As new parents, every stage of children's development is something to look forward to. One of the developments that will occur in children is the oral phase, in which children like to put any object in their mouths.
Many parents still do not understand this oral phase, so they always say forbidden words when their children put anything in their mouths. In fact, this phase has an important role in helping the development of children's skills in the future.
In order for children's growth and development to go well, here is a review of the oral phase that must be known.
The oral phase is the stage of child development in the oromotor area (muscles in the mouth and digestive area), which will affect other developments such as speaking and eating. When this phase happens, the baby will make the mouth and lips the center of the stimulus. Babies consider the mouth as a place to satisfy their needs (oral gratification) so that whatever object is held will be put into the mouth.
How important is the oral phase for the baby?
The oral phase has an important role in child development because this phase affects the maturity of the muscles in the oral cavity area. If the muscles are well formed, the child will be assisted in developing the ability to eat and speak. If parents often utter prohibition sentences, the oral phase will not optimally work, eventually interfering with the child's ability to speak and eat.
When does the oral phase occur?
The oral phase will happen to everyone because it is the first stage of psychosexual development. Since the womb, the child has started this phase by putting his finger in his mouth. And in general, this phase occurs from the time the child is born until the age of 18 months, but when the child reaches the age of 3-4 months, it is not only the hand that is put in the mouth anymore but whatever object it is holding.
Usually, the oral phase will decrease when the child turns one year old, but it is also possible that this phase will continue until the age of 5 years.
Things parents need to do during the oral phase
Even though prohibiting is not recommended, parents still need to supervise their children during the oral phase. Here are some things that can be done when the child is experiencing the oral phase:
- Keep your baby's hands clean by washing his hands regularly and cutting his nails regularly.
- Make sure the object to be bitten is always clean.
- Do not store dangerous objects around the baby, such as chemical, sharp and small objects.
From every stage of children's development, there will always be challenges for parents. So that the oral phase runs optimally and the child can grow and develop properly, from now on, reduce the restrictions on children when the oral phase happens.