Why does my baby bite his nails?

Many parents will find that their babies like to play with their fingers when they have nothing to do. Some children even like to bite their nails and always put them in their mouths. This is not good for our baby's health. First of all, there are a lot of bacteria on our hands. If we hold them in our mouths, the bacteria will be brought into our bodies. So why do babies always like to bite their nails? Let’s find out the reasons below.

The stereotyped behavior of nail biting refers to children biting their fingernails repeatedly, voluntarily or involuntarily. It is common in young children, usually starting at 4 to 5 years old, increasing significantly at 6 years old, and gradually decreasing after 11 years old. However, about 23% of children still retain the habit of biting their nails at the age of 18. It is reported that about 50% of children have experienced nail biting to varying degrees. Although most cases are not serious, some will bite the nail edge to an uneven level that does not cover the fingertips. A few severe cases will bite the nail or the skin around the nail until it bleeds, and may even cause onychomycosis, paronychia, parasitic diseases, or even cause the entire nail to fall off or become deformed. Therefore, parents need to pay attention to it.

Many parents may not realize that children bite their nails mostly because they are nervous, depressed, frustrated or timid, and this often happens when their parents or teachers are too strict, critical or rude, making them feel lack of care, lonely, bored and insecure. Because young children have limited ability to regulate their emotions, when their inner tension cannot be relieved, they may "unable to help" biting their nails. Therefore, at this time, if parents scold, punish, coerce or induce their children for their behavior, it will only increase the psychological pressure on the children and have the opposite effect. For example, some parents, when they see their children biting their nails, immediately remind them or even force them not to bite their nails. This actually caters to the children's desire to seek attention from others, and unconsciously reinforces this behavior, causing the nail biting habit to continue and possibly become more and more serious.

The above has given a very detailed explanation of the reasons why children like to bite their nails. I believe that now everyone has a certain understanding of why their baby likes to bite their nails. If you find this situation in normal times, you should guide them in time to avoid forming this habit. If this problem persists for a long time, it should be taken seriously. It is best to take the baby to the hospital for a detailed examination.