Toddler sensitive to certain things – is this normal?

[StepfauxWife]

Hi all

I’d appreciate your views on whether this is usual behaviour for a 19mo toddler. My DD has always been fairly high energy – she doesn’t really stop moving from the moment she wakes. She is always on the move, probably plays with a toy for around 3 minutes before moving on. She has a good vocabulary and is picking up things quickly. She has had a problem with biting/lashing out at other babies recently. This seemed to be subsiding but she was pinching at a friend’s child yesterday.

I’ve noticed that she is particularly sensitive to certain things – teeth brushing, hair washing, hair drying (she has a huge mop of hair), water in her face. Yesterday, it was particularly windy outside and she hated the wind in her face. She dropped the lead on her little pull-along toy and got upset every time she had to touch the floor to pick it up again.

She is otherwise a really lovely and charming little girl. She doesn’t seem to have any issues communicating, if anything, she is probably excessively chatty. She can follow basic instructions (please fetch your coat, etc). Her diet is good and she sleeps well – a two hour nap in the day and 11-12 hours at night.

Dr Google seems to be suggest it could be tactile sensitivity / tactile defensiveness – does this ring any bells? I’m wondering whether to pursue this any further.

Thanks very much from a very worried mummy!

[NumptyNu]

My 2yo was sensitive in that way too. I think her hearing might have also been hypersensitive, as she would also place her hands over her ears with a grimace whenever exposed to mildly raised noise levels or sudden noises (but noises not really loud enough to really affect most people).

I looked into it at the time (DD is now 5), and apparently it is something that happens to some kids as their little bodies are growing. She indeed 'grew out' of whatever it was by about 4. Although she still gets freaked by those noisy hand-dryers in public loos (but I think that does go for most kids, right?).

[NumptyNu]

I would still get your little one checked out. The health visitor might be able to provide some reassurance?

[Superlovely]

My two year old is very similar. She is highly active, very imaginative and hates any sort of foam, toothpaste, cotton wool. She will retch when we brush her teeth.
However, she is our third any I am not too concerned but watching your thread with interest.

[amy83firsttimer]

I know adults who have quirks about certain sounds, textures etc. DMIL I'm looking at you and your microfibre aversion. I don't think it needs a label, it's just yet another thing that makes people different from each other. Variety is the spice of life. As long as it doesn't get in the way of everyday life I'd ignore and move on.

[stickygotstuck]

I agree with amy.

DD (now 6) was/is like that. I am like that.

As we grow, we learn to deal with it better. Loud noises will always bother DD (and me!), but now she knows to remove herself/cover her ears/go and do something else/hum a tune to herself (rather than sob hysterically!)

[sliceofsoup]

My 2yo hates water and the bath, wiping her face, loud or unexpected noises, wind, rain, sleeping with anything on, toys that move or talk independently. I could go on.

The worst things for her is the bath, hairdryer and hoover. She is hysterical and shakes for a long time after.

I have a HV visit in a week or so, so will bring it up there, but I am interested to see what others have to say.

[oobedobe]

I think all toddlers have their quirks and sensitivities. For my DD1 it was the hoover (hated the noise until 3/4), having her hair washed (still not fond at 6!), handdrier noise.

My DD2 is fine with those things but doesn't like dirty/sticky hands, wind blowing in her face and is very hesitant playing with sand/playdoh.

My niece hates water at the moment and refuses to go swimming (has been going since she was 3 months).

In most cases they are just expressing their individual personality and some of these things they just grow out of or get used to as they get older.

[StepfauxWife]

Thanks very much for all the messages, it's nice to know I'm not the only one with a spirited child! It's comforting to hear from parents whose children have somewhat grown out of it. Yesterday was a much better day so I'm wondering whether maybe it was due to over tiredness or overstimulation.

Sliceofsoup, I hope the appointment goes well and the health visitor can shed some light on it.