Toddler Eating Crayons

I remember the exact moment my son grabbed a crayon from the floor and started chewing on it — not because he was hungry. Because he was curious, and because he had nothing else to do. It was a Tuesday, and I was in the middle of a chaotic morning with three toddlers, none of them eating breakfast, and the crayons were just sitting there, waiting to be discovered. ‘Toddler eating crayons’ became one of those phrases that felt like a punchline to a joke I didn’t want to hear. It was also a sign that I needed to be more intentional about what was in our environment.^[3]

When toddlers start eating crayons, it’s not always a safety issue — sometimes it’s just a developmental phase. They’re exploring their world with their mouths, and their tiny hands are faster than their brains can process what’s safe and what’s not. My son didn’t stop eating crayons the day I bought a new set of non-toxic markers, but he did stop after I started keeping all small objects in a locked container. ‘Toddler eating crayons’ isn’t just a problem to solve; it’s a window into how our kids learn, and how we can guide them better.^[4]

I’ve learned that ‘toddler eating crayons’ is often a sign that we need to be more mindful of our surroundings — not just for safety, but for learning. It’s not about saying no to exploration, but about offering more structured options. The first time I sat down with my son and gave him a few safe chew toys, he stopped eating crayons almost instantly. It was a small win, but it taught me that ‘Toddler eating crayons’ can be a turning point if we respond with patience and creativity.

Why Toddlers Eat Crayons in the First Place

As of August 2026, Between the ages of 18 months and 3 years, toddlers are in a developmental phase where they use their mouths to explore the world. This is called the oral phase, and it's how they learn about textures, temperatures, and even the world around them. Crayons, with their smooth surfaces and vibrant colors, are a natural temptation.^[1]

I noticed that my son didn't just eat crayons randomly — he would pick them up, inspect them, and then put them in his mouth. This wasn't about hunger, but about curiosity. It was his way of understanding the world, even if it didn't make sense to me at the time.

Understanding why toddlers eat crayons is the first step to solving the problem. It's not about being a bad parent, but about being a proactive one. Once I realized it wasn't about safety, I could focus on redirecting his behavior in a more constructive way.

What You Can Do Right Now

The first step is to keep all small items, including crayons, out of your toddler's reach. I started using a locked toy box and a drawer with a child-proof lock — this made a huge difference. It was a small change, but it stopped the behavior almost immediately.

In addition to locking things up, it's important to offer safe alternatives. I bought a few chew toys and put them in a basket next to the table. When my son reached for a crayon, I would point to the chew toy and say, 'This is for chewing.' It didn't work every time, but over time, he started choosing the toy instead.

Creating a safe environment is about more than just locking things up. It's about giving your toddler options and showing them what's safe and what's not. This helps them build the cognitive skills they need to make good choices.

Safety starts with small, thoughtful changes.

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What to Buy and Where to Put It

I bought two chew toys — one rubber and one silicone — and put them in a basket on the table. This made them easy to access, and it gave my son a clear alternative to crayons. The cost was under $10, and it was a small investment that made a big difference.^[2]

Choosing the right chew toys is important. They should be BPA-free, durable, and safe for mouthing. I looked for ones that were labeled 'safe for children' and made sure they didn't have any small parts that could come off.

Putting the chew toys in a place where my son could see them made a big difference. It was like giving him a signal that chewing was okay, but only on these specific toys. This helped him understand the difference between what was safe and what wasn't.

“I remember the exact moment my son grabbed a crayon from the floor and started chewing on it — not because he was hungry, but…”— Toddler Nutrition for Picky Eaters editors

What to Do When They Eat Crayons Anyway

Even with all the precautions, there were times when my son would still eat crayons. My response was always the same — I would stay calm, take the crayons away, and gently redirect his attention to a chew toy.

It was important not to panic or overreact. Toddlers can pick up on our emotions, and if I got angry or scared, he would get more curious. Keeping my tone calm and my actions consistent was key to helping him understand what was safe.

Over time, my son learned that if he wanted to chew, he had to use the toys I had given him. This wasn't an instant fix, but it was a steady process that worked in the long run.

The Importance of Consistency

Consistency helps toddlers understand what is expected of them. I made sure that every time my son reached for a crayon, I redirected him to a chew toy. This repetition helped him build a habit over time.

It was also important to be consistent with the rules. If I locked up the crayons, I kept them locked up. If I gave him a chew toy, I made sure it was always available. This showed him that I was serious about keeping things safe.

Consistency doesn't mean being rigid — it means being firm with the rules while being flexible with the approach. My son learned what was safe through repetition, and that made a big difference in the long run.

What Happens After You Make the Changes

Within a few days of locking up the crayons and offering chew toys, I noticed a change in my son's behavior. He was still curious, but he started using the chew toys more often. It was a small shift, but it was a sign that he was learning.

It wasn't an instant transformation — there were still moments when he reached for crayons. But over time, he learned that those were off-limits, and that the chew toys were the right choice. This helped him build the self-control he needed to make good decisions.

The biggest change I saw was in his confidence. He started to understand the rules and the boundaries, and that gave him a sense of security. It wasn't just about safety anymore — it was about learning and growing.

Change takes time, but it's always worth the effort.

Long-Term Tips for Preventing Crayon Eating

Long-term prevention means more than just locking up crayons — it's about creating a habit. I made sure that every time my son wanted to chew, he had a safe option. This helped him build a pattern of behavior that lasted beyond the initial phase.

It was also important to teach him what was safe and what wasn't. I would point to the crayons and say, 'No, these are for drawing,' and then point to the chew toys and say, 'These are for chewing.' This helped him make the connection over time.

Over time, my son learned the rules and the boundaries. He didn't need constant supervision anymore — he understood what was allowed and what wasn't. This was a huge win for both of us.

Toddler Eating Crayons