TinyStepper

Chew and Blow Bubble Game

At a glance: Practise blowing bubbles and chewing crunchy snacks to channel the urge to bite into safe mouth play. A 10-minute, medium-energy both activity for ages 12m–2y.

Built by a parent of toddlersBest for 12m-2y

Field-tested ideas shaped by direct parenting experience and advice from reputable sources, including NHS Best Start in Life and NSPCC child development research.

12m–2y10 minsmedium energybothnone mess

For toddlers who are biting, this activity provides intense oral sensory input through safe alternatives — blowing bubbles, chewing crunchy breadsticks, and making mouth sounds. The biting urge often comes from sensory seeking or frustration; giving the mouth safe things to do reduces the need to bite people.

Best for this moment

when your toddler needs focused engagement, especially when you need something flexible indoors or outdoors.

Parent tip

Set out bubbles before inviting your toddler in so the first minute feels smooth.

What success looks like

A good outcome is a few minutes of engaged play, some back-and-forth with you, and a small sign of progress in body awareness.

More help for this situation

Instructions

Get ready
  • Set up a small station with bubbles and a selection of crunchy snacks (breadsticks, rice cakes, carrot sticks).
  • Start by blowing bubbles together — the pursed lip action gives oral motor input.
  1. Set up a small station with bubbles and a selection of crunchy snacks (breadsticks, rice cakes, carrot sticks).
  2. Start by blowing bubbles together — the pursed lip action gives oral motor input.
  3. Help your child try to blow (even blowing at a bubble counts): 'Big blow!'
  4. Alternate with crunchy snacks: 'Let us have a big crunch! Crunch crunch crunch!'
  5. Make exaggerated mouth movements together — open wide, blow raspberries, click your tongue.
  6. If they reach to bite you, redirect: 'Mouth on the breadstick, not on people. Let us crunch!'
  7. Play the 'loud mouth / quiet mouth' game: crunch loudly, then whisper.
  8. End with gentle bubble blowing as a calm-down.

Why it helps

Biting in toddlers is often driven by oral sensory seeking — the mouth craves intense input. Providing safe alternatives gives the same sensory satisfaction without hurting others. Occupational therapy research shows that regular oral motor activities (blowing, chewing, crunching) reduce biting frequency by addressing the underlying sensory need rather than just correcting the behaviour.

Variations

  • Freeze a wet flannel and let them chew on it — the cold adds extra sensory input for teething biters.
  • Try blowing through a straw into water to make bubbles — different oral motor challenge.
  • Make a 'bite box' with safe chewing items (teething ring, silicone necklace, crunchy snack) they can access independently.

Safety tips

  • Check for food allergies before offering crunchy snacks — common allergens include wheat and nuts.
  • Supervise bubble play closely — bubble solution should not be drunk.
  • Cut carrot sticks into appropriate sizes for your child's chewing ability to prevent choking.

When to pause and seek extra support

Stop if your child becomes distressed, unsafe, or consistently frustrated by the activity. If play, behaviour, or development worries keep showing up across settings, check in with a qualified professional.

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