Keeping food in mouth and spitting it out
My son, Matthew who will be two the 24th of this month has recently begun a new gross habit. He takes bites of food (on his own initiative and by request) and keeps it in his mouth. Sometimes he holds it in there for 15 min! Sometimes he'll swallow it but mostly he ends up just spitting it out... EWWWW!!! I was ignoring it and now I find myself telling him to swallow, pleading with him to swallow, etc. I've tried having him take a drink, thinking that would force him to swallow but he will just spit the food mixed with the drink out. I have never come across this before (in my 18 years of working with children) anyone have any ideas? Has anyone else's child done this? Do I need to talk to his Doctor or is it just a phase and I should ignore it until it passes?
When I was little
When I was little, my mom babysat a few kids, and one of the little girls did this. Only she would hold food in her mouth ALL DAY and never swallow it! I was little, so I don't remember it, but I'll have to ask my mom if she knows why she did it.
Does Matthew do it with all foods, or just certain things? It is all the time, or just once in awhile?
Jessica
~ Mommy to Luke and Shawn
Not everything or everytime...
So far I haven't noticed any pattern. He'll do it sometimes and he does it with just about any kind of food.
something new
If it is something new, maybe just a phase. Can't hurt to mention at the next dr. appt, or even just call and leave a message for your dr.
Jessica
~ Mommy to Luke and Shawn
attention
My friend as problem with is 2hr1/2 son when he's out of schedule traveling... he reject all food except cookies and will do that until they go back home- 1 year so far with that issue and her doctor told her that he just feel something is different and not comfortable with no schedule. When life as big changes (like moving, school etc)kids feels it a lot. My son felt very strong our moves in the last year; they all have diferent reaction for attention. Call the doctor just for a peace of mind if you prefer.
not swollowing
My sister was having this problem with her 2 year old daughter not swollowing her food and just holding it in her mouth for long periods of time. She finally took her to the doctor and found out that her tonsils were oversized and so it was very unconfortable for her to swollow and they recommended getting them taken out so when they did the exam they also found out that because she was holding the food in her mouth so long her teeth were rotting so not only did she end up having her tonsils out she had to have like 7 teeth capped. Hopefully your sons issue is not as serious but I would definitly talk to your doctor about it.