i stopped breastfeeding my 2 year old baby now she sucks her lower lip and sometimes keeps touching my lips to go to sleep
Is it okay?

Question

i stopped breastfeeding my 2 year old baby now she sucks her lower lip and sometimes keeps touching my lips to go to sleep 
Is it okay?

Accepted Answer

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.

i stopped breastfeeding my 2 year old baby now she sucks her lower lip and sometimes keeps touching my lips to go to sleep Is it okay?