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New thing spitting out drinks on the floor

Love1emons

My 5 year old granddaughter has started filling her mouth with her drink and then spitting it everywhere. 

We have tried a few things like giving minimal amounts in the straw drinker. Unfortunately it may be the sensation she likes but it's difficult when you are at out or at someone's house.

Any ideas or is it just another phase,.

  • I really enjoy the sensation of this. I thankfully became aware I enjoyed it late enough that it wasn't an issue out at someone's house, but I just wanted to give some idea that it might be a sensory thing.

    Having said that,  has some amazing suggestions that I would double up with

  • in reply to DormouseAtRest_25

    Yes that's a point ,she will be at that age for her teeth becoming loose. I will make sure we are more aware of things changing in her mouth thank you

  • Thank you so much gor your advice  we will give it a go. Like you say likely a phase like poo was at one time. Some good ideas all round

  • It's probably a phase - most kids this age experiment with mouth stuff for sensory kicks, like the feel of liquid swirling or the splash. Could be oral seeking (extra input for focus or calm), attention-grab, or just fun. At five, it's not super common anymore, but if she's neurotypical-ish, it'll likely fade in weeks if you don't over-react.

    But yeah, messy out-and-about? Totally get it. Here's what works without drama:

    • Redirect the sensation: Give her "safe spit" spots - like a sink, cup, or outdoor grass. Say "If you wanna play with water, let's do it here - no mess!" Then praise big when she does.
    • Thicken it up: Mix in a bit of yogurt, applesauce, or even frozen berries - makes it harder to spit, more "work" for her mouth. Straw cups with thick stuff are gold; she gets the pull without the fountain.

      Sensory swaps: When you're out, pack chewy snacks (fruit leather, gum if she's old enough) or a fidget like a water bottle with beads - same mouth buzz, no spit. At home, set up a "water play bin" (tub with toys, bubbles) - let her dump and squirt there.

      If it ramps up (like constant, or she rubs spit on things), chat to a pediatrician - rule out reflux or sensory stuff  Calm "nope, we keep drinks in" + redirect + praise usually kills it fast. You've got this - grandmas are pros at phases!




  • It might be worth double-checking your granddaughter isn't experiencing dental discomfort (but has not found the way to explain that new situation). 

    A small percentage of children may start to lose their baby teeth at around age 4 or 5 (instead of the more usual age 6 or 7).

    I speak from lived experience (it took me a while to convince my adults - when I was at that younger age); that something was odd with one of my baby teeth.

    Often, the tooth replacement process starts with the lower front incisors (which might even present a problem when using a straw to drink).