At the age of 2, babies are curious about the world and need to understand it, but due to their incomplete physical development, many things and actions cannot be completed. In addition, the desire for the mother's nipple after weaning can cause babies to enter a period of oral desire to perceive the world with their tongue. So what are the reasons why a 2-year-old baby suddenly loves to eat their hands recently and how should they deal with it?
What is the reason why a 2-year-old baby suddenly loves to eat hands recently
1. Newborn babies have a natural need for sucking, and if sucking is not satisfied, they will find ways to satisfy themselves. Sucking fingers is a substitute and comfort. Parents or caregivers rarely have skin to skin contact with babies, rarely talk or play games with them, and when babies are hungry or sick, they cannot receive timely comfort. Eating hands is a self comforting method for babies, which can be somewhat helpless.
2. Eating hands is a way for babies to relieve stress. If the baby's living environment, caregiver frequently changes, or if the parents have strict requirements for the baby, often scold, beat, or scold the baby, or if family relationships are tense, under greater psychological pressure, the baby will use eating hands to relieve inner stress.
Countermeasures for 2-year-old babies who eat their hands
1. Mothers should try to breastfeed their babies as much as possible, allowing them to fully enjoy the pleasure of sucking. If you want to weaned, you should add complementary foods and formula milk in a timely manner, gradually transition, and let the baby have an adaptation process. Avoid sudden weaning, which can make the baby feel anxious and insecure.
2. Provide a support for the baby's mouth. When the baby eats their hands, the mother can give them a grinding biscuit to let their little mouth chew, or use a pacifier or grinding rod to replace their small hands. You can also let the baby play more with their friends, expose them to the fresh world outside, and try not to let them sit idle alone, as they won't remember to eat their hands.
Eating hands for a 2-year-old baby is not a big deal that needs to be rushed, as long as methods are used to guide their inner thoughts. Don't be fooled by the fact that 2-year-old babies may not be able to say complete words, but they actually understand many things and adults' words in their hearts. Play with your baby more often, and I believe that their problem of eating hands will also be solved.
