Your baby putting her hand in your mouth is likely an early hunger cue.
Babies, especially newborns, explore the world with their mouths. Bringing their hands to their mouths is a normal part of development, but it can also signal that they're hungry.
Here's a breakdown:
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Early Hunger Cue: Even before crying, a baby might suck on their hands, smack their lips, or put their hands in their mouth. This indicates they're ready to feed. Sometimes, even as you pick them up to nurse, they may frantically put their hand in their mouth, almost impatiently waiting.
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Self-Soothing: Babies often find comfort in sucking. Putting their hands in their mouth can be a way for them to self-soothe, especially when tired or overstimulated.
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Exploration: As babies develop, they use their mouths to explore textures and shapes. Your hand might simply be an interesting object to investigate!
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Teething: While less likely in very young babies, teething can also cause increased hand-to-mouth activity as they try to relieve discomfort.
What to Do:
- Offer a Feeding: If you suspect hunger is the reason, offer your baby a feeding.
- Observe Other Cues: Pay attention to other signs of hunger, tiredness, or discomfort.
- Provide a Safe Teething Toy: If teething is suspected, offer a safe teething toy.
- Ensure Clean Hands: Regularly wash your baby's hands to minimize germ exposure.
In conclusion, while hand-to-mouth behavior is normal, consider hunger as a primary reason, especially in younger babies. Observe your baby's cues to understand their needs.
