Why Children Chew on Clothes, Blankets, and Other Textiles (And How to Help)
If you’ve noticed your child gnawing on their shirt collar, chewing holes in their blanket, or mouthing the edges of their stuffed animals, you’re not alone. Many parents observe this behavior in toddlers and school-aged children, often wondering whether it’s a phase, a sensory need, or something more concerning. While it can be frustrating to see a favorite sweater riddled with bite marks, understanding the why behind this habit is the first step to addressing it constructively. Let’s explore the possible reasons and practical strategies to support your child.
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1. Sensory Seeking: A Need for Oral Stimulation
For some children, chewing on fabrics is a way to meet sensory needs. The act of biting or sucking on textured materials provides deep pressure to the jaw and mouth, which can feel calming or organizing for kids who crave sensory input. This is especially common in children with sensory processing differences, autism, or ADHD, though neurotypical kids may also engage in this behavior during periods of stress or boredom.
What to try:
– Offer safe, chewable alternatives like silicone necklaces, textured teething toys, or food-grade rubber tubing. These items are designed to withstand chewing and provide a satisfying sensory experience.
– Introduce crunchy or chewy snacks (e.g., carrot sticks, dried fruit, or licorice) during downtime to redirect the urge to chew fabrics.
– Create a “sensory toolkit” with items that engage other senses, such as stress balls, fidget spinners, or weighted blankets, to address overall sensory needs.
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2. Emotional Regulation: Self-Soothing Under Stress
Chewing can also be a coping mechanism for managing emotions. Just as adults might bite their nails or tap a pen when anxious, children may turn to chewing fabrics to self-soothe. Transitions (like starting school), family changes, or even subtle stressors like overstimulation can trigger this behavior.
What to try:
– Name the emotion: Gently ask your child, “Are you feeling worried/excited/tired right now?” Helping them identify emotions reduces reliance on physical habits.
– Teach alternative calming strategies, such as deep breathing, squeezing a stuffed animal, or using a “calm-down corner” with soft lighting and quiet activities.
– Build routines to reduce unpredictability. For example, a consistent bedtime ritual can ease anxiety that might lead to chewing blankets at night.
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3. Habitual Behavior: Breaking the Cycle
Sometimes, chewing starts as a random action (like teething relief in infancy) and evolves into a hard-to-break habit. Even after the original trigger fades, the repetitive motion becomes ingrained, especially during idle moments like watching TV or riding in the car.
What to try:
– Gentle redirection: Avoid shaming (“Stop ruining your clothes!”) and instead say, “Let’s swap that blanket for your chewy toy.” Praise efforts when they choose alternatives.
– Use visual reminders, like a small sticker on their sleeve or a bracelet, to help them catch themselves before chewing starts.
– For older children, involve them in problem-solving. Ask, “What could help you remember not to chew your shirt?” They might suggest wearing a hoodie with a soft zipper pull to fiddle with instead.
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4. Oral Development: Teething and Jaw Strengthening
In younger children (under 3), chewing often relates to teething discomfort or strengthening jaw muscles. While blankets aren’t ideal teething tools, the soft texture might appeal to sore gums.
What to try:
– Provide chilled teething rings or silicone toys designed for infants and toddlers.
– Offer cold foods like yogurt pouches or cucumber slices to numb discomfort.
– For older kids who’ve outgrown teething, consider if jaw weakness contributes to the habit. Consult a pediatric occupational therapist for exercises to improve oral motor skills.
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5. Medical or Nutritional Factors
In rare cases, excessive chewing could signal an underlying issue. Iron deficiency anemia, for example, is linked to pica—a compulsion to eat non-food items. Similarly, gastrointestinal discomfort or acid reflux might drive a child to chew fabrics for relief.
What to try:
– Rule out medical causes with a pediatrician. A simple blood test can check for nutrient deficiencies.
– Monitor for other unusual behaviors, like eating dirt, paper, or hair, which warrant further evaluation.
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When to Seek Professional Support
Most children outgrow fabric-chewing with patience and targeted strategies. However, if the habit:
– Persists beyond age 5–6,
– Interferes with social interactions (e.g., teasing at school),
– Causes dental issues or choking risks,
– Is accompanied by other developmental concerns,
consult a pediatrician, dentist, or occupational therapist. These experts can assess whether sensory integration therapy, behavioral interventions, or dietary adjustments are needed.
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Final Thoughts: Patience and Positivity
It’s easy to feel embarrassed or worried when your child chews on their clothes, but remember—this behavior is rarely intentional or malicious. Approach the situation with curiosity, not criticism. Celebrate small victories (“You used your chewy necklace all morning—great job!”) and stay consistent with alternatives. Over time, most children learn healthier ways to meet their sensory or emotional needs, leaving those bite-marked shirts behind as a quirky memory of their early years.
By understanding the root cause and responding with empathy, you’ll not only address the chewing habit but also strengthen your child’s ability to navigate their world with confidence.
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