The movements and expressions of the baby eating their hands are very cute. Many parents and friends will unconsciously laugh when they see their babies eating their hands, but some babies only eat their hands without feeding, which has made many parents worried. So, what should babies do if they eat their hands but not their milk? The key is to find out the reason why the baby is not feeding on their hands, so as to effectively solve this problem.
1. Improper feeding method
The mother's method of breastfeeding is incorrect or too fast, which fails to satisfy the child's desire to suck. Although the baby's belly is full, the psychological needs of sucking fingers are not yet satisfied. Understanding the motivation of sucking fingers can help the child correct it.
Solution: The size of the nipple opening should be moderate and not too large, allowing the baby enough time to meet their sucking needs.
2. Caused by indigestion
Solution: You can switch your baby to a more easily digestible formula.
3. Babies feel lonely
Some babies do not like to sleep all day long. If the mother is too busy or neglects the baby's need to communicate with the outside world, the baby will naturally play with their fingers and suck their fingers to relieve boredom.
Solution: After the baby wakes up, do not let them stay alone in bed for too long, so as not to make them feel bored and put their hands in their mouths, thus developing the habit of sucking their fingers. Parents should use their free time to talk to them, sing nursery rhymes, play with building blocks or picture books, etc., so that children forget to suck their fingers during game activities.
4. Vitamin B and trace element zinc deficiency
The deficiency of B vitamins and trace element zinc can cause a decrease in the baby's taste function and gastric mucosal digestion function, resulting in loss of appetite and weakened digestive ability.
Solution: Black sesame seeds can be chopped and placed in formula for babies to drink.
The above introduces the four major reasons that lead to babies not feeding their hands, namely improper feeding methods, indigestion, loneliness, and lack of vitamin B and trace element zinc. Corresponding solutions are also provided for these reasons. If a baby experiences hand feeding but not breastfeeding, it is recommended that parents and friends investigate the cause so that appropriate measures can be taken to solve the problem.
