Does Your Child Chew on Their Clothing? This Could Be Why...
- Emma Christmas
- Oct 5
- 2 min read
Have you ever noticed your child chewing on their sleeves, collars or even their hands? While it can feel worrying (and frustrating when clothes get ruined), chewing is actually a very common behaviour in children. And it usually has an underlying reason.
Why Children Chew on Clothing
Chewing can be a way for children to self-soothe. Just like adults might bite their nails or nibble the end of a pen, children often use chewing as a calming strategy. The jaw is one of the strongest muscles in the body and activating it can actually calm the nervous system. So, if your child is feeling stressed, nervous, overwhelmed or even just overstimulated, chewing can be their way of coping.
What to Look Out For
If you’ve noticed your child chewing on clothing (or hands), pay attention to:
Patterns: Does it happen at certain times of day?
Environments: Does chewing increase in noisy, crowded or overwhelming places?
Emotions: Is your child worried, excited or anxious when it happens?
Often, the chewing will reduce once the situation has passed - or once your child develops alternative coping strategies. The key thing is not to shame or draw negative attention to the behaviour. For many children, it’s simply a temporary way to manage big feelings.
When Chewing Becomes a Problem
If your child’s chewing is damaging clothing or causing them pain, it’s time to try some supportive alternatives:
Chewy foods (like crunchy vegetables, dried fruit or chewy snacks).
Sensory tools (fidget toys or chew-safe sensory jewellery designed for children).
Relaxation strategies such as deep breathing, mindfulness exercises or calming routines.
These alternatives give your child the same sense of relief while protecting their clothes and their skin.
Helping Your Child Cope in Healthy Ways
The most important step is teaching your child healthy coping skills that can boost their confidence, self-regulation and self-esteem. With the right support, they can learn to manage stress and anxiety without relying on chewing.
✨ Inside The Parent Hub membership, I share practical strategies that help parents support their child’s emotional wellbeing - so they feel calmer, more confident and better able to handle big feelings. Click here to join The Parent Hub and get access to tools that make parenting challenges like this feel much easier.
Final Thoughts
If your child chews on their clothes, know that you’re not alone - and it doesn’t mean something is ‘wrong’. It’s often just their way of telling you they need a little extra comfort. With understanding, patience and the right strategies, you can help your child find healthier ways to self-soothe and feel secure.
Hi, I’m Emma, Early Childhood Specialist and founder of Everyday. My goal is simple: I want to help you understand your children better so every stage is a little easier. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about the extraordinary - it’s about the everyday.
Comments