Why Is My Child Chewing on Clothing?

If you’ve noticed your child frequently chewing on their sleeves, collars, or other
clothing, you’re not alone. Many children engage in this behaviour for various
reasons, including sensory needs, emotional regulation, or habit formation. While it
might seem unusual or concerning, chewing on clothes is often a normal part of
development - especially in children with sensory processing disorder (SPD), autism,
or anxiety.
Understanding ‘why’ your child chews on their clothing is a step towards helping
them manage this behaviour in a healthy way.
In this post, we’ll explore the most common reasons behind the chewing of clothing
and other ‘non-food’ items and offer practical strategies to support your child.

Why Do Children Chew on Their Clothes?

   1. Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and Oral Sensory Seeking 

Children with sensory processing disorder (SPD) often struggle with how their brain
interprets sensory input. Some children are sensory seekers, meaning they crave
certain types of stimulation - chewing being one of them.   

● Oral stimulation can help regulate their nervous system and provide a sense
   of calm.
● Chewing can help children focus, self-soothe, or cope with overstimulation.
● Certain fabrics or textures may provide a satisfying sensory experience.    

If your child has other sensory-seeking behaviours (such as mouthing non-food
objects, craving strong flavours, or enjoying deep pressure activities), their chewing
of clothing or other non appropriate chewing may be part of a broader sensory need.

2. Chewing Clothes and Autism

For children with autism, chewing on clothing may be a way to self-regulate in
overwhelming environments. Many autistic children experience heightened or
diminished sensory input, and chewing can help balance their sensory needs.

● It may serve as a self-soothing mechanism in response to stress, frustration,
   or excitement.
● Some children chew to help them concentrate or filter out background
   distractions.

● Changes in routine, loud environments, or social situations might trigger
chewing as a coping strategy.

If your child is autistic and chewing on clothing is a frequent behaviour, make a note
of when it happens most often. Identifying triggers can help guide appropriate
support strategies and this can give you some clues.

3. Chewing Clothes and Anxiety

Anxiety is another major reason children chew on clothing. Chewing can provide a
sense of control and comfort in situations where a young person feels nervous,
uncertain, or overwhelmed.

● Chewing on clothing may act as a calming mechanism, similar to nail-biting or
fidgeting.
● It can be a way to release pent-up energy or tension when a child feels
stressed.
● Children who struggle with transitions, new environments, or social
interactions may chew on clothes as a way to self-soothe.

If your child tends to chew more when they are worried, frustrated, or in new
situations, anxiety may be a contributing factor.

4. Habitual Behaviour and Oral Motor Development

For some children, chewing on clothing starts as a sensory behaviour but becomes a
habit over time. If a child finds comfort in chewing, they may continue doing it even
after the initial need has passed.
Additionally, some children have oral motor needs—meaning their jaw muscles may
need extra input for development. Providing safe alternatives (like chewable
jewellery, crunchy snacks or fidget tools) can help meet this need in a more
appropriate way.

5. Teething or Exploration (For Younger Children)

Younger children, especially toddlers, may chew on clothing simply because they are
exploring their world through their mouths. If your child is teething, the pressure of
chewing on fabric might relieve discomfort.
If your child is older and still chewing frequently, it may be a sign of sensory,
emotional, or habitual factors at play.

How to Help a Child Who Chews on Clothing

If your child’s clothing chewing is interfering with daily life or causing concerns (such
as soaked sleeves or fabric damage), here are some strategies to help:

1.Provide Safe and Appropriate Chewing Alternatives:

Instead of trying to stop the behaviour completely, offer safer alternatives:

● Chewable Jewellery: Silicone necklaces or bracelets designed for children
who need oral input.
● Chewy Tubes or Sensory Chews: Specialized chew tools that provide oral
stimulation.
● Crunchy Snacks: Raw carrots, crunchy crackers, or chewy dried fruit can
satisfy oral sensory cravings in a more appropriate way.
● We often get asked for fabric chews at the store, but unfortunately there is no
fabric we know of that can pass safety regulations for aggressive chewing.

2. Identify Triggers and Patterns:

Observe when and where your child chews the most. Does it happen during
transitions? While focusing? When anxious?

Once you identify patterns, you may be able to:
● Offer alternative strategies before the chewing begins.
● Adjust their environment to reduce stressors.
● Encourage deep breathing or fidget toys if anxiety is a factor.

3. Use a Sensory Diet:

A sensory diet is a set of activities designed to meet a child’s sensory needs. If your
child is a sensory seeker, consider:

● Deep pressure activities (hugs, weighted blankets, compression clothing).
● Oral motor exercises (blowing bubbles, using a straw for thick liquids).
● Physical movement (jumping, swinging, yoga) to help regulate their system.

A sensory integration informed occupational therapist can help design a sensory diet
tailored to your child’s needs.

4. Teach Self-Regulation Strategies

Help your child recognize when they feel the urge to chew and give them tools to
self-regulate. Visual schedules, social stories, or mindfulness techniques might
empower them to find alternative coping mechanisms.

5. Address Anxiety and Emotional Needs

If anxiety plays a role, work on strategies to help your child manage stress:
● Breathing exercises (deep belly breaths, blowing bubbles).
● Comfort objects (a stuffed animal, sensory fidget toy).

● Predictable routines to reduce uncertainty.

If anxiety is severe, consider speaking with a therapist who specialises in child
anxiety or autism.

Seeking Professional Help for Children Who Chew on Clothes

Chewing on clothing is often a manageable behaviour, but there are times when
additional support may be needed:

● If your child’s chewing is excessive or damaging their teeth.
● If they are chewing non-food items that could be dangerous (e.g., small
objects, plastic, wood).
● If it significantly interferes with their daily life, learning, or social interactions.

A sensory trained occupational therapist or behavioural therapist can help assess
the underlying causes and develop personalized strategies to support your child.
Chewing on clothing is recognised as a fairly common behaviour among children
with sensory processing disorder (SPD), autism, or anxiety. While it may seem like a
challenging habit, it often serves an important purpose for the young person.
Children are really good at finding ways to regulate their emotions, process sensory
input, or focus, even though those methods might not be appropriate or sensible.
By identifying the underlying cause and providing appropriate alternatives, you can
help your child find healthier ways to meet their sensory and emotional needs.
Remember, every child is different, and progress takes time. With patience,
observation, and support, you can help your child navigate this behaviour in a way
that promotes their overall well-being.