How to get a toddler to stop playing with nipple while nursing?

Understanding Nipple Twiddling in Toddlers
Nipple twiddling during breastfeeding is a common behavior among toddlers, often seen as a way for them to explore or seek comfort while nursing. While this behavior is entirely normal, many parents find it distracting or uncomfortable. Understanding the reasons behind this behavior and implementing strategies to manage it can help create a more pleasant nursing experience.
Why Do Toddlers Twiddle?
Toddlers may engage in nipple twiddling for several reasons. It can be a form of self-soothing, a way to explore their environment, or simply a habit that develops during breastfeeding. As they grow, toddlers often seek to assert their independence, and twiddling can be a way to do so while still enjoying the comfort of nursing.
Strategies to Discourage Nipple Twiddling
If you’re looking to reduce or stop this behavior, there are several strategies you can employ:
1. Redirect Attention: One effective method is to provide an alternative object for your toddler to play with while nursing. For instance, wearing a fiddly necklace made of soft materials can keep their hands busy. You can gently guide their hands to the necklace whenever they start to twiddle.
2. Set Boundaries: It’s important to communicate with your toddler about what is acceptable during nursing. You can gently explain that while nursing is a time for closeness, twiddling can be distracting. Consistency in your response will help them understand the boundaries.
3. Change Positions: Sometimes, simply changing the nursing position can help. Holding your toddler in a way that makes it more difficult for them to reach your nipple can reduce the likelihood of twiddling. Experimenting with different holds may lead to a more comfortable experience for both of you.
4. Limit Nursing Sessions: If twiddling becomes too much of a distraction, consider limiting the duration of nursing sessions. Shorter, more focused sessions can help your toddler understand that nursing is a special time, but it has its limits.
5. Positive Reinforcement: Praise your toddler when they nurse without twiddling. Positive reinforcement can encourage them to engage in the desired behavior more often.
Conclusion
While nipple twiddling is a normal part of breastfeeding for many toddlers, it can be managed with a few thoughtful strategies. By redirecting their attention, setting clear boundaries, and adjusting your nursing approach, you can create a more enjoyable experience for both you and your child. Remember, patience and consistency are key as you navigate this phase of your breastfeeding journey.

How do I stop breastfeeding a breast obsessed toddler?

Gradually reduce the time at the breast to just enough time to relax your child, placing the emphasis on the story, song etc., rather than on the breastfeed. If your toddler wakes during the night and wants a feed to get back to sleep, see if your partner can settle them, perhaps with a cuddle and a drink of water.

How to stop a toddler from twiddling nipples?

Hold the baby’s hand and stroke it gently or give your baby a favourite soft toy or small object to hold. Keep a note of which time the twiddling tends to happen more often and offer other substitutes first or use distraction. Without refusing the nursing, just cut the feeding time shorter.

How do I stop my toddler from playing with my nipples?

If you decide you’d like your baby to stop twiddling, you can try several tactics, including:

1. Use a piece of clothing or blanket to cover the breast your baby isn’t nursing from (out of sight, out of mind).
2. Wear a chunky necklace or offer something else your little one can fiddle with instead.

Why is my 2 year old so attached to breastfeeding?

As a general rule, toddlers do nurse less often, mostly as nursing sessions are replaced by solid food. But toddlers don’t just nurse for nutrition or quench their thirst; they do so when they are craving connection, attention, are tired, bored, etc. So your toddler may want to nurse a lot sometimes.

Why does my 2 year old play with her nipples?

It’s how they explore their world, develop their fine motor skills, calm themselves and occupy themselves. And when they are breastfeeding, the other nipple often looks like another appealing button. Some stroke, some twist, some pull, some rub between a finger and thumb, some twiddle to get to sleep.

Why is my 2 year old obsessed with breastfeeding?

But toddlers don’t just nurse for nutrition or quench their thirst; they do so when they are craving connection, attention, are tired, bored, etc. So your toddler may want to nurse a lot sometimes. Other times, they may only nurse a few times a day. This is normal.

Why does my toddler play with my nipple while breastfeeding?

‘Many babies twiddle the opposite nipple while breastfeeding, and this actually causes a release of the hormone oxytocin, which increases milk supply. ‘ Professor Lorraine Sherr, clinical psychologist at the Royal Free Hospital, says that as breastfed babies grow up, the role of the breast changes.

How to stop a toddler from playing with private parts?

You can gently guide them away from touching their genitals in public. The more they understand about private versus public behavior the better. You can let them know that this is something they can do at home or in their room, but that it’s not something we do in front of other people or out in public.

How do I stop breastfeeding my obsessed toddler?

Tips for weaning success

1. Get up before them. If your toddler usually has an early morning feed, getting up before they wake may help.
2. Have set times for day feeds. For example, only at home, only after lunch, not between meals.
3. Discourage long feeds.
4. Wear different clothes.
5. Change the routine.
6. ‘Never offer, never refuse’

Why is my baby grunting and squirming while breastfeeding?

Many mothers report that the grunting and squirming stop after a few weeks. It is a case-by-case situation, and it is different for every child. The grunting can start right after birth or a month later, but if this phase lasts longer than a few weeks, contact your doctor and ask for guidance and support.