Toddler (trying to) eat own poo! Help!

[justmewithmylifetoday]

Can't quite believe I'm typing this...

21 month old ds has now on 3 occasions put his hand in his soiled nappy, rummaged around and put his (poo covered) hand to his mouth.

We have tried many things to prevent this, making sure he always he is always clothed, with a vest underneath at all times. Making sure he is changed promptly when soiled (which we would anyway) and just trying to be aware of when he's done one.

On this occasion it was during the morning rush to get ready/school run etc. He was in the playpen and took his sleep suit off.

Can't believe he's managed to do it a 3rd time. Each time he has been visibly repulsed (as I am!) Gagged and almost vomited, I mean what do you expect when putting a hand with poo on in your mouth!!

Also, tips for sleep suits he can't get off? Poppers get undone immediately, and I think he would just undo the zip ones in the same manner as he often takes his coat off given the chance.

Hoping this phase will pass/gross sensory seeking?!

Please tell me it's not just my child!

I'm not surprised that they're repulsed! I have no idea on how you deal with this one though. Hopefully someone will be along soon 💩

I’ve heard of people putting a footless zip up baby grow on backwards, could that work?

I’m sure they will grow out of it quickly!

Not to panic you OP, but it can be a sign of a particular medical condition (can't remember it right now). I would speak with your GP just as a precaution.

Leggings/trousers under the vest and or footless sleepers on backwards and I call to the HV

'Pica'.

God it's very normal.

My eldest child did it at this age. I remember being engrossed in talking to a workman who was putting in a new fire for us and I look down to see my daughter eating her own poo as she'd got her nappy off without me realising

The solution? Just being hyper vigilant and whipping off the nappy immediately. It passes before you know it

Oh and my eldest? She's a 26 year old police detective and no longer does it 😀

Put sleep suit on backwards and don't panic it will pass, I remember walking into my toddlers room and finding she had not only taken her nappy off and smeared it across her face but had done a very elaborate 'feature wall' Picasso style behind her bed !

Could be a sign of pica…..I doubt it but I would get him checked. Probably just sensory type thing maybe?

Thank you (lots) for all your messages, especially the ones where you can relate/have had your own excrement style art work moments!! Giggle

To those of you who have suggested a GP/HV visit happy to do this if necessary but what can they do?

Surely all toddlers go through a stage of having Pica? Doesn't everything look appealing to eat at this age? Something I will keep an eye on though.

The GP would find out if they are iron deficient and prescribe a supplement I imagine.

Or you could increase iron on food and see what happens.

M&S sell sleepsuits that fasten in the back. Search 'adaptive sleepsuit'.

A friend and I were talking about the most hideous poo related things our toddlers had done (said toddlers are now very much adults!). Her story outdid mine.

They'd recently decorated a room for the toddler, expensive paper, etc. Moved the cot and toddler in. Friend went in, in the morning, to find toddler with her face smeared with poo, cot smeared with poo, all fancy wallpaper within reach also smeared with poo and apparently the toddler was almost dancing with excitement about her 'artwork'!