Chewing hand like it's the most important thing in the world

[sunflower85]

Hi All

My little one, 13 weeks today, has been chewing on his fist for the last few weeks. He's done it to some extent since 8 weeks, but it's gathering momentum. I wonder if he may be teething? If i look at his lower gums I can see the teeth right there, how long until they erupt?

 

[tinselcat]

Hiya, my 14 week old has been just the same and this week he discovered sucking his thumb too. Like you I can see teeth close to the surface but he doesn't seem to be teething(despite the drool) I think it's more a comfort thing.

 

[CARNAT22]

Bee is a bit younger (12w) but she is going to town on her hands... she makes so much noise!

She also likes to suck / gnaw on my fingers and she has some power in her jaw.

No signs of teeth that I can see though.

X

 

[Niknaknoo]

My wee man is only 4 weeks and is already a fan of his fist. Health visitor told me it was a good sign, helps his co-ordination and teaches him to self soothe.

It's also possible your wee one is teething but don't know much about that as this is my first.

 

[littlemonkey]

The hand in the mouth thing is more developmental than teething. My LO was doing this from about 11-12 weeks, but his first teeth didn't actually break through until about 5 months. Maybe start putting some chewy toys near or in their hand for them to pick up and chew. My son constantly had some thing in his mouth he was chewing on, Sophie giraffe was a particular favourite!

 

[Toni.C]

My LO has been doing this for about 2 weeks now, he's 8 weeks. I'm sure I can see the teeth in his gums! He is very very dribbly too, but I think it's a comfort thing rather than a teeth thing. It's a right fight to get it out his mouth.

 

[nicejuicypear]

My daughter has done this a lot, for weeks now but no sign of teeth. I don't think it's always related to teething. For her, it was the first stage towards putting other things in her mouth, once she could hold them. She still does it now if she can't get hold of something else to put in. If she has a bib on, that goes in instead, if not she tries to get bits of her clothes in so I'm going through a lot of bibs!

However, I did read that teething pains can occur with no signs of teeth cutting because sometimes they just hurt under the gum line as they're developing in there.

 

[Goat]

My eldest was the same but her tooth popped up at 6 months. As the teeth move up the gums it really bothers them. A bit like when our wisdom teeth come through, mine had spells where they would hurt a lot before actually coming through. So I wouldn't discount teething, especially if they're quite grumpy. My youngest is just over 5 months and has been fist chomping from around 9 weeks but no tooth yet!xx

 

[sunflower85]

Thanks everyone! He was doing it with such urgency I worried it might be a stress thing. He's so noisy too! And thanks Little Monkey - someone had told me about Sophie Giraffe ages ago, you've jogged my memory. Must buy one.

X

 

[littlemonkey]

Thanks everyone! He was doing it with such urgency I worried it might be a stress thing. He's so noisy too! And thanks Little Monkey - someone had told me about Sophie Giraffe ages ago, you've jogged my memory. Must buy one.

X

My brother bought me my son's Sophie and I remember thinking what the hell is this?! Like it was some dog toy or something.

He also had some keys, think they're made by Nuby, that are gel and can be put in the fridge to cool then. Unfortunately I've lost my son's so will need to get some more for this baby.

 

[MissyAK]

My lil one has discovered his hands too, he's ten weeks old - lots of dribble too.
Its very cute but oh so loud!