Understanding and supporting the developmental need for mouth-based investigation
Core Idea: Babies naturally explore objects with their mouths because the oral nerves are among the first to be myelinated, making the mouth the most sensitive and effective tool for gathering information about the world.
Key Elements
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Biological Basis
- Mouth nerves are among earliest to be myelinated
- Enables effective feeding from birth
- Makes mouth most sensitive body part for exploration
- Provides richest sensory feedback for learning
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Developmental Timeline
- Oral phase typically lasts until 14-16 months
- Hands become more sensitive as myelination extends to periphery
- Transition occurs naturally as hand sensitivity increases
- Extended oral phase may occur with prolonged pacifier or bottle use
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Appropriate Response
- Accept oral exploration as necessary developmental phase
- Provide safe objects suitable for mouthing
- Redirect rather than prohibit when needed
- Demonstrate alternative uses for objects when developmentally ready
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Redirection Examples
- For older babies (14+ months): Show how coin goes into slot
- Demonstrate functional use of object that's more interesting than mouthing
- Provide appropriate teething objects when needed
- Balance safety concerns with developmental needs
Connections
- Related Concepts: Natural Materials for Babies (safe mouthing), Myelination and Motor Development (biological basis)
- Broader Context: Montessori Sensitive Periods (developmental windows)
- Applications: Creating a Safe Exploration Environment (practical setup)
References
- Davies, S. (2021). The Montessori Baby.
#montessori #oraldevelopment #sensoryexploration #babydevelopment
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