Babies grab at breasts during feeding for a few reasons, primarily due to their developing coordination and curiosity.
When a baby is very young, they are often focused on the task at hand: latching and sucking. As they grow and become more alert, around 2-3 months, they become more aware of their surroundings and start to explore with their hands. This means that the other breast, now in reach, may become a point of interest and a way to keep their hands occupied while feeding.
Reasons for Breast Grabbing
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Sensory Exploration | Babies use their hands to explore the world. Grabbing at the breast may be part of their sensory development as they try to understand the textures and shapes around them. |
| Developing Coordination | As motor skills develop, babies begin to use their hands more intentionally. Grabbing at the breast can be a way to practice these skills and refine their hand-eye coordination. |
| Fidgeting and Distraction | Older babies may fidget more during feeding. They might grab at the breast simply as a way to keep their hands busy, particularly if they are not fully focused on feeding. |
| Other Breast Awareness | According to a reference, older babies may notice that the other breast is within reach and want to interact with it. This is part of their growing awareness of their own body and their environment. |
In summary, while very young newborns are often sleepy and concentrate on feeding, older babies tend to become more active and grab at breasts out of curiosity, developing coordination, or to fidget. It's a normal part of development and exploration for many babies.
