Babies have an innate sucking reflex, which allows them to obtain the necessary nutrients for their growth and development through suckling.

Babies often put their hands in their mouths to activate the sucking reflex. They do it for a variety of reasons, including curiosity and comfort.

What are the causes of babies putting their hands in their mouth?

Since pregnancy, babies have put their thumbs or hands in their mouths. This behavior is also observed in newborns.

Multiple factors contribute to infants placing their thumbs or hands in their mouths, such as:

A sign of hunger

One of the reasons babies want to suck their fingers or hands is to communicate to their parents that they are hungry. When their mouth opens and shuts or produces a cheek-slapping motion, it confirms they are ready to eat. Aside from that, hungry newborns typically appear restless and confused before crying or seeking attention to indicate that it is time to breastfeed.

Self-comfort technique

In addition to being hungry, newborns often suck on their fingers or hands for comfort. Hand-sucking is a natural way for babies to calm down and find comfort and security.

This strategy is commonly used to help newborns prepare for sleep or reduce stress. Some experts believe that the ability to find strategies to calm themselves indicates emotional intelligence.

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Dental growth

Teeth growth can irritate and hurt the baby's gums. Babies may try to relieve the discomfort by sucking their fingers and applying pressure to their developing gums.

The baby's pain may also indicate behavioral changes, such as increased fussiness and frequent crying. Giving your baby a cool teether, gently massaging their gums with a cloth, or giving them a teething gel made especially for babies will all help relieve this discomfort.

Exploration phase

Babies begin to explore their surroundings at around 2-3 months old. They initially become aware of their ability to move and control their hands.

At this age, newborns develop gross and fine motor skills. To explore, they will put their fingers, hands, blankets, dolls, or parents' fingers in their mouths.

Babies get their first taste of independence when they learn to use their hands. This milestone best demonstrates a child's growing sense of autonomy.

Read more: The Signs Of Baby's Mouth Attachment Are Right When Breastfeeding

Boredom

Despite having daily activities such as sleeping, breastfeeding, bathing, and defecating, infants might experience moments of boredom. This boredom stimulates their sensory abilities, encouraging them to seek new sensations that stimulate their interest, such as inserting their hands or fingers into their mouths.

This strategy is considered to relieve boredom and transform into something intriguing to explore via sucking. In this situation, if the baby appears bored, you can invite him to interact so that the baby can relieve his boredom in ways other than sucking his hand.

Since sucking on fingers or hands is typical, keep your baby's hands clean and clear of hair, animal fur, and small things that could choke them. Suppose you are concerned about your baby's habit of sucking his fingers. 

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or use the consultation features available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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