Toddler Shirt Chewing?

Question

My almost 4 year old has recently started chewing on his shirts - non-stop! The front of his shirts get all gross and wet and stretched out and he does this everywhere. I keep telling him to cut it out and he stops for a few minutes and then does it again. When I ignore it, he keeps doing it too. Why is he doing this and how can I get him to stop? There have been no new changes in his life or schedule - so I don't think it is a response to anything.

Answer 1

I have been through this.  Give him something appropriate to chew on like an unused cloth diaper.  Its a sensory thing.  Since this is new he probably doesn't need to be evaluated by an OT for sensory integration.  A way to get him to stop is vibration.  The cheapest thing to get is an electric toothbrush.  This will wake up his mouth and he won't have to seek sensory input.

Answer 2

My almost 4 year old daughter chews her clothes as well. She's always got something in her mouth, it drives me crazy, but I haven't found any way to stop her! Sorry, I know I haven't helped but at least you are not alone!