Sucking Satisfaction

Maybe she's doing this out of a need for sensory input and oral satisfaction. At that age it is absolutely normal and expected that a child needs a certain amount of oral motor stimulation. If the paci is not working, try showing her how to suck her thumb or another finger. And I would DEFINITELY talk to the pediatrician to make sure there is nothing else wrong. I don't blame you for being worried about the appearance of the marks, and I would worry that she's actually hurting herself. Many small children (like my son) pull hair and bite themselves at an early age as a way of regulating pain. My son was suffering from terrible ear infections at 2-5 months and we didn't know it until he started pulling his hair so hard he would just scream in agony. We were told by a pediatric psychiatrist that it was an attempt at pain regulation. He didn't notice the pain from the ear infections as much as long as he was controlling the amount of pain he was inflicting on himself elsewhere. Odd but true. Good luck and best wishes.

First, I'd love to get to know you- feel free to email me at ____@____.com.

Second, I know it probably looks horrible, but if you can't find a solution, it's not hurting her so I wouldn't worry too much. Besides sleeves or a pacifier, maybe the hand mitts or a pair of pajamas or a sleeper that has the mitts built in?

My son, who was also born in June this year, also loves to suck his hands (mostly). My 3 yr old never really sucked on anything so this is new to me. I bought him a soft teddy bear and he loves to suck on the ears and the arms. Otherwise I wouldn't worry - hickies aren't permanent and they won't harm her. If your concerned, next DR appt ask them what they think. They'll probably say the same thing - normal - don't worry. My girlfriend's daughter loved to suck her toes! You couldn't put socks on her she'd scream!

Dear J.,
I don't think there is anything medically wrong with her causing the hickies, except that it's distressing to you. Babies have the need to suck (non-nutritive sucking) until about 6 months of age. Some babies have the need to suck more than others. She is at an age where she is learning to self-soothe. You could try giving her teething type toys to suck on. She may also be giving you clues that she needs to nurse or have more formula. I remember there was a time that my son wanted to eat every 1 1/2 to 2 hours. It drove me crazy. Good luck!!
K.

Sucking relaxs and clams babies down. it is totally normal for a child that age. I wouldn't worry about it. It isn't harming her and probably helps her sleep better. She might also be hungry.The only other suggest I would give is to give her something else that is safe to be in a crib for her to suck on.