Tammy Ideas Written by Tammy

Why Would a 2-Year-Old Eat Dirt?

By Tammy Oct 07, 2026
Is your baby eating dirt outside?
Is your baby eating dirt outside?

Babies explore the world with their hands and mouths so it's super common for them to suck and chew on things that they probably shouldn't. If your baby seems to be putting dirt (or dirty hands in their mouth) learn more about why they are doing this, why it might not be bad, and even some potential benefits!

"He plays this maddening game where he'll ask for something; then, when I give it to him, he doesn't want it. I know this is a control issue but what should I do?"

Is your baby eating dirt outside?
Is your baby eating dirt outside?

Why Do Some People Eat Dirt

Jentrys eating dirt

2 year old refuses to eat? Try these Super Helpful Tips

a little boy sitting in the dirt with his hands full of dirt on his knees
a little boy sitting in the dirt with his hands full of dirt on his knees
Two-Year-Old Refuses to Eat
Two-Year-Old Refuses to Eat

Why Is My Old Dog Eating Dirt

Learn Why Dirt Is Actually Healthy For You | LittleThings.com

a toddler sitting on the ground holding a plant in her hands and looking at it
a toddler sitting on the ground holding a plant in her hands and looking at it
2 year old refuses to eat? Try these Super Helpful Tips
2 year old refuses to eat? Try these Super Helpful Tips

Truth!! Mine used to eat dirt out of my potted plants! I caught the other one standing next to a bucket of dirty mop water repeating out loud “Don’t drink it. Don’t drink it..” He would also eat chunks of plain butter. 😁

Why Do I Want To Eat Dirt

A realistic look at how often I feed my 2-year-old and what his meals look like throughout the day. We typically do 3 meals and 3 snacks with simple foods like eggs, fruit, leftovers, salmon, veggies and easy snacks. Some days he eats a ton and other days barely anything—this is just what works for us! Save for toddler meal inspiration.

Kids and Cleanliness: Should You Let Them Eat Dirt? A new book explains why being too clean can cause more harm than good, and what to do about it. Rain or Shine Mamma.

two different pictures with one person holding something in their hand and the other showing dirt
two different pictures with one person holding something in their hand and the other showing dirt
a baby sitting in a high chair covered in dirt
a baby sitting in a high chair covered in dirt
a green background with carrots and broccoli on it
a green background with carrots and broccoli on it
What My 2-Year-Old Eats in a Day
What My 2-Year-Old Eats in a Day
Cleanliness and Kids: Should You Let Them Eat Dirt?
Cleanliness and Kids: Should You Let Them Eat Dirt?
Why I Allow My Children to Eat Dirt and Walk Barefoot
Why I Allow My Children to Eat Dirt and Walk Barefoot
Dirt, Boogers and Other Favourite Toddler Foods
Dirt, Boogers and Other Favourite Toddler Foods
Taste safe dirt for sensory play
Taste safe dirt for sensory play
Let them eat dirt!
Let them eat dirt!
Picky Eating Do's & Dont's for Toddler Parents
Picky Eating Do's & Dont's for Toddler Parents

Eating dirt and walking barefoot... do you allow your children to do it? Here are some reasons why we allow our children to do this. #parenting

Learn how to make taste safe dirt for your baby or toddler with this easy sensory play dirt. Team it up with dinosaurs, farm animals, construction trucks and so much more!

Dirt, soil, earth. There are many names for the brown substance that our plants live in. As a child, I was always in the garden with my grandfather helping him. From planting to harvest, I was a very independent in my gardening. I was also determined to eat dirt, as my parents will often joke to me.  So, why should we

Wondering how to respond to your toddler's picky eating in a respectful, balanced way? Picky eating can be frustrating to deal with, whether you have a 1 year old, 2 year old, or 3 year old. But don't worry! Click through to learn why some toddlers become picky eaters and how you can deal with your child's picky eating using shame-free gentle parenting strategies. #pickyeating #pickyeatingtips #toddler #kids #gentleparenting #positiveparenting #montessoritoddler #montessori