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Behaviour/development

Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

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Original poster

Probably a really stupid question

10 replies

LionsnTigersnBears · 03/04/2011 21:26

Can anyone tell me why my dd- now 9 months- suddenly cannot take a breastfeed unless she has one hand in my mouth at all times? I love her to bits but her aim is also a bit wobbly. Sometimes I have a small eggy finger in my nose rather than in my mouth. Last weekend she got a bit carried away and I ended up in A&E with a torn cornea. Either way breastfeeds especially are getting a bit hair-raising. Is she trying to tell me something?

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

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whomovedmychocolate · 03/04/2011 21:27

Buy some nursing beads. She is exploring. Your mouth is nice and warm. She will stop if you take her off the breast when she does it a few times. Or get nursing beads for her to fiddle with instead. :)

psychoveggie · 03/04/2011 21:28

Nursing beads? I do think most babies go through phases of gripping on to something around your face area, I don't think you can stop them, more just encourage them to hang on to something more comfortable! The torn cornea sound pretty extreme though.

I don't think she's trying to tell you anything, she's just a normal little baby who likes holding onto something.

whomovedmychocolate · 03/04/2011 21:36

Nursing beads Seriously they are fab, I still wear mine now because the kids love to play with them while waiting at the doctors etc.

Original poster

LionsnTigersnBears · 03/04/2011 21:59

googling nursing beads - thank you !!!!!

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PenguinArmy · 04/04/2011 05:25

it does die down again :)

DeWe · 04/04/2011 11:07

One of mine went through a stage of trying to put their toes in my mouth. Basically I would gently remove them. It was luckily a short phase, although they thought it was a really funny joke and would end up giggling hard while not letting go of the nipple.

Try holding their hand, she may just want something to hold, or a favourite soft toy/blanket.

AlmaMartyr · 04/04/2011 11:38

My DS started to do this, I bought a nursing necklace and it's helped loads since he fiddles with that instead. Toddler DD likes to fiddle with it when she's bored as well.

Octaviapink · 04/04/2011 12:18

I was told by a HV/ nurse that them putting their fingers in your mouth is a sign of affection - to do with you having been putting nipples in their mouths. They want to return the favour! I always used it as an opportunity to nibble dd's nails down as it was easier than clipping them.

NowWhatIsit · 04/04/2011 14:39

My one's worst move is night-time nipple twist. Pinch & turn, ouch.

Original poster

LionsnTigersnBears · 06/04/2011 19:20

Aw, Octavia, that is too sad! I'm welling up just thinking about it. Toes in my mouth would be the dizzy limit DeWe as is the nipple twist! Thanks all for your responses. Glad to know its not just me :-)

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