1.5-Year-Old Gags When Touching Certain Textures – Is This Normal?

[Sisiey]

Hello everyone,

I’ve noticed several times that our 1.5-year-old child seems to have a very strong reaction to touching certain materials. In some cases, they become so uncomfortable that they almost gag or look like they’re about to vomit.

For example, today it happened when touching a box of rubber bands. It has also happened before with sticky play jelly/slime. Interestingly, after a while, they seem to get used to the texture and then have no problem touching it.

We haven’t noticed any issues with other textures, sounds, or sensory experiences in general. It seems to be limited to a few specific materials.

Has anyone else’s child shown similar behavior? Is this something that can be considered normal at this age, or is it worth looking into further?

I’d appreciate hearing about your experiences.

Thank you!

I think it's within the realms of normal. Some people have a heightened sensitivity to certain touches, tastes or smells but if your child is ok when they become accustomed to the feel after a few exposures then I think it's fine. A small baby is experience many things for the first time and reactions such as shock, crying, grimacing and even gagging I would consider normal. Have you seen videos of babies feeling grass on their feet for the first time? Or being terrified of their shadow? They're still learning about the world and everything is new to them and can freak them out!

sticky play jelly/slime not uncommon to dislike things of this texture. Does look and feel quite gross!

It's very common at this age, I worked with under twos in a nursery for a few years and came across this quite regularly. My own daughter also had this reaction to foam, she's a normal 6 year old now with no sensory issues. I think as long as it isn't becoming a constant issue, affecting play or eating etc then I'd just continue to expose them to different textures, they should grow out of it eventually.