image
Does That Taste Good?
Babies are notorious for putting just about everything, including toys, shoes, and sand, in their mouths. Mouthing is one of the main ways babies experience their worlds, and it is an important aspect of cognitive development. It also provides exposure to viruses and other environmental pathogens, which helps prepare the developing immune system to fight infections (Fessler & Abrams, 2004).
Elie Bernager/Getty Images