It often happens that when the feeding time comes, the baby tends to put its little fingers in its mouth. Before we state the possible reasons why parents should know that it is pretty normal for a baby to put its hands in the mouth especially when nursing comes.
Babies are using their hands even when they are still in the mother’s stomach. It is shown in ultrasound that unborn infants tend to put their hands close to their mouth before swallowing amniotic fluid.
In fact, this is a normal part of the feeding process, explaining why infants put their fingers close to their mouths while nursing or even when they are hungry.
It’s also popular that when a baby is being breastfed, and it can’t seem to feel your breast on its face, there is a big chance it will seek for it with its hands. As new babies do not have good vision, they use all five senses to locate their mother’s breast. Their little hands are helping them to find your breast and make it easier to put it in its mouth.
There are a few things you can try when this occurs. Let your infant do the thing he/she wants. Suck on its fingers, hands for a few minutes. When it moves the hands, it’s time to put your baby on the breast and once he/she feels the breast, the feeding will start.
When breastfeeding starts, do not try to make your baby’s hands still. Avoid putting them under the blanket, or under its body, because that can disorient the little one. It is essential for babies to have hands to help them stay stable.
If you have sore breasts and the idea that your baby will scratch them makes you yell, laid-back breastfeeding will help you with this problem. When you place your baby in this position, wrap their little hands around your breast and the baby will reach for the nipple with its head and mouth instead.
Why do babies put their hands in parents mouth?
There is a big possibility that your newborn has just discovered its hands, which will probably be the baby’s favorite thing to play with. When this happens, grabbing faces and putting a finger in the mouth also happens. It is a part of exploring and discovering that hands are the part of their body and that the baby has full control under them.
Parents should know that this is such a normal behavior pattern and a part of your baby’s physician and mental development. Be aware that once the baby realizes what it can do with its hands, it will start putting other things in its mouth as well.
This totally explains the question that many parents wonder about, why a baby put fingers in my mouth while nursing. As they start exploring the world they will practically touch anything and put their fingers into anything that looks even a bit attractive to them.
As a parent, you must start babyproofing more often along with constant monitoring. Therefore try to keep the area where the baby is growing up clean and neat as much as possible.
How do I stop my baby from putting fingers in my mouth?
Try to give your baby positive support and reinforcement. It’s good practice to praise your little one when he/she stops putting fingers in its mouth. Also, you can try to reward the childlike by rewarding him/her with some extra playtime.
This means that yelling and criticizing are best to be avoided. If you do that it can cause the opposite of the desired effects. So, don’t pressure your child too much to break this bad habit, because stress can result in finger sucking.
You can try to give some alternatives to your baby. Instead of sucking fingers, offer him/her some other soothing actions, like squeezing the pillows. If those methods are not working, you can always seek advice from a pediatrician or a child’s dentist.
In the event your child still does not break the habit despite trying these tips, you may consider using devices. These devices like gloves and mouthguards can prevent your child from sucking their fingers.
Of course, before you decide to go with these devices, firstly consult with your child’s pediatrician or dentist and get professional advice.
Can I use my finger as a pacifier?
Yes, this is the easiest, cheapest, and ever-present pacifier that exists. You can simply use your pinky finger to soothe the baby’s growing teeth when the pacifier is not around. That’s nothing wrong with it as long as your hands are clean.
If you want to make your baby feel soothing, and want to give him/her something to put in its mouth instead of your breast, your pinky finger will work just fine. Turn your hand palm-side up and gently place your pinky finger against the roof of your baby’s mouth, allowing it to rest there.
Be careful when giving your finger to your baby especially if you have longer nails. They can be pretty sharp and can injure a child’s palate. Additionally, dirt can get stuck under your nails, so always make sure you wash your hands thoroughly.
So, make sure your baby is safe, and it’s okay to sacrifice your nail to soothe your baby with this teething problem. While some infants discover earlier that it suits them to put their fingers in their mouth, some need extra time. Whatever your situation is, the baby will eventually discover the soothing feeling of rubbing hands onto their sore gums.
Summary
From the day after birth, babies start exploring the world around them. Firstly with their eyes, then with the rest of their body. At one point baby will discover its hands, and it will be one of the most magnificent things a baby has seen.
Not long after that, teething will start. This means that the baby will start putting mostly its fingers, and later other things in its mouth to soothe the feeling of sore gums. Therefore there is also a big possibility for a baby to do that to its parents. So, a baby puts fingers in my mouth while nursing is not a thing only a few parents have experienced.
It is a very common behavior, a sign that your baby is growing and developing, learning and exploring the world around them. There is nothing wrong with your little one if you notice that this type of behavior is common, especially when nursing.
