Why do little kids eat dirt?

Answer 1

Little kids use their mouths to investigate the world. They effectively taste the world around them. Whilst it is often unpleasant, it is a natural part of growing up and lessons will be learnt as to what is safe to eat and what is not. Based on studies of pregnant women; a craving or acceptance of eating dirt or sand has been attributed to mineral deficiency or an attempt by the body to alleviate or supplement mineral reserves in the body. As a possible hold over of evolutionary processes, young children, may have a tendency to crave or consume dirt as an attempt to bolster mineral reserves much like women while pregnant may have cravings for raw minerals. A second theory is that like certain species of birds, at some point humans may have needed gritty material to aid in digestion and breaking down food. Again a potential holdover of evolution. Outside of that, exploratory behavior as well as potential mental disorders could explain that behavior. However, there is no way to conclusively determine a specific individual's motivations, biological or otherwise, without looking at the specific child.