POOJA KOTHARIMom of a 8 yr 5 m old boy1 Year agoA. It's common for toddlers to develop new self-soothing behaviors after being weaned from breastfeeding. Sucking on their lower lip or touching your lips for comfort is a way your child is likely coping with the change and seeking reassurance.
### Is It Okay?
- **Normal Behavior:** This behavior is generally normal and is a form of self-soothing. Many children find comfort in similar habits, like thumb sucking, holding a blanket, or playing with their hair.
- **Temporary Phase:** These behaviors often diminish as the child adjusts to the new routine and finds other ways to soothe themselves.
### Tips to Support Your Child:
- **Comfort Items:** Introduce a soft toy, blanket, or a small pillow that your child can use as a comfort object during sleep. This can help transition her away from the habit of touching your lips.
- **Gentle Encouragement:** Gradually encourage alternative soothing techniques, such as holding your hand or stroking her back, while being patient and understanding of her needs.
- **Consistency:** Maintain a consistent bedtime routine to provide her with a sense of security and predictability, which can reduce the need for self-soothing behaviors.
### When to Be Concerned:
If the lip-sucking or touching behavior persists for a long time or becomes excessive to the point of causing skin irritation or other issues, it might be helpful to gently redirect the behavior or consult with a pediatrician for further advice.
In general, this is a natural phase that many toddlers go through, and with time and gentle guidance, she will likely outgrow it.
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