askvity

Why Do Kids Put Hands in the Mouth?

Published in Child Development 1 min read

Kids, especially babies, often put their hands in their mouths primarily for self-soothing.

Self-Soothing Mechanism

  • Early Development: Even before babies learn to coordinate thumb-sucking, they may suck on their entire hand or anything else they can get into their mouths.
  • Comfort: Sucking or biting helps them self-soothe, providing comfort and security.

Detailed Explanation

Babies explore the world through their mouths, but the primary reason for putting hands in the mouth revolves around self-soothing. This behavior offers comfort and security during periods of stress or discomfort.

Related Articles