Baby Not Eating & Sticking Hands in Mouth
Because babies can̵7;t talk, parents and doctors must look for clues that reveal why a baby is doing a particular activity. A baby who sticks her hands in her mouth repeatedly may be ill, but may just be exploring her hands or her environment. However, a baby who seems distressed, in pain and hungry should go to a doctor if she is not eating, as that baby may have oral problems preventing her from eating properly.
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Exploratory Movements
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A baby who does not seem to be hungry but continues to place her hands in her mouth may be exploring her mouth and hands. Babies are constantly exploring their environment, and one of the first parts of their environment they explore is their own body. After a baby learns to move her hands with intention, it can be fascinating for her to bring her hands to her mouth over and over again and chew on them to see what it feels like. Although adults associate placing the hand in the mouth with eating, that may not be the case.
Teething
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A baby who is teething may also place his hands in his mouth. Although the first teeth generally erupt when the baby is 6 months old, the teething process can begin before that. Also, baby teeth gradually move through the gums, which are sensitive long before teeth are actually visible. Chewing on hard or cold objects feels good on sore gums, and a baby who is drooling a lot and bringing his hands to his mouth may be trying to help his gums feel better.
Thrush
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A baby who has a sore mouth may also be less interested in eating and may place her hands in her mouth. Thrush is a yeast-related infection that is often visible as a cottage cheese-like white in the baby̵7;s mouth and on the baby̵7;s tongue. It's easily passed between mother and child, then back again. Thrush is most common in newborns but can occur at any age. If the baby̵7;s tongue is the only place that is coated it may just be milk, but if the cheeks are also coated and the baby seems to experience discomfort while eating, it could be thrush. Consult a doctor if you are uncertain. A doctor can prescribe anti-fungal medications to help clear up thrush.
Distracted New Eater
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After your baby starts eating solids around 6 months old, do not expect him to eat like an older child automatically. Babies are fascinated by the texture of food and frequently play with it both outside and inside the mouth. A baby may move his hand in and out of his mouth and bring the food into and take it out of his mouth, all the while seeming uninterested in eating the food. This is why it's important to continue giving your baby breastmilk or formula while introducing solid food. The first introduction to solids is more of an introduction to the texture and the taste of food rather than an opportunity to give your baby additional calories.
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