I’m sure as soon as a consult Dr. Google on this, I’ll read it’s totally normal, but what the heck is with all the licking? My toddler son likes to grab my face in both hands to make me look at him and then lick my face.

When I tell him to stop, he licks his toys. Yesterday he licked his shoe. I’m starting to think the dogs are really rubbing off on him.

The Toddler Licking Phase

So, after a quick Google consult, seems the magical age of the licking phase is 2 1/2 so the kid is right on time!

I also noticed many of the people commenting had dogs. So, he may indeed be imitating their behavior. I can handle the licking phase, but I’m going to put my foot down if he starts asking to poop in the yard.

Just kidding, he totally asked to poop in the yard and I told him go ahead just because I was excited he let me know he had to potty. (In the end, he did not take me up on the offer)

I guess for now I’ll just have to accept I’ve got a toddler who can’t hold his licker. 😂

Totally Normal

Many toddlers go through a licking phase, and while it can feel baffling (and mildly horrifying), it’s actually a pretty normal part of early development. Toddlers explore the world through their senses, and that includes taste.

Long before they have the words to describe what something feels like, smells like, or looks like, they use their mouths to gather information.

This phase often shows up between one and three years old, when curiosity is at its peak and impulse control is still under construction. Licking can be sensory-seeking behavior. Some children crave strong input—textures, temperatures, even the smoothness of a wall or the cool surface of a window.

Others may lick as a way to self-soothe when they’re overwhelmed, tired, or overstimulated. In busy environments, a quick lick (as strange as it sounds) can be grounding for a little one still figuring out how to regulate big feelings.

Curbing the Licking Behavior

In most cases, the licking phase fades on its own as language skills, sensory processing, and self-control develop. Gentle redirection usually works best. Offer alternatives like crunchy snacks, silicone chew necklaces, or sensory toys if you suspect a sensory need.

Calmly explaining that “we don’t lick the floor” while guiding them toward something appropriate helps reinforce boundaries without turning it into a power struggle.

Of course, if licking becomes excessive, targets unsafe objects frequently, or is paired with eating non-food items, it’s worth mentioning to your pediatrician to rule out concerns like pica or sensory processing challenges. But for many families, this is just one more quirky chapter in toddlerhood—a sticky, slightly germy, but ultimately (and thankfully) a temporary one.