Hello!

Just wondering if anyone has any ideas on how to stop my 21month old DD from chewing and sucking on her hands? She has never had this issue until recently and it is getting bad, as she makes herself gag and sometimes actually vomits because it is her whole hand in her mouth. She has never used a dummy, so she can’t be missing that. She thinks it is funny. We have tried ignoring & tried telling her ‘No’ and removing her hand, but neither have worked. We are at a loss for anything else that can be done. Ideas welcome. Thanks


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  • My youngest did this when she was teething, it stopped in it’s own


  • Maybe putting yucky tasting stuff on her hands? An anti bacterial hand wash maybe? Or rub them with onions? Not sure what……my son used to lick and sniff his hands, he grew out of it. Most childhood habits are outgrown


  • Cover her hands? Winter is coming – gloves? Distraction – activities that require both hands


  • She could be still teething and her gums are sore I ssuggest if it continues and your concerned maybe speak to your local GP


  • she could be teething so give her a teething ring or something else to chew on


  • i really hope its improved


  • It just a sensory thing, she’s probably only doing it simply because she can, I agree give her something else to chew on


  • you can get these things called chewy sensory necklaces, eg a robot one, a butterfly etc. but they are really good. my son still chews on his clothes and fingers due to his ASD and Sensory issues. we got him the robot chewable necklace, and it’s a hard plastic type thing, but wont full apart. it’s great.


  • What about mittens? I have heard old traditional ways of stopping thumb sucking etc and they always involve mittens???? best of luck.


  • sounds like teethinh she might need a cold teething ring.


  • Distraction is the key. How about water play. I bought a plastic water play table (Google that) and a bag of sand. Sometimes we play with water dolls cars and things from the kitchen like different cups and spoons and cooking implements. Replacing the water with sand over winter was fun too. You need to keep her occupied she is board.
    Blocks and a ball pit is fun. If you have a portacot I would place 100 balls in there and play with my kids. Introduce a new toy or a doll. Distracting her with clapping games and songs. Play music and dance and jump around with her. At night if she is sleeping put mitts on her. Best of luck.


  • 21 months is indeed a little old for this. Not sure why but hope she will stop eventually


  • I think you’ll find this is something she will grow out of. Perhaps it’s your reaction she’s finding funny. Try finding don’t hand eye, concentration activities such as threading button or such on string, beading etc to distract her from this habit? Goodluck


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