Quick Overview: While paper is not immediately toxic in small amounts, it poses several risks for children including choking, digestive blockage, and exposure to harmful chemicals. Persistent paper eating may also signal an underlying health condition that needs attention.
Why Do Children Eat Paper?
If you have ever caught your child nibbling on paper, you are not alone. Many parents face this situation, and it can be worrying. Children, especially toddlers and young kids, explore the world through their mouths. This is a natural part of their development.
However, there is a difference between occasional exploration and repeated paper eating. Understanding why children eat paper can help you respond appropriately and keep your child safe.
Normal Exploratory Behavior
Children under two years old commonly put objects in their mouths. This is called mouthing behavior and is part of normal development. Babies and toddlers learn about textures, tastes, and their environment this way. Occasionally swallowing small pieces of paper during this phase is usually not a cause for immediate alarm.
Beyond Normal Exploration: Pica Disorder
When a child over two years old persistently eats non-food items like paper for more than one month, it may indicate a condition called pica. Pica is an eating disorder where a person compulsively eats things that have no nutritional value.
What Are the Risks of Paper Ingestion?
Paper may seem harmless, but it can pose several health risks to children. Understanding these dangers helps parents take proper precautions and know when to seek medical help.
1. Choking Hazard
The most immediate danger of paper ingestion is choking. Paper can be difficult to chew completely and may block a child's airway if a large piece gets lodged in the throat. Small children who stuff paper into their mouths are at particular risk.
2. Digestive System Blockage
The human body cannot digest cellulose, which is the main component of paper. When paper reaches the stomach and intestines, it can absorb moisture and expand. Large amounts of paper can create a mass that blocks the digestive tract.
Signs of intestinal blockage include:
- Severe stomach pain
- Persistent vomiting
- Inability to pass stool
- Swollen or hard belly
- Loss of appetite
3. Chemical Toxicity
Not all paper is created equal. Different types of paper contain various chemicals, inks, and dyes that can be harmful when ingested.
| Type of Paper | Potential Risks |
|---|---|
| Plain white paper | Generally low toxicity, main risk is choking and blockage |
| Newspapers and magazines | May contain printing inks with heavy metals or other chemicals |
| Colored craft paper | Dyes and pigments not intended for consumption |
| Thermal receipt paper | Contains BPA or BPS which are endocrine-disrupting chemicals |
| Glossy or coated paper | Chemical coatings and additives with unknown safety profile |
4. Nutritional Deficiencies
Paper has zero nutritional value. If a child fills their stomach with paper instead of nutritious foods, they may develop malnutrition over time. Additionally, paper eating often occurs when the body lacks certain nutrients.
When Paper Eating Signals a Health Problem
Persistent paper eating in children older than two years may indicate an underlying medical or nutritional issue that needs attention.
Iron Deficiency and Anemia
According to medical literature, iron deficiency anemia is one of the most common causes of pica in children. When the body lacks adequate iron, it may trigger unusual cravings for non-food items. Research has shown that people with pica often have lower levels of iron and other minerals in their blood.
Zinc Deficiency
Similar to iron deficiency, low zinc levels have been associated with pica behavior. Zinc is essential for growth, immune function, and proper development in children.
Other Associated Conditions
Pica may also occur in children with:
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Developmental delays or intellectual disabilities
- Mental health conditions
- Malnutrition or inadequate diet
- Stress or emotional disturbances
What Should You Do If Your Child Eats Paper?
Immediate Actions
If you catch your child eating paper, stay calm and follow these steps:
- Remove the paper from your child's mouth gently
- Wipe their mouth with a soft, damp cloth
- Offer them water to drink if they are not choking
- Do not induce vomiting
- Watch for signs of choking or distress
When to Seek Medical Help
Contact a healthcare provider or poison control if:
- Your child ate a large amount of paper
- The paper contained toxic materials like receipts or heavily printed paper
- Your child shows signs of choking, difficulty breathing, or severe distress
- Your child develops stomach pain, vomiting, or cannot pass stool
- The paper eating is a recurring behavior
Medical Evaluation and Diagnosis
If your child has been eating paper regularly, a healthcare provider will conduct a thorough evaluation to identify any underlying causes.
Physical Examination
The doctor will check your child's overall health, growth patterns, and look for any signs of nutritional deficiencies or other medical problems.
Blood Tests
Common tests include:
- Complete blood count to check for anemia
- Iron level and ferritin tests
- Zinc level measurement
- Lead testing if exposure to contaminated materials is suspected
Imaging Studies
If there is concern about intestinal blockage, the doctor may order X-rays or other imaging tests to visualize the digestive tract.
Treatment and Management
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of the paper eating behavior.
Addressing Nutritional Deficiencies
If blood tests reveal iron or zinc deficiency, your doctor will prescribe appropriate supplements. In many cases, correcting these deficiencies leads to a reduction or elimination of pica behaviors.
Behavioral Interventions
For persistent pica, behavioral therapy can be effective. Strategies include:
- Redirecting the child's attention when they reach for paper
- Providing safe alternatives for oral exploration
- Positive reinforcement for not eating paper
- Teaching self-control and coping strategies
- Creating a paper-free or limited-paper environment
Environmental Modifications
Make changes at home to reduce access to paper:
- Keep books, newspapers, and magazines out of reach
- Store craft supplies in locked cabinets
- Supervise children during activities involving paper
- Dispose of receipts and junk mail immediately
Psychological Support
If pica is associated with emotional or developmental issues, a child psychologist or psychiatrist may provide additional support and therapy.
Prevention Strategies for Parents
While you cannot always prevent exploratory behavior in young children, you can take steps to minimize risks and create a safer environment.
Create a Safe Environment
- Keep potentially harmful items like receipts and glossy magazines away from children
- Choose age-appropriate books with thick pages for young children
- Supervise children during craft activities
- Store paper products in secure locations
Ensure Proper Nutrition
- Provide a balanced diet rich in iron and zinc
- Include foods like lean meats, beans, whole grains, and green vegetables
- Consider regular pediatric check-ups to monitor nutritional status
- Follow your doctor's advice about vitamin or mineral supplements if needed
Educate and Monitor
- Teach older children about what is safe to eat
- Explain why paper is not food in simple terms they can understand
- Pay attention to your child's eating habits and behaviors
- Communicate with caregivers and teachers about the issue
Address Emotional Needs
- Provide emotional support and a stable environment
- Reduce stress and anxiety where possible
- Ensure your child feels heard and supported
- Watch for signs of emotional distress or behavioral changes
Understanding the Long-Term Outlook
The good news is that pica, including paper eating, often improves with proper treatment and usually resolves as children grow older.
In Young Children
For toddlers and preschoolers, exploratory mouthing behavior typically decreases naturally as they mature. Most children outgrow this phase without any lasting effects if the behavior is managed appropriately.
When Pica is Related to Nutritional Deficiency
When pica is caused by iron or zinc deficiency, correcting these deficiencies often eliminates the behavior completely. Many children show improvement within weeks of starting appropriate supplementation.
Ongoing Management
Some children, particularly those with developmental disorders, may require longer-term management and support. With consistent behavioral interventions and medical care, most children can successfully overcome pica.
Key Takeaways for Parents
- Occasional paper eating in children under two is usually part of normal exploration
- Persistent paper eating in older children may signal pica disorder or nutritional deficiency
- Main risks include choking, digestive blockage, and chemical exposure
- Not all paper is equally safe - receipts and colored paper pose higher risks
- Iron and zinc deficiency are common underlying causes
- Medical evaluation is important for frequent or persistent paper eating
- Treatment often includes nutritional supplementation and behavioral therapy
- Most children improve with appropriate treatment and support
- Prevention focuses on safe environment, proper nutrition, and supervision
Helpful Resources
For more information about pica and child health, consult these trusted sources:
Medical Reference Books
- Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics (Elsevier)
- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) (American Psychiatric Association)
- Goldman-Cecil Medicine (Elsevier)
Reliable Websites
- American Academy of Pediatrics official website
- National Eating Disorders Association
- MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
- World Health Organization
- Your local poison control center
Medically reviewed and checked by a qualified pediatrician.
Labels: Food-Nutrition, Plants-Poisons