Why Do Children Chew on Clothes and Bedding? Understanding the Habit and How to Help
If you’ve noticed your child gnawing on their shirt collar, blanket, or pillowcase, you’re not alone. Many parents observe this behavior in toddlers and young children, often wondering whether it’s a harmless phase or something that needs attention. Let’s explore why kids develop this habit, when it might signal an underlying issue, and practical strategies to address it.
—
The Basics: Why Kids Chew on Fabrics
Chewing on non-food items—including clothing and bedding—is a common sensory-seeking behavior in early childhood. For many kids, it’s simply a way to explore their environment or self-soothe. Here are a few reasons behind the habit:
1. Teething and Oral Stimulation
Babies and toddlers often chew to relieve gum discomfort during teething. Even after teeth emerge, some children continue seeking oral input because it feels calming. Chewing on soft fabrics like blankets or sleeves can provide gentle pressure that soothes their jaws.
2. Sensory Needs
Some children are sensory seekers, meaning they crave tactile or oral experiences to regulate their emotions. The texture of clothing or bedding may satisfy this need, especially during moments of boredom, stress, or excitement.
3. Anxiety or Stress
Chewing can become a coping mechanism for children feeling overwhelmed. For example, a child might nibble on their shirt sleeve during a noisy classroom activity or while adjusting to a new environment.
4. Developmental Stages
Young children learn about the world through their mouths. While most outgrow this phase by age 3, some continue chewing as they navigate developmental milestones like starting preschool or potty training.
—
When Should Parents Be Concerned?
Occasional chewing is rarely a cause for alarm. However, if the behavior persists beyond age 4, intensifies, or interferes with daily life (e.g., ruined clothing, dental issues, or social embarrassment), it’s worth investigating further. Here are signs that warrant closer attention:
– Frequent and Intense Chewing: If your child constantly chews items to the point of damaging them, it might indicate unmet sensory needs or anxiety.
– Associated Behaviors: Look for patterns like nail-biting, hair-twirling, or skin-picking, which could suggest heightened stress.
– Delayed Milestones: If chewing coexists with speech delays, feeding difficulties, or social challenges, consult a pediatrician to rule out developmental conditions like autism or sensory processing disorder (SPD).
—
How to Support a Child Who Chews on Fabrics
Instead of scolding or punishing the habit—which can increase stress—focus on redirecting the behavior and addressing its root cause. Here are actionable tips:
1. Offer Safe Alternatives
Provide chewable items designed for oral stimulation, such as silicone necklaces, textured teethers, or chewable pencil toppers. These tools are discreet, durable, and safer than random objects. For example, a silicone pendant necklace can satisfy the need to chew without damaging clothing.
2. Identify Triggers
Keep a journal to track when and where the chewing occurs. Does it happen during transitions, in crowded spaces, or while concentrating? Recognizing patterns helps you address the underlying emotion (e.g., offering reassurance during anxious moments).
3. Create a Calming Routine
Incorporate activities that regulate sensory input, like deep-pressure massages, weighted blankets, or crunchy snacks (e.g., apple slices, pretzels). These can reduce the urge to chew by providing alternative forms of stimulation.
4. Encourage Communication
Teach your child to express their feelings verbally. For a toddler, use simple phrases like, “Are you feeling worried? Let’s squeeze this stress ball together.” Older children might benefit from mindfulness exercises or drawing to process emotions.
5. Address Sensory Needs
If chewing stems from sensory-seeking tendencies, occupational therapy (OT) can help. An OT might recommend activities like blowing bubbles, drinking through straws, or playing with putty to fulfill oral and tactile cravings.
6. Model Healthy Habits
Children often mimic adults. If you bite your nails or chew pens, work on breaking those habits together. Celebrate small victories to build confidence.
—
What Not to Do
Avoid these common pitfalls when addressing the habit:
– Shaming: Comments like “Stop acting like a baby” can damage self-esteem.
– Removing Comfort Items Abruptly: If your child relies on a blanket for security, replace it with a chew-friendly version rather than taking it away.
– Ignoring Underlying Stress: Chronic chewing might signal unresolved anxiety. Open conversations and professional support can make a difference.
—
When to Seek Professional Guidance
If your child’s chewing persists despite your efforts, consider consulting:
– A pediatrician to check for nutritional deficiencies or dental issues.
– An occupational therapist to assess sensory needs.
– A child psychologist if anxiety or compulsive behaviors are suspected.
—
Final Thoughts
Chewing on clothes and bedding is a natural phase for many kids, but it’s important to approach it with empathy. By understanding why your child engages in this behavior and offering gentle guidance, you can help them find healthier ways to cope. Remember, every child is unique—what works for one might not work for another. Stay patient, stay curious, and celebrate progress, no matter how small.
In the end, most children outgrow this habit as they develop better emotional regulation and communication skills. Until then, your support can turn a frustrating quirk into an opportunity for growth.
Please indicate: Thinking In Educating » Why Do Children Chew on Clothes and Bedding