break out the Flinstones!!

I know he's fast, but eating rocks could cause some problems.  I'd be afraid too many rocks would stop up his intestines.  I was raised old school, so...I'd probably tear his butt up.  If you've tried scolding him and trying to get to him to stop his habit, a good wallop on the behind may be just enough to make him realize eating these things isn't acceptable.  I don't believe in beating a child, but I also believe a good, stern talking and a spanked butt is sometimes the icing on the cake of learning.

Either way, I know you're worried, so best of luck to you.  God's blessings on you and yours...Always.

Answer 4

My sister&I both ate dirt when we were little, and we turned out fine lol

Don't worry, he'll grow out of it

Answer 5

Although it is normal behavior for children in this age group to give a taste to most anything, it can be disheartening to  watch. Just do the best you can to keep sticky fingers out of his mouth and remember to carry the hand sanitizer. He will grow out of this soon.

Answer 6

My friend's 16 month old does that all the time. It is perfectly normal. Nothing to worry about.

Answer 7

Yes...it is true many children do this...but is it normal? NO...kids that do this are low in minerals (think about it it makes since)...it's a craving that their body has and they instinctively will eat things that will give them the needed minerals. Dirt,Sand and Rocks are pure mineral...Your grandson needs....

1. Liquid Calcium (health food store)

2.A Good Multi-Vitamin (liquid from the health food store)

Answer 8

That's perfectly nortmal. every little child does this. i did it my friends did my mom and family did it. Its normal.

Answer 9

My dear concerned "Granny"....

Put your mind at ease, honey!!! There's nothing to really worry about, cause "most" toddler's" do this & it's not harming him. It could be an "subcouscious need" of more minerals, iron, selin, magnesium, etc. - so get him a multi-vitamin-supplement ! It can't "hurt"....

Wish you all the best for you & your extended family!Greetings from Germany.... Annette***

Answer 10

Have his mommy take him to get a blood test checking for lead poisoning or iron deficiencies.  Some soil does have large amounts of lead.  Lead poisoning can affect the way the child learns and can also bring lots of behavioral problems.  Get him to the Dr. Soon and ask for the lead poisoning test.

In the mean time follow him every where when he is outside and wash his hands often.  give him some clean chewing toys to help with the need to put things in his mouth.  I personally like the mesh like Binky they sell at Babies R us, where you put an apple or anything he can suck chew and enjoy and you won't have to worry about chocking.  Good luck and hope your grand son is OK.