# My son eats his pajamas and the rug - help! **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [March 8, 2005, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-son-eats-his-pajamas-and-the-rug-help/293588 "2005-03-08T23:18:37Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![tanookie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/48db29/32.png) [@tanookie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tanookie)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2005, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-son-eats-his-pajamas-and-the-rug-help/293588/1 "2005-03-08T23:18:37Z")
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… ---
**Author:** ![Primaflora](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/898d66/32.png) [@Primaflora](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Primaflora)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2005, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-son-eats-his-pajamas-and-the-rug-help/293588/2 "2005-03-08T23:24:55Z")
My first thought was an OT consult. I don’t have any ideas on how to help him stop though. Sounds like no fun at all. ---
**Author:** ![chukhung](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e79b87/32.png) [@chukhung](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chukhung)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2005, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-son-eats-his-pajamas-and-the-rug-help/293588/3 "2005-03-08T23:30:49Z")
My immediate thought was to try putting the kid in some [Tyvek](http://www.tyvek.com/whatistyvek.htm) 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… Sorry, I’ve got nothing. ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2005, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-son-eats-his-pajamas-and-the-rug-help/293588/4 "2005-03-08T23:41:23Z")
Maybe he is bored. Does he do it in public places with his clothing ? I don’t think it is that much to be concerned about at this age. ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2005, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-son-eats-his-pajamas-and-the-rug-help/293588/5 "2005-03-08T23:47:37Z")
[pica](http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavior/pica.html)? (Disclaimer: I am not an expert by any stretch of the imagination, and the above-linked site is the first appropriate thing Google gave me.) ---
**Author:** ![tanookie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/48db29/32.png) [@tanookie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tanookie)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-son-eats-his-pajamas-and-the-rug-help/293588/6 "2005-03-09T00:01:45Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Amazon\_Floozy\_Goddess](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/779978/32.png) [@Amazon\_Floozy\_Goddess](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amazon_Floozy_Goddess)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-son-eats-his-pajamas-and-the-rug-help/293588/7 "2005-03-09T13:18:24Z")
> [@tanookie](#): > > 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. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-son-eats-his-pajamas-and-the-rug-help/293588/8 "2005-03-09T14:24:21Z")
He eats carpet? Careful he doesn’t turn into a lesbian! [sub]Obligatory _South Park_ reference. 😃 [/sub] ---
**Author:** ![cluelessnoob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/df788c/32.png) [@cluelessnoob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cluelessnoob)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-son-eats-his-pajamas-and-the-rug-help/293588/9 "2005-03-09T14:33:19Z")
Lace your carpets with something painful to eat! Teach him the hard way. ---
**Author:** ![Frank\_2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8c91f0/32.png) [@Frank\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank_2)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-son-eats-his-pajamas-and-the-rug-help/293588/10 "2005-03-09T14:49:01Z")
By any chance, is your son a goat? ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-son-eats-his-pajamas-and-the-rug-help/293588/11 "2005-03-09T15:11:22Z")
_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! HA! I kid. ---
**Author:** ![mlerose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/43a26b/32.png) [@mlerose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mlerose)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-son-eats-his-pajamas-and-the-rug-help/293588/12 "2005-03-09T15:15:09Z")
Not that I am any kind of an expert, but my first thought was OCD, too. ---
**Author:** ![Zabali\_Clawbane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/ecd19e/32.png) [@Zabali\_Clawbane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zabali_Clawbane)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-son-eats-his-pajamas-and-the-rug-help/293588/13 "2005-03-09T15:18:17Z")
**tanookie** , did you read the link **Thudlow Boink** provided? > [@](#): > > Does My Child Have Pica? > > Look for these warning signs that your child may have pica: > > repetitive consumption of a nonfood item, despite efforts to restrict it, for a period of at least 1 month or longer > > the behavior is considered inappropriate for your child’s age or developmental stage (older than 18 to 24 months) > > the behavior is not part of a cultural, ethnic, or religious practice Also from the link provided: > [@](#): > > Why Do Some People Eat Nonfood Items? > > The specific causes of pica are unknown, but certain conditions and situations can increase a person’s risk for pica: > > developmental problems, such as mental retardation, autism, other developmental disabilities, or brain abnormalities > > mental health conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and schizophrenia 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. ---
**Author:** ![papergirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/aca169/32.png) [@papergirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/papergirl)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-son-eats-his-pajamas-and-the-rug-help/293588/14 "2005-03-09T15:18:42Z")
I have no idea, hon, but good luck with the OT. And I hope you’ll keep us informed. It’s way more interesting to hear about than it is to cope with on a daily basis, I’m sure. Hang in there. Best, karol ---
**Author:** ![Washte](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/dc4da7/32.png) [@Washte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Washte)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-son-eats-his-pajamas-and-the-rug-help/293588/15 "2005-03-09T16:02:28Z")
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. Good luck and hope that habit gets broken soon. ---
**Author:** ![Zebra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/c0e974/32.png) [@Zebra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zebra)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-son-eats-his-pajamas-and-the-rug-help/293588/16 "2005-03-09T16:58:00Z")
Take lots of pictures to embarrass him later. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-son-eats-his-pajamas-and-the-rug-help/293588/17 "2005-03-09T17:03:26Z")
> [@chukhung](#): > > …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… 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? ---
**Author:** ![tanookie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/48db29/32.png) [@tanookie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tanookie)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-son-eats-his-pajamas-and-the-rug-help/293588/18 "2005-03-09T17:05:55Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![inkleberry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/f17d59/32.png) [@inkleberry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/inkleberry)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-son-eats-his-pajamas-and-the-rug-help/293588/19 "2005-03-09T23:18:09Z")
As a psychologist, I would recommend a consult with a child psychologist. You may wish to rule out [pica.](http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/welcome/conditions/pica.html) Here is some more info about [pica.](http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavior/pica.html) 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. Good luck. ---
**Author:** ![inkleberry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/f17d59/32.png) [@inkleberry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/inkleberry)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-son-eats-his-pajamas-and-the-rug-help/293588/20 "2005-03-09T23:27:06Z")
> [@tanookie](#): > > 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. 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!