Why does a child suck his lower lip?

Although some movements of babies seem very cute in the eyes of outsiders, these movements make parents very worried. For example, biting the lower lip is an action that many babies will experience. However, many parents are worried that if their children suck their lower lips for a long time, it will cause damage to their lower lips. So why do children like to suck their lower lips?

Sucking is a natural skill for babies. From the day they are born, they can suck their mother's nipples skillfully. However, many mothers have reported that their babies always like to suck their lower lips. What's going on? Don't worry, this is a habitual action of the baby and also a way for the baby to gain a sense of comfort and security.

However, if babies suck their lower lips frequently, it will bring many adverse effects, such as uneven teeth, affecting appearance and chewing function, and may also cause cheilitis. So in order to avoid these adverse consequences, mothers should correct the baby's behavior of sucking the lower lip in time. Here are 5 methods recommended!

How to correct baby sucking lower lip

1. Don’t pay too much attention

When seeing their baby sucking their lips, some parents will become nervous and immediately sternly tell the baby "no sucking their lips". However, doing so will usually only reinforce the baby's behavior. It is better to divert the baby's attention through other means and not mention the "lip sucking" issue verbally to the baby.

2. During the teething period, meet the baby's biting needs

Many babies will suck their lower lips, fingers, etc. because of itchy gums during the teething period.

For babies who have grown a lot of teeth, mothers can provide them with more foods that need to be chewed, such as small breads, fruit slices, snacks, biscuits, etc., to meet the baby's oral activity needs. Some parents just feed their children porridge and milk and let them eat soft rice, which is wrong.

For babies who have only a few teeth or no teeth at all, you can also buy teethers for them. This will keep their mouths busy and reduce their lip-sucking movements.

3. Distract

When the baby shows the action of sucking his lips, parents can also divert the baby's attention by letting the baby talk or playing games with the baby, so as not to give the baby the "opportunity" to suck his lips.

4. Short trips

Parents who have the conditions can also take a short family trip, or stay with relatives or friends for a while. The living environment has changed, and the baby's attention will be focused on how to adapt to the new environment, which will also help the baby to get rid of some old bad habits.

5. Kiss and hug your baby more

After all, babies often suck their lips mostly because they feel insecure. If adults often scare babies, walk away without telling them, or do not pay enough attention to them when they cry, they will engage in unconscious actions such as sucking their lips, picking their nails, and biting their fingers.

Usually, parents must pay attention to building up the baby's sense of security, kiss and hug the baby more often, and do not scare or intimidate the baby. If the baby does not feel anxious, these subconscious little movements will naturally not occur.

Babies' lip sucking is just a habit and can be easily corrected. When you find your baby sucking his lower lip, don't always tell him not to suck. Babies are still young and can't understand what their mothers say. Even if they can hear you, they are naughty and always like to do whatever they want with their mothers. The more you tell them not to suck, the more they will want to suck. Mothers can divert the baby's attention, such as asking the baby to smile and so on.