Ok so I took him to the pediatrician and nothing is physically wrong with him but something about this boy just ain’t right! I have a followup with the pediatrician in a couple of weeks at which time I plan to discuss occupational therapy.
In the meantime we’re desperate to stop this habit! He pulls threads from anything he can and eats them. He eats his pajamas overnight. He eats the rug - literally - yarn by yarn. He chews teddy bears and eats the polyfill!
We’ve taken everything away from him that we can. He goes naked now almost constantly. No blankets or stuffed toys for him. He steals towels at every turn to snack on. If you hold him he checks you over for loose threads and snacks on your clothes!
I am sure this will all be hysterical when he’s all grown up but right now I’m in over my head.
He’s 16 months and developmentally he seems normal. He is very vocal and curious and has all the requisite toddler skills like walking, climbing, mischief…
My immediate thought was to try putting the kid in some Tyvek coveralls. If he can pull the fibers out of that stuff, he’s a better man than I am.
Unfortunately, I haven’t found any place that makes Tyvek clothing in toddler sizes. Most Tyvek apparel seems to be for use in handling hazardous materials and I guess it’s pretty rare for a 16-month-old to hold a hazmat license…
Pica was my first worry. We’ve ruled that out. You really have to see the ritualistic and careful pulling of each individual thread to understand why this has me so worried. That and pulling thread out of his bum with each bowel movement. I do not want him to end up with a bowel obstruction!
For such a young child he spends an inordinate amount of time unravelling thread. I’m wondering if it is OCD myself. He’s very exacting. Things have to be “just so” or he has a complete meltdown.
I wouldn’t go actually pulling the thread out of his bum - if it’s a long thread, pulling it could cause injury to his intestines, much how they tell you not to pull swallowed tinsel out of a cat’s butt for the same reasons. Just let it work its way out naturally.
All babies mouth objects, but the fact that he seems to be totally fixated on actually ingesting threads from random objects is a worry. And so is the possibility of obstruction. Keep on the doctors until you can get a referral to a specialist who can find out what’s up.
Bitter Apple might be just the ticket. It works on deterring dogs from chewing on items, I would suspect that it is harmless to the body, it might be worth the 4-5 dollar price to look into.
You could always shoot rubber bands at him to stop the behavoir. Think of the fun!
tanookie, did you read the link Thudlow Boink provided?
Also from the link provided:
I didn’t quote every reason given, just two that stuck out at me. Definitely keep on the doctors until a solution is found. I can only begin to imagine how worrisome and frustrating dealing with that must be. We have a cat that has pica, (otherwise known as a “wool sucking cat”, she’s part Oriental which have the same temperment as Siamese.) she eats fuzzy stuff like blankets and cotton wool. I hope a solution to your problem is found soon, and that it’s not as bad as what that link hints it could be. Maybe it is just a passing fancy, and he’ll stop on his own in time, with help? I hope so.
This sounds very interesting indeed. Unfortunately I have no advice but would like to know what you find out.
Erin does something similar in that she has a thing for larger stringy things ~ cot bumper ties, shoe laces, bib strings, trouser tassles, etc. I’ve never thought about it being damaging, as your boys’ habit but perhaps I should keep an eye on it.
Naw, the 16-month-olds produce the hazmat, the parents dispose of it and they’re the ones who need the hazmat suits
On topic: No real info for you on whether it might be pica, OCD, or whatever, put hopefully the OT can give you some info on whether it might be a sensory thing. Is your son doing OK developmentally in other areas? If so, this probably just is a phase of some sort. Can you distract him with other mouthable things like chewy toys or real food?
He’s been doing this for over 5 months. It has gotten worse rather than better. Taking the fabric away from him causes him to melt into a puddle of inconsolable goo for at least 15 minutes no matter what I try to trade him for it.
Developmentally he seems to be doing fine. He works really hard to keep up with his almost 4 year old sister.
As a psychologist, I would recommend a consult with a child psychologist. You may wish to rule out pica. Here is some more info about pica.
Pica is treatable, and in some kids is linked to an iron deficiency.
It is NOT due to bad parenting.
Given what you have told me, this seems to be a likely diagnosis. However, I am not and will not absolutely diagnose anyone over the net. Just saying it seems like something I’d investigate.
Your insurance should cover a child psychologist consult.
Ah. Ok. With that info, I’d now start investigating other possiblities such as OCD, Autism, Asperger’s, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder. I’m not trying to scare you here, and I really don’t want you to get worked up over Scary Words. These are just the rule-outs that come to mind given the info you’ve provided.
I want to stress again that this isn’t bad parenting.
A good exam by a child psychologist is definitely in order here. Keep me updated, I’m thinking of you!
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