Babies put their hair in their mouths as part of their natural exploration and development. This behavior is driven by several factors.
Exploring the World Through Senses
From a very young age, babies use their mouths to investigate their surroundings. This isn't just about taste; it's about texture, temperature, and even the subtle feedback from manipulating an object. Hair, with its varied textures and the way it moves, offers a fascinating sensory experience for a baby. As stated in the provided reference, young children, including babies, explore their environment through actions such as putting objects in their mouths. This is a crucial part of learning about cause and effect.
Developing Sensory Motor Skills
Putting hair in the mouth is a way for your baby to practice her developing sensory motor skills. She's coordinating her hands and mouth, strengthening her muscles, and learning about spatial awareness. The act of grasping a strand of hair and pulling it towards her mouth involves complex coordination for such a young child.
Self-Soothing
Some babies may also use hair-pulling and chewing as a form of self-soothing, particularly when tired, frustrated, or teething. The repetitive action and the tactile sensation can provide comfort and a sense of security.
Age and Development
The provided reference notes that at 6-12 months, actions like hair pulling become linked to understanding cause and effect. This is a significant developmental leap, and hair-pulling is one aspect of this exploration.
In summary, your baby's habit of putting her hair in her mouth is a perfectly normal part of her development. It reflects her healthy curiosity and her drive to learn about the world through all her senses, especially touch and taste.
