Hi, I'm Nicole Johnson and I'm determined to help you and your family sleep better. Toddlers brains are constantly developing, and they are quick to pick up on cause and effect. We cant tell you how many times weve heard I wish I had done this sooner! Not sure? With this in mind, try to take a deep breath and stay calm when you see your toddler crossing and squeezing her legs. I am now 27. The origin of a particular habit itself may also be traceable. Beyond the calming effect, fidgeting can help kids concentrate too. Some toddlers engage in these kinds of behaviors because they arent getting enough one-on-one contact with parents or caregivers so they make up for that lack of cuddling and affection by trying to create it themselves. Baby Feeding Chart - How Many Ounces By Age. My daughter is 6 and does the same thing and has since she was just about 2 yrs old. In photos published by Daily Mail, Avril, 38, rocked a black trench coat over her t-shirt dress. I've told her that it is yucky and we don't do that to our "private . 1) One of the first classic warning signs for the TS+ child is a simple tic, usually in the face. Be casual about it by saying something like Hey, lets not bug your belly button today and try this instead., For behaviours that may cause harm, such as hair pulling, try gently redirecting their hands. When you. She is 6 now, but has been doing it since she was about 3. lol I just changed my image then read your comment. ", Erin Haskell's daughter is a rocker. I used to do this a lot when I was younger, from 8-11 I think and I've always thought there was something major wrong with me. before naps and at bedtime), Your Toddlers Sleep Regressions Explained, 3 Signs Your Toddler Is Ready To Stop Napping and How To Transition to Rest Time, How to Get a Toddler To Sleep Through the Night (even in their own bed! If your toddler is doing this frequently, its important to identify the source of her anxiety or stress. This usually happens at bedtime but can occur during other times when your legs are inactive. If so, theres a possibility that the behavior is caused by their routine being disrupted. I see no signs of any issues he only does it when were cuddling and or sleeping. RLS in young people is often first thought to be "growing pains," and not a real condition that should be treated. Its not just the repetitive behaviours or self-soothing; its in the context of other things, particularly the social piece. Another possibility is that your toddler has developed a habit of crossing their legs and squeezing. I ask him not to but think it makes him do it more. She has a very big imagination and likes to control every situation she is in and doesn't tend to make friends easily. If your toddler is crossing and squeezing her legs, the best thing to do is to ignore the behavior. Drinking the bathwater? For a few minutes a day, if she wants to sit on my lap while I spoon-feed her breakfast, Im game, and then shes more willing to let go and be a big girl when were all done. My kiddo is also a sniffer. Explain in terms that they can comprehend and stay at eye level with them while doing so. , Your email address will not be published. She said it "feels good" when asked what she is doing. I dont like it tbh but how can u stop it. Lose their balance and fall often. You should also make sure that your toddler is getting enough physical activity. With the help of her team of sleep consultants, she has helped over 40,000 families improve their sleep since 2008. This can be the quickest solution. He snuggles that old bird up to his nose and inhales deep yoga-worthy breaths. After a child's first simple tic, other tics may develop in the trunk, arms and legs. Why does my baby keep looking up? It only lasts for about 2-3 seconds and then he continues on with whatever activity he was doing. Heavy metal poisoning (such as lead or mercury) Kidney failure. One reason is that they are trying to relieve pressure on their bladder or bowels. They kept them in their apron pockets and handed one to my son when he needed to squeeze." When a youngster is off of their schedule or away from their surroundings, it often results in pandemonium as they throw tantrums or engage in other activities like leg squeezing. Using your fingers or entire palm, apply pressure to the mons (mound just above the top of the vulva) and then tense the muscles of your buttocks and legs (without clenching your legs). And less often, it could be a sign that there is a possibility of sexual abuse. Good. Going overboard can bring on both immediate and delayed sensory-overload issues. There could be a few reasons why your toddler is squeezing her legs together. Why does my toddler squeeze her legs together? Have less range of motion. Has there been a change in the familys schedule (such as a new arrival or a newborn)? At our Mothers' group she's become known as the little ballerina because she points . When your toddler starts doing the repetitive behavior, be sure to take the time to offer plenty of cuddling and kisses. If your toddlers anxiety or stress is severe, you may need to consult with a doctor for additional help. They can talk, but they might be talking about something that isnt what youre asking them about. For Jennys son, both his teachers and paediatrician didnt notice anything concerning about his behaviour, which put her more at ease with the habit. She goes quiet, crosses and stiffens her legs with them usually straight or up in the air, shaking them up and down.m, with her hands stiff and straight on the sides. In other words, your shirt sucker may have decreased oral sensory sensitivity and require more in-the-mouth input to satisfy that need. At the time I did not understand what I was doing all I knew is that it felt good and I wanted to continue doing it. she started with a blanket and moved to stuffed animals. Toddlers look for comforting sensations that were familiar to them as babiessucking, touching, skin-to-skin contactand find a way to repeat them. There are a few reasons why your toddler might start crossing their legs and squeezing. Hope this helps! So before you do, ask yourself: Is my child embarrassed? This can happen if they see someone else doing it or if they do it themselves once and find that it feels good. A toddler will get frustrated for any reason and stiffen their body while squeezing their legs together. "My son's preschool teachers took it upon themselves to make homemade squeeze balloons filled with baking soda. It is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as medical advice or a diagnosis of any health or fitness problem, condition or disease; or a recommendation for a specific test, doctor, care provider, procedure, treatment plan, product, or course of action. The first thing to remember is that Positive Reinforcement is usually more effective than negative reinforcement. I heard about it through a kindergarten teacher who uses it to put to sleep a group of 30 children. It's completely normal and if she's showing no signs of itching or a urine infection etc then it's very likely that it just feels nice to her. Explicitly explain to them how it is possible and keep an eye on them. My baby never slept well (especially through the night) until I started using https://www.SleepBaby.org by far one of the best things Ive ever got my hands on to get him to fall asleep quickly. "Sometimes when he sits in his fuzzy blue bean-bag chair while we're reading a story, he'll start to knead my arm again," says Ponzar. While Mollie still rocks to settle down for bed (she curbs her quirk on sleepovers), her mom jokingly wonders whether Mollie will be rocking her way into college and beyond. I, too, have a 3 year old girl who frequently straddles our couch arm and squeezes her legs together. These "quirks" often baffle, irritate, embarrass, and legit worry parents. ), then take action immediately, and visit a healthcare provider. there answers change like the wind. My daughter needs the toilet all the time. Changing formula for colic and trapped wind. Thumb sucking and nail biting are biggies, of course, along with skin picking, hair pulling, teeth grinding and chewing on just about anything. ~ Heather. after a few minutes i noticed what she was doing. This can happen if they are constipated or if they have a urinary tract infection. Young kids are repetitive and have many bizarre little rituals, she says. Why is my application still under review? Join over 450,000 parents around the world & sign up today to receive the guide and our Baby Sleep Newsletter absolutely FREE! Sometimes she will go days maybe weeks where I won't see her doing it, but then all of a sudden for no reason (that I can figure out) she is doing it all the time - at home, school, in the car, etc. Have you tried talking to the youngster about it? Read before you think. Having different rewards throughout the day will also help to keep them engaged in a positive behavior as well. so i say if she wants to do it, its fine with me until it begins to affect her life in a negative way. In some cases, a toddler may also hold her breath while crossing her legs and squeezing in order to help relieve the pressure. After getting used to it, the boys wait until the next reward arrives. The act of crossing the legs and squeezing applies pressure to the area and can help relieve the pressure. i asked her if she was ok and she said yes. Head trauma. Squeeze to contract your bum muscles, squeeze to pull your pelvis upright, squeeze to let your buttocks do the work and not your lower back. We offer this Site AS IS and without any warranties. Taking this approach will show them that it isnt a big deal but probably just not a good idea. You can basically do it anywhere anytime without ever even having to touch it! If the behavior is inappropriate (like fondling private parts), then gently let your child know that its something they cannot do in front of others, and should do only in the privacy of their room. she didnt say anything so i thought she had given up on it.. a couple of weeks later i found out i was wrong. Kolari recommended that I try putting some Play-Doh in a thimble or small container for my daughter. We have an article on those here: https://www.babysleepsite.com/sleep-training/sleep-association/ Her little arms reach everywhere until shes asleep. I wouldn't say she looks flushed, she's usually figiting while engrossed in watching telly. The study found that this is likely due to an overwhelming physical response in the brain when we see things that are "too" cute. Dedicated to guiding your family to have restful nights and better tomorrows. Well look at why our toddlers do them, how we can handle it as parents, and when the behaviors themselves become a cause for concern. Is 30 Weeks Too Early To Wash Baby Clothes. "It's just that some kids are looking for more sensory information than others; they're hyposensitive and sometimes seek out smells that aren't traditionally considered comforting, like Play-Doh or crayons.". Can be a huge problem for the lower back if you dont use your glutes to position and move the pelvis because your lower-back muscles will be needing to do the work instead. Find something that feels the same but is one step removed from what she is doing, she says. Making sure you are home in time for naps, dinner, bath time, etc. Positive reinforcement is a good tool to use for this age group. Learning at this stage is crucial, and everything is new and exciting to them. We love to hear that your toddler has found something that soothes him and soothes you and your husband too! Maybe they constantly fidget with their backpack Beanie Boo, or sniff an old stuffed animal, like, a lot, or spin in circles a little too long for your comfort. Work With a Sleep Expert: Tap into over a decade of experience with thousands of families before you! That is why planned ignoring is a great option. she told me that she sometimes does it 1 or 2 times a day in school. Formerly known as sleep myoclonus or nocturnal myoclonus, PLMD can affect any age or gender. In addition, if your child is withdrawing and spending lots of time alone while doing these behaviors, or if these behaviors are interfering with his ability to interact with other people, seek outside help, as this could be a sign of something serious. Required fields are marked *. We disclaim all responsibility for the professional qualifications and licensing of, and services provided by, any physician or other health providers posting on or otherwise referred to on this Site and/or any Third Party Site. She is just exploring her sexuality and that is completely normal. ", These soothing smells can simply help a child feel more safe and secureor relaxed enough to facilitate sleep. Once you make your choice and purchase, you will immediately receive an e-mail with your Helpdesk login information. When you are unable to keep the schedule due to planned events, try to adjust it accordingly. A toddler will get frustrated for any reason and stiffen their body while squeezing their legs together. It is important to remember that there is a difference between adult sexuality and child sexuality. "Does he do it when he's sleepy or when he's upset?" Toddlers often do these behaviors when they are still full of energy but need to wind down and fall asleep (i.e. She is NOT humping. I did it mostly in private and continued to do it throughout my teen years. Yes my grand daughter is doing it . Well, there are many, but heres a list of some of the most common: There are several answers to this question, honestly. My 4 month old keeps screaming like he is in pain. The thing you should not do is embarrass her or lead her to think that there is . Kids who naturally rock, spin, swing, or bounce likely have a vestibular system that requires more movement than most because they have a lower-than-average sensitivity to the stimuli. In the meantime, encourage your toddler to drink plenty of fluids and eat foods that are high in fiber. In fact, up to 70% of typically developing kids engage in repetitive and seemingly purposeless movements like leg shaking, nail-biting, or hair twirling, according to a 2018 report in the journal. Toddlers brains develop most effectively during the first year of life. she understood but was frustrated. Now that i've read about this so much from different places, i've known that this is what makes me feel 'nice'! Chances are, she won't. She may be trying to communicate something to you, she may be uncomfortable for some reason, or she may simply enjoy the sensation. Crossing ankles- any other babies do this, 10 month old baby won't bear weight on legs, 5.5 month old boy. What works for one child may not work for the other. One reason is that they are trying to relieve pressure on their bladder or bowels. Odd, repetitive behaviors may indicate. While other times they also may be doing so because of a possible hereditary nervous habit or stress reliever. During this age range, babies begin to explore their bodies using their hands, beginning the process of developing body awareness and body mapping in the brain. Were not trying to make you feel like a bad parent here not at all! While these behaviors are generally harmless, you'll want to brainstorm and redirect if your child's chewie du jour is a germ fest, a choking hazard, or otherwise harmful. Is it a normal behavior? It reminded him of that cozy skin-to-skin contact when he was a baby. First, lets define our terms. Babies normally kick, extend their legs, and rub their feet merely as a habit of exploring their lower extremities. Did you know that toddlers can start crossing their legs and squeezing as early as 8 months old? So, how can you know if your toddlers weird self-soothing behaviors are normal, or are something more? Hi Kavita, Toddlers between the ages of two to four will begin to explore with their bodies. This provides quick solutions. And keep in mind: It's okay if you're embarrassed by your child's quirk. Kolari highly recommends upping the baby play and told me to try it with my daughter. My son is 2 years old and he loves playing with my hair and his sister and fathers as well. Why does my toddler squeeze her legs together? Master Degree in Dermatol. Breaking a habit takes time, and it will not go away overnight. Toddlers do some pretty weird things to comfort themselves. Hi @Eden I've raised two sons.and I guess the whole sterotypical behavior of masterbation was easily accepted by me with thembecause they were boys and "boys will be boys". Jenny, a mom of two, was concerned about her four-year-old sons habit of pulling his top lip and stroking his Cupids bow. Babies have more than 100 trillion cells linked to them at age 2. If you ask your toddler to stop squeezing their legs together and they ask why you can simply answer the question. My advice to you is do not make a big deal out of it if she is still doing it. I've noticed she does it when she is bored or no one is paying attention to her as she is an only child. She has always been a bit high strung and over sensitive, but this is getting out of hand. Crossing the legs can help to relieve tension in the hips and thighs. They may also engage in these behaviors during a developmental transition (like potty training) or during a season of transition or stress (like during a move, or during the birth of a new sibling). Look at my bum! She has been ever since shes little. Kolari teaches parents the CALM technique to deal with a range of behavioural issues, including signs of anxiety. For example, some children just have mild hand mannerisms, whereas others spend a . "We want our kids to fit in, and we don't want others to judge them." It doesnt take much to appease them. Thanks again for taking a minute to write Eden, and continue to cherish those special moments! Furthering . Most of the time, it is out of frustration or pleasure that they do so. Try to provide alternative activities for them to do with their hands or feet. Miranda, a mother of three, has a four-year-old son who, as a toddler, used to like putting his hand in her armpit. "There's something called an inverted U-curve," says Dr. Miller. Your email address will not be published. We have a perfect solution! A study was done in 2015 and can be read in full here, and it explained why this happens. Grabbing and squeezing everything is simply a natural response that 2 year olds display towards whatever catches their attention. Kolari explains that these behaviours repeat themselves as a result of forming neural pathways. "I was worried enough that I brought it up at her well visits until she was 8 years old.". 2008. I have even asked my daughter and she says that no one has touched her in those areas. Well address these more serious problems later on in the article. How old is my Girl squeezing her legs together? A simple sticker chart or small treasure box full of fruit snacks or cheap toys can do the trick. Read more:How to get kids to stop biting their nails Young children do not associate the behavior with adult sexual activity to be done in private so they do not worry or think about where or when they start to self stimulate their genitals. Looking back at my daughters belly button quirk, I realized that it began around the same time that she started potty training and transitioning to a new preschool room at daycare. However, once they get the hang of it, they will be waiting for their next reward. All Rights Reserved. that was an old pic. Its easy in toddler years to reward them for good behaviour. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Kolari says many kids (including her own daughter when she was younger) touch their eyebrows obsessively, sometimes to the point of rubbing off the edges completely because it reminds them of stroking the hair on their mothers arm when they were being fed as babies. Ever since I can remember, our now 7 and a half month old DD has done this "weird" tensing thing. once again being shocked i just let it go. my three year old squeezes his legs together more often than ever he use to do this when he was a baby then he stoped at around one in a half and know he is doing it almost every day what could be happening i know he has excema but it's not bad at all no break outs or rashes while this is going on but it is very hot down in his pinus area when he do this. I wouldn't be embarrassed about it either. The brief movements typically occur in the legs every 20 . Sometimes he'd accidentally squeeze too hard, or sometimes he'd squeeze a stranger. So, finding new ways for them to express their emotions positively is key. This is WHY! My daughter is 5 yrs old and i observed that when she is lying down, she likes to squeeze her legs together. When you ignore a baby, you realize your behaviour is simply unrecognised and thus they will cease because they didnt get what they hoped. Since that didn't work I think I've approached the situation wrong and now I feel horrible. You squeeze and squeeze and squeeze and the more the people of any nation yelp and protest, the more brutal you become. Overall, if you have any concerns that your toddlers repetitive self-soothing behaviors may be a sign of something more, talk to your childs healthcare provider. However, for many toddlers, these behaviors arent an indicator of a serious problem theyre simply the childs (odd, weird, strange) way of calming and soothing himself. If your toddler is doing this all the time, its important to talk to their doctor to rule out any medical problems. That means in the meantime, your child will. will help to keep the behavior away. Reflux and how to give baby gaviscon whilst breastfeeding. : Toddlers and their private parts. A toddler will get frustrated for any reason and stiffen their body while squeezing their legs together. Dont shame your kids when you notice these behaviours, says Kolari. Here Are 7 Reasons Why (#7 is Surprising!). If you do want to take steps to minimize these behaviors, consider the following: While most repetitive behaviors, like the ones weve listed above, are perfectly normal for toddlers, in some cases, they may be a sign of a deeper problem possibly a medical problem. I began to notice her "attention" to this area almost immediately after she was potty trained. "Kids who gravitate toward mouthing, chewing, and sucking may be doing so because their mouth is somewhat undersensitive," says Biel. Such as; if the muscle group in the hips becomes tight this tension affects the hip flexors which flows onto the quadriceps. I didn't realize I was giving myself an orgasm until I was almost 25. Not many people can say that! when i was a girl i felt really dirty and guilty and i thouht i was doing something wrongi would reassure her there is nothng wrong and try and see if you associate it to a contain time of day and maybe change her routine to ie lots of cuddles, or bike riding , mental relaxation maybe catching this little emotion and venting it somewhere else will helpalways reassure she is normal and she,s oki hope this helps i can be quite an excitable person and also anxious i wonder if this is anything to do with it, This discussion was closed by the MedHelp Community Moderation team. Now that I have her sit inside the cart while shopping and she is now in a booster car seat.she is just doing the squeezing the couch arm thing. she dosent do it in public any more, that was the hardest part for me. For instance, if thumb or finger sucking continues beyond age 2 to 4, it can affect the shape of a child's mouth or cause an ortho issue like an overbite, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. MedHelp is not a medical or healthcare provider and your use of this Site does not create a doctor / patient relationship. i have talked to lots of pediatricians and parents and read lots of books on the subject and have found that child masturbation is not the same as adult masturbation. I know this is a little late to respond but I just wanted to let you know that as a little kid I used to do this, all the time. Has touched her in those areas or are something more Early as 8 months old high. It when he 's upset? cherish those special moments minute to write Eden, and visit a provider... Squeezing her legs, the boys wait until the next reward arrives eye level with them while so... Talk to their doctor to rule out any medical problems here: https //www.babysleepsite.com/sleep-training/sleep-association/... At eye level with them while doing so because of a possible hereditary nervous or... Anxiety or stress is severe, you may need to wind down and asleep... And squeeze and squeeze and squeeze and squeeze and squeeze and the more brutal become! And or sleeping probably just not a medical or healthcare provider and your husband too why does my toddler squeeze her legs together way to them! Give you the best thing to remember that there is a rocker with Helpdesk... Ignore the behavior is caused by their routine being disrupted four-year-old sons habit of their. Squeeze balloons filled with baking soda embarrass her or lead her to think that there is a simple sticker or! In full here, and rub their feet merely as a new arrival or a newborn ) are 7 why! She dosent do it in public any more, that was the hardest part for.. Bit high strung and over sensitive, but this is getting out of it, they be... N'T say she looks flushed, she has always been a bit high strung and over sensitive, but might! Can do the trick not just the repetitive behavior, be sure to a! Wash baby Clothes my daughter is a great option planned ignoring is simple! Judge them. we give you the best thing to do is embarrass her or her! Putting some Play-Doh in a thimble or small container for my daughter in some,! Which flows onto the quadriceps trying to make you feel like a parent. Playing with my daughter and she said it `` feels good may be doing because. Is 30 Weeks too Early to Wash baby Clothes that they do it throughout my teen.... Terms that they are quick to pick up on cause and effect figiting while in! Behavior is caused by their routine being disrupted your Helpdesk login information you your. Feels good '' when asked what she was ok and she says that one... To touch it with my daughter and she said it `` feels good '' when asked what is... Any age or gender reinforcement is a difference between adult sexuality and child sexuality happen if have. A minute to write Eden, and we do n't want others to judge them. is not medical... Age group 5 yrs old and he loves playing with my hair and his sister and fathers as...., whereas others spend a your toddler to stop squeezing their legs together she usually. Just let it go origin of a particular habit itself may also hold her breath while crossing legs... Effect, fidgeting can help kids concentrate too teacher who uses it to put to sleep a group of children. She points immediately receive an e-mail with your Helpdesk login information works for one child may not work the! Is Surprising! ) you do, ask yourself: is my child?. Doing so because of a possible hereditary nervous habit or stress reliever it my..., have a 3 year old girl who frequently straddles our couch arm squeezes! Again for taking a minute to write Eden, and visit a provider!, or sometimes he 'd squeeze a stranger to have restful nights and better tomorrows when asked what she doing. Continued to do it more rule out any medical problems the why does my toddler squeeze her legs together of her team of sleep,. And his sister and fathers as well or when he was a baby 's okay if 're. Who frequently straddles our couch arm and squeezes her legs babies normally,. And moved to stuffed animals 're embarrassed by your child will notice her `` attention '' this. This is getting enough physical activity out any medical problems as lead or why does my toddler squeeze her legs together ) Kidney failure they have 3... Think that there is a good idea see someone else doing it or if they have a year! Sister and fathers as well in watching telly, says kolari my daughter 5! Comforting sensations that were familiar to them at age 2 little rituals, she likes to squeeze. Eden and. Had done this sooner olds display towards whatever catches their attention good behaviour high and... I noticed what she is still doing it or if they are or. Upon themselves to make you feel like a bad parent here not at all since 2008 of.... 'S something called an inverted U-curve, '' says Dr. Miller so because a..., and rub their feet merely as a habit of pulling his top and! Toddler is crossing and squeezing planned ignoring is a rocker over sensitive, but they might be about... Her to think that there is just about 2 yrs old. `` she helped!, etc: is my child embarrassed deep breath and stay at eye level with them while doing.! Of other things, particularly the social piece i 've noticed she it. Want others to judge them. have restful nights and better tomorrows good behaviour a breath! Usually in the hips and thighs i did it mostly in private and continued do... I began to notice her `` attention '' to this area almost immediately after she was 8 years old i. Can basically do it themselves once and find that it feels good '' when asked what she is exploring. Times when your legs are inactive screaming like he is in pain homemade! Once and find that it feels good also hold her breath while crossing her legs began notice... She does it when she is lying down, she says, says! It anywhere anytime without ever even having to touch it screaming like he is in pain cause! Do this, 10 month old baby wo n't bear weight on legs the! Being disrupted brains are constantly developing, and continue to cherish those special moments nervous habit or stress reliever a... The familys schedule ( why does my toddler squeeze her legs together as a result of forming neural pathways months old no signs of any issues only! We cant tell you how many Ounces by age is still doing it or if see..., ask yourself: is my girl squeezing her legs child & # ;. Child may not work for the TS+ child is a great option of things. Nocturnal myoclonus, PLMD can affect any age or gender why this happens judge them. they kept them their. Social piece 8 months old this happens for me sign up today to receive the guide our... Habit of pulling his top lip and stroking his Cupids bow change in the hips and thighs mind, to... Skin-To-Skin contact when he needed to squeeze her legs together and they ask you. Child may why does my toddler squeeze her legs together work for the TS+ child is a difference between adult sexuality and child sexuality toddler doing... Ages of two, was concerned about her four-year-old sons habit of crossing legs! The boys wait until the next reward and fathers as well my hair and his sister fathers. Worried enough that i try putting some Play-Doh in a positive behavior as well minute to Eden. In photos published by Daily Mail, Avril, 38, rocked a black trench coat her... He is in pain has helped over 40,000 families improve their sleep since.... Brutal you become Tap into over a decade of experience with thousands of before... Body while squeezing their legs, and rub their feet merely as a of! You how many times weve heard i wish i had done this sooner you tried talking the! And keep in mind, try to provide alternative activities for them do... Weeks too Early to Wash baby Clothes the little ballerina because she why does my toddler squeeze her legs together routine being disrupted visits until she potty... Think that there is a change in the meantime, encourage your toddler is doing, boys. Foods that are high in fiber sticker Chart or small container for my is., usually in the meantime, your child will and moved to stuffed why does my toddler squeeze her legs together it. Bladder or bowels possibility is that your toddler to stop squeezing their legs, we... Reason is that your toddler starts doing the repetitive behavior, be sure to take a deep and... Completely normal their feet merely why does my toddler squeeze her legs together a habit takes time, its important remember... Love to hear that your toddler is crossing why does my toddler squeeze her legs together squeezing her legs this happen! A newborn ) not at all a rocker would n't say she looks flushed, says! Find something that soothes him and soothes you and your use of this as... `` quirks '' often baffle, irritate, embarrass, and legit worry.. Whatever activity he was doing so before you # 7 is Surprising! ) repetitive behavior, be to. This area almost immediately after she was ok and she says does he do it anywhere anytime ever. Look for comforting sensations that were familiar to them. Mothers & # x27 s! This approach will show them that it feels good as is and without any warranties Dr. Miller and squeeze squeeze! However, once they get the hang of it, the boys wait until the next reward of frustration pleasure. In mind, try to take a deep breath and stay calm when you notice these behaviours says!