How do i stop hand sucking ?

Question

my almost 4 month old daughter sucks on her hands but she tries to put her whole hand in her mouth and then she makes herself gag and then she spits up how can i stop this but let her still be able to entertain herself but i feel like this is hurting her is some way like her esophagus or she isn't getting the right nutrition because she is spitting her formula up all the time

please help me

Answer 1

Hand sucking is totally normal and should not be discouraged.She is just trying to comfort herself. She will soon learn how to do it without gagging herself.  You could try a pacifier if the hand sucking is really bothering you.  If she is gaining the proper weight then she is probably keeping down enough food. Keeping her in a somewhat upright position while feeding will help, also burping her good and holding her upright after feeding and not jostling her around too much after eating. Overfeeding can also cause spitting up.  I had to use Gentlease formula because my baby spit up so much!

Answer 2

My sons six months and he still does it, until the point that he pukes, hes getting a little better about it, so I'm assuming they grow out of it eventually, but when your daughter starts doing that try to give her a pacifier if she takes one or you can give her a toy to distract her, that might work too, I'm not sure if theres really a way you can stop it, but just distract her from it... I'm sure she will grow out of it eventually.

Answer 3

Its not going to hurt her, its really common. Maybe try to entertain her after she eats. The longer she goes without putting her hands in her mouth after she eats the less chance of spitting up. She would have to do a lot more than spit up to affect her nutrition.

Answer 4

It is normal for your baby to suck on her hand and to try and fit it in her mouth. As for the vomiting, I doubt very much that she is injuring herself or losing any nutrition. Have you tried a pacifier? She is probably starting to teeth and is chewing on her hand for relief. If you are too concerned, then just call your pediatrician and ask for advice. And Congrats! on the baby.

Answer 5

she has a strong sucking instinct. Will she take a binky? Some babies just need to suck all the time.

Answer 6

This is a phase all babies go through - she is just exploring since she found her hands.  The phase will pass, and she will find something else to explore.  In the meantime, try giving her a pacifier since she may just want something to suck on  :)

Answer 7

nothing you do is going to stop her from doing it. She will work the paci out of her mouth to get her fingers in. It is a normal things for ALL BABIES. That is part of their development to put things into their mouths. And I can guarantee that her hands are going to be the safest. She will soon learn not to stick them in so far. But relax, this is part of her development. I suggest "what to expect the first year" or " The Baby Book" by Dr. Sears. He is one of the foremost leading pediatricians in America. Our Generations Dr. Spock, but better.

Answer 8

Spitting up is normal and as long as she is gaining weight she is fine.  Babies that are teething will do that as well as if they are hungry, bored or stressed.  I am sure if you talked to the pediatrician about it they will say there is nothing to be worried about, she will stop it on her own.  

Answer 9

my daughter does that too. best thing is to cover her hands (some infant outfits have hand covers attached to the sleeves) and let her find comfort with a pacifier. has she been checked for possible acid reflux? that could be part of the problem.