Why kids stick toys up their nose?

Understanding 'why' may help parents prevent small objects ending up in risky places

Children, especially toddlers and pre-schoolers, have an uncanny ability to surprise adults. And one of the more alarming discoveries parents can make is their child has stuck a small object, such as a Lego piece, up their nose.

An Australian hospital recently reported more than 1,650 children with foreign objects up their nose had presented to its emergency department over the past decade. Lego, beads, balls, batteries, buttons and crayons were among the most common objects.

But why do children stick things like these up their nose?

Here's how natural curiosity, developing motor skills, and a limited grasp of risk can be a dangerous combination.

Curious humans

Toddlers are naturally curious creatures. During the toddler and preschool years, children explore their environment using their senses. They touch, taste, smell, listen to and look at everything around them. It's a natural part of their development and a big part of how they learn about the world.