If you’re a new parent, you may have noticed your baby aggressively chewing on their hands and crying. This can be concerning and leave you wondering what’s going on with your little one. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the reasons why babies chew on their hands and what you can do to help them.
Reasons Why Babies Chew on Their Hands
1. Teething: As mentioned earlier, teething is a common reason why babies chew on their hands. When babies are teething, their gums become sore and swollen, causing discomfort. Chewing on their hands can provide some relief to this discomfort.
2. Self-soothing: Babies have a natural urge to suck, which can help them feel calm and relaxed. Chewing on their hands can be a way for babies to self-soothe and feel more comfortable.
3. Hunger: If your baby is hungry, they may start chewing on their hands as a way to signal that they need to be fed.
4. Boredom: Babies are curious creatures and love exploring their surroundings. Chewing on their hands can be a way for them to explore and keep themselves entertained.
What You Can Do to Help Your Baby?
1. Offer a teething toy: If your baby is teething, offering a teething toy can provide relief to their sore gums. Look for teething toys that are safe and easy for your baby to hold and chew on.
2. Feed your baby: If your baby is chewing on their hands because they’re hungry, it’s important to feed them. Make sure to follow your baby’s feeding schedule or talk to your pediatrician about how much and how often you should be feeding your baby.
3. Provide other forms of comfort: If your baby is chewing on their hands as a way to self-soothe, try offering other forms of comfort such as rocking them, singing to them, or playing soft music.
4. Keep your baby entertained: If your baby is chewing on their hands out of boredom, try keeping them entertained with toys, books, or other activities that are appropriate for their age.
Chewing on their hands is a common behavior for babies and can have a variety of reasons behind it. If you’re concerned about your baby’s aggressive chewing or crying, talk to your pediatrician. Otherwise, providing your baby with teething toys, feeding them, offering other forms of comfort, and keeping them entertained can help alleviate their need to chew on their hands.
The Causes of Constant Crying and Hand Chewing in Babies
Babies cry for various reasons, and chewing on their hands is a common behavior among them. There could be many reasons for this behavior, such as hunger, teething, boredom, or self-soothing. If your baby is crying and chewing their hands, it could be a sign that they are hungry and need to be fed. Alternatively, they could be teething, and chewing on their hands helps to alleviate the discomfort in their gums. It is also possible that your baby is simply bored and looking for something to do. Chewing on their hands can be a way to keep themselves occupied. Lastly, babies often use self-soothing techniques, and chewing on their hands can be one such technique. Regardless of the reason, it is normal for babies to chew on their hands, and it is nothing to be worried about. However, if your baby’s crying and hand-chewing behavior persists, it might be best to consult a pediatrician to rule out any underlying health issues.
Source: parents.com
Aggressive Hand-Eating Behavior in 4-Month-Old Babies
It’s quite common for babies to put their hands, fists, or fingers in their mouths at this age. One of the main reasons for this behavior is teething. Most babies begin teething between 4 and 7 months old, and the pressure on their gums can cause discomfort and soreness. Rubbing something against those sore spots can provide relief, which is why your baby may be aggressively eating their hands.
Another reason for this behavior is exploration. Babies learn about the world around them through their senses, and their hands are a primary tool for this exploration. By putting their hands in their mouth, they can learn about the texture, taste, and feel of their hands.
It’s also possible that your baby is hungry or thirsty. Babies have a natural instinct to suck, and putting their hands in their mouths can be a way to satisfy this urge. Ensure that your baby is getting enough food and fluids throughout the day to rule out this possibility.
It’s important to note that this behavior is normal and nothing to be concerned about. However, make sure that your baby’s hands are clean to avoid any potential infections. You can also provide your baby with teething toys or a wet washcloth to chew on to provide relief for sore gums.
The Habitual Hand-to-Mouth Behavior of Autistic Babies
Typically developing babies usually bring their hands to their mouth by the age of 2 months. However, some autistic babies may not exhibit this behavior, along with other early signs of social and communication delays. It’s important to note that autism is a spectrum disorder, and symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. Therefore, it’s important to consult with a medical professional if you have any concerns about your child’s development.
Signs of a Teething Baby
When a baby is teething, it may exhibit a range of symptoms that indicate discomfort and pain. Some of the signs of a teething baby include a sore and red gum where the tooth is coming through, a mild temperature of less than 38C, flushed cheek, rash on the face, rubbing of the ear, excessive dribbling, and gnawing and chewing on things more than usual. Additionally, a teething baby may be more fretful than usual and have difficulty sleeping or eating. It is important to note that not all babies experience the same symptoms, and some may have no symptoms at all. If you suspect your baby is teething, it is best to consult with a healthcare provider for advice on how to manage their discomfort.
Conclusion
Chewing on their hands is a common behavior for babies and can be caused by a variety of reasons, including boredom, self-soothing, hunger, and teething. If your baby is teething, providing them with a teething toy or a cold washcloth to chew on can help alleviate their discomfort. However, if you notice excessive hand chewing or other concerning behaviors, it is always best to consult with your pediatrician to ensure that your baby is healthy and receiving the proper care. Remember, every baby is unique, and it is important to pay attention to your baby’s individual needs and behaviors to ensure that they are happy and healthy.
