My Baby Is Sucking His Hand Raw!

Updated on April 08, 2011
S.T. asks from Denver, CO
5 answers

Hi moms!
My 4.5 month old is all about sucking his hand. It's great that he has this ability to self-sooth, but the poor little guy's skin is just raw! How can I put anything on it that he won't just suck off? Should I even worry? It doesn't seem to bother him, it just looks so painful. Suggestions welcome!

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

thanks moms, I'll try the lanolin while he sleeps! he used to take a paci, but since he's discovered his hand, he's no longer interested!

More Answers

M.P.

answers from Provo on

I second the lanolin since it's super thick and safe to digest. But I would also put a sock or a baby mit on his hand while he sleeps so that he doesn't get the lanolin all over his face.

4 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.C.

answers from Duluth on

My son does that too sometimes. I put Lanolin on there during his naps and at night. Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.C.

answers from Columbus on

You can try a pacifier instead, if that is the route you want to take. You can also direct him to start sucking his thumb....

In the meantime, you can use lanolin to help with the chapping--it's safe for babies to eat, and helps lock in moisture. It's what I use on my son's thumb (he's a thumbsucker, and has been since about 4 months).

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.W.

answers from St. Cloud on

Have you tried giving him a nuk instead??? (I know all kids won't take one, but maybe you could get him to switch over? Or else, show him just his thumb?)

I suggest that you put socks on his hands as well. Just make sure to change them a couple times a day so they aren't soaking wet all the time......

After he falls asleep at bedtime, you can put some Lanolin on him as well.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.B.

answers from Charlotte on

.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions