Children frequently chew on blankets or clothing, leading parents to wonder about the underlying reasons. This behavior often stems from typical developmental processes, and understanding its context can provide clarity. This article aims to explore the common explanations for children chewing on blankets within a developmental framework.
Common Reasons for Blanket Chewing
Oral exploration represents a significant aspect of early childhood development. Infants and toddlers typically use their mouths to investigate objects and their surroundings, with this “oral phase” generally occurring from birth to around 18 months of age. This behavior helps them understand textures, tastes, and temperatures, contributing to sensory and motor development. As babies develop, they learn to coordinate mouth, tongue, and jaw movements, which also prepares them for eating solid foods and speech.
Children may also chew on blankets as a self-soothing mechanism. This provides comfort and helps them regulate emotional states, especially when bored, tired, or anxious. Chewing offers a calming sensation, similar to thumb-sucking or pacifier use. This type of self-soothing is a natural way for children to cope with emotions or overwhelming stimuli.
Teething discomfort is another frequent reason for oral behaviors. As new teeth emerge, swollen, itchy gums lead children to chew on items like blankets to relieve pressure and pain. Furthermore, some children engage in blanket chewing as a habit, or as a form of sensory input seeking to meet specific sensory needs. Children explore the world through all their senses, and oral input can be a way to process information or manage sensory experiences.
Oral Seeking Behavior and Autism
Oral seeking behavior, including chewing on blankets or other non-food items, can be observed in individuals on the autism spectrum. This behavior often connects to sensory processing differences, where individuals seek specific oral stimulation. For some children with autism, chewing serves as a self-regulation technique, helping manage anxiety, stress, or sensory overload. The deep pressure and input from chewing can provide a calming effect.
While oral seeking can be a characteristic in autism, it is not a standalone diagnostic indicator. Many neurotypical children also engage in similar oral behaviors for development or self-soothing. In autism, oral fixation is considered within the broader context of restricted and repetitive behaviors, a core diagnostic criterion. This means chewing on objects would typically be accompanied by other distinct patterns of behavior and challenges in social communication.
Sensory processing differences in autism can lead to seeking more oral input or avoiding certain oral stimuli due to hypersensitivity. Sensory seekers might chew objects to gain desired input, while others avoid specific textures or tastes.
Broader Developmental Considerations
When considering autism spectrum disorder, the focus extends beyond isolated behaviors like blanket chewing to broader developmental patterns. Autism is characterized by persistent challenges in social communication and social interaction. These include difficulties with social-emotional reciprocity, such as initiating or responding to interactions, sharing interests, or understanding emotions.
Nonverbal communication differences are also common, manifesting as atypical eye contact, body language, or reduced use of gestures. Examples include rarely smiling in social situations, not responding to their name, or limited chattering or sound imitation. Delayed speech or unusual language use, like repeating words or phrases (echolalia), can also be observed.
Individuals on the autism spectrum also exhibit restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. This can involve repetitive motor movements like hand flapping or spinning, insistence on sameness, or rigid adherence to routines. Highly restricted, fixated interests, unusual in intensity or focus, are another characteristic. These patterns are often present early and cause significant impairment in daily functioning.
When to Consult a Professional
If concerns about a child’s development arise, especially if blanket chewing is persistent, disruptive, or accompanied by other developmental considerations, professional consultation is recommended. Parents are often the first to notice developmental differences. Begin by discussing observations with a pediatrician, who can provide initial guidance and perform developmental screenings.
The pediatrician can then refer to specialists for in-depth evaluations, such as developmental pediatricians, child neurologists, or child psychologists. Early intervention is beneficial for children with developmental delays or disabilities, as the brain is receptive to learning in early years. Addressing concerns early can significantly improve cognitive, social, emotional, and communication skills. Acting promptly to seek professional advice can make a meaningful difference in a child’s developmental path.