You pick up your 4-year-old from preschool, and there it is again, a soggy, stretched-out shirt sleeve that’s clearly been someone’s snack for the day. Sound familiar? If you’re wondering why your child seems to have turned their wardrobe into a chew toy, you’re not alone. This puzzling ritual baffles parents worldwide, often chalked up to “kids just being kids.”

But your child’s shirt sleeve could be whispering secrets about their inner world. Children chewing on clothing goes way beyond a quirky habit or temporary phase. For many children, it’s a telltale sign of sensory seeking behavior. Their brain instinctively seeks oral sensory input to achieve a sense of calm and focus. Peeling back the layers of those drenched cuffs reveals opportunities to support them, rather than just wringing out the laundry.

Forget labeling it as “bad” behavior; this is about decoding your child’s unspoken messages and offering smarter, safer ways to fulfill those cravings. Let’s plunge into the heart of what’s driving your child’s chewing habits, break down the reasons (from stress to sensory needs), and equip you with actionable tips to guide them forward—while preserving your sanity and their shirts.

Understanding Why Children Chew on Clothing

When your child gnaws on their shirt collar or sleeve, their brain is actually working to regulate itself through what we call oral sensory processing. Think of it like this—some kids need to move their bodies to think better, while others need input through their mouth to feel “just right.”

Oral sensory processing refers to how your child’s brain interprets sensations from their mouth, tongue, and jaw. When this system isn’t getting enough input, or when it’s working overtime to process everything around them, children often seek out textures and pressure through chewing.

This behavior is incredibly common in children with sensory processing disorder (SPD), which affects about 5-16% of school-aged children according to research from the Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation. It’s also frequently seen in children with autism spectrum disorder—up to 80% of children with autism exhibit some form of sensory seeking behavior, including oral behaviors, as noted by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

What Triggers Clothing Chewing?

Your child might turn to their sleeves when they’re feeling:

• Overwhelmed by their environment (too much noise, light, or activity)
• Anxious about a situation or transition
• Under-stimulated and needing more sensory input to feel alert
• Focused on a challenging task and using chewing as a way to concentrate

The fabric of their clothes provides a convenient, always-available texture that gives them the deep pressure their jaw craves. It’s not harmful in moderation, but understanding it as a sensory need rather than misbehavior completely changes how we respond.

When Clothing Chewing Becomes a Concern

While some exploration through mouthing is normal in young children, certain red flags suggest it’s time to look deeper into what’s happening:

Red Flags to Watch For

Age considerations: If your child is over five and still frequently chewing on clothing, this might indicate an underlying sensory processing need that hasn’t been addressed.

Impact on daily life: When chewing becomes so frequent that it:

• Damages teeth or creates dental problems
• Interferes with eating or trying new foods
• Causes social embarrassment or withdrawal
• Disrupts focus at school or during activities
• Creates choking hazards from fabric pieces

Sudden changes: If clothing chewing starts suddenly or intensifies after a stressful event, trauma, or major life change, this could signal that your child is using oral input to cope with anxiety or overwhelm.

Understanding the Root Causes

Several factors can contribute to clothing chewing:

Medical causes might include:

• Nutritional deficiencies (iron or zinc deficiencies can drive cravings for non-food items)
• Dental issues like misaligned teeth or jaw pain
• Gastrointestinal problems that create oral discomfort

Sensory and behavioral causes often include:

• Sensory Processing Disorder: The nervous system struggles to organize and respond to sensory information appropriately
• Autism Spectrum Disorder: Sensory seeking behaviors are common coping mechanisms
• ADHD: Chewing can serve as a fidget mechanism to help with focus and impulse control
• Anxiety disorders: Oral input provides calming and self-regulation

A 2021 study in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that 40% of children with oral sensory processing challenges showed heightened stress responses, highlighting the connection between anxiety and these behaviors.

Safe and Effective Alternatives to Clothing Chewing

The goal isn’t to stop your child from getting the oral input they need—it’s to give them safer, more appropriate ways to meet that need. Here are evidence-based alternatives that occupational therapists recommend:

Chewable Tools and Toys

Chewable jewelry: Silicone necklaces, bracelets, or pendants designed specifically for chewing (brands like Chewigem or ARK Therapeutic offer safe options)

Textured chews: Rubber tubes, textured chew sticks, or chewable fidgets that provide various textures and resistance levels

Chewable shirt accessories: Clips or attachments that can be added to clothing to provide a designated chewing spot

Oral Motor Activities

Crunchy and chewy foods: Carrots, celery, pretzels, or sugar-free gum can provide the oral input your child seeks

Thick liquids through straws: Smoothies, milkshakes, or yogurt drinks consumed through textured or resistance straws

Vibrating oral tools: Electric toothbrushes or oral massagers can provide intense input in short bursts

Environmental Strategies

Sensory breaks: Build regular opportunities for oral input into your child’s day, like having a chewy snack before homework time

Identify triggers: Keep a simple log of when chewing happens most to identify patterns and proactively offer alternatives

Create a sensory toolkit: Have appropriate chewing options available in different settings—home, car, school bag

Implementation Steps

1. Start with observation: Notice when your child chews most frequently and what might be triggering it
2. Introduce one alternative at a time: Don’t overwhelm them with too many new options
3. Make it their choice: Let your child help pick which alternatives appeal to them
4. Use gentle redirection: “Your shirt isn’t for chewing, but here’s your special necklace”
5. Celebrate success: Acknowledge when they make good choices about what to chew

The Role of Professional Support

While many families can successfully address clothing chewing with the right tools and strategies, sometimes professional guidance makes all the difference.

Consider consulting with an occupational therapist if:

• Your child is over five and clothing chewing is increasing or persistent
• The behavior interferes with social relationships or school performance
• You’ve tried multiple alternatives without success
• Chewing is accompanied by other concerning behaviors like frequent meltdowns, extreme food selectivity, or sleep difficulties
• You suspect underlying medical issues

How Occupational Therapy Helps

Occupational therapists specializing in sensory processing can:

• Conduct comprehensive evaluations using tools like the Sensory Processing Measure to understand your child’s unique sensory profile
• Develop individualized sensory diets that include appropriate oral motor activities throughout the day
• Collaborate with schools to ensure your child has access to sensory supports in educational settings
• Train families in recognizing sensory needs and implementing strategies at home

At Eyas Landing, our occupational therapists take a family-centered approach. We don’t just work with your child—we equip your entire family with the understanding and tools needed to support your child’s sensory needs across all environments.

The Multi-Disciplinary Advantage

Sometimes clothing chewing is part of a bigger picture that benefits from multiple perspectives. Our speech therapists might address oral motor skills that support both chewing needs and speech development. Our behavior analysts can help identify environmental triggers and develop consistent response strategies. This collaborative approach ensures we’re addressing all aspects of your child’s needs, not just isolated behaviors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is clothing chewing harmful to my child?
Occasional clothing chewing typically isn’t harmful, but persistent chewing can lead to dental wear, ingestion of fabric fibers, or social challenges. The behavior itself often indicates an unmet sensory need that benefits from attention.

Will my child outgrow this behavior?
Some children naturally outgrow oral sensory seeking as their nervous systems mature, typically by age 5-6. However, if the behavior persists or intensifies, it usually indicates an ongoing sensory need that benefits from targeted support.

Can I just tell my child to stop?
Simply telling a child to stop usually isn’t effective because the behavior serves a real neurological need. It’s like asking someone who’s hungry not to think about food. Instead, we need to provide appropriate alternatives that meet the same need.

What if my child’s school doesn’t understand?
Many educators are becoming more aware of sensory needs, but advocacy is sometimes necessary. Bring information about sensory processing, suggest specific accommodations, and consider having your occupational therapist communicate with school staff to develop a collaborative plan.

Supporting Your Child’s Sensory Journey

Understanding that clothing chewing often stems from legitimate sensory needs changes everything about how we respond. Instead of viewing it as a problem behavior to eliminate, we can see it as valuable information about what your child’s nervous system needs to function at its best.

Your child isn’t being defiant or destructive when they chew their sleeves—they’re using the tools available to them to regulate their sensory system. By providing appropriate alternatives and understanding the underlying needs, we can help them develop more mature self-regulation strategies that will serve them throughout their lives.

Remember, every child’s sensory needs are unique. What works for one child might not work for another, and that’s completely normal. The key is remaining observant, patient, and willing to try different approaches until you find what helps your child feel their best.

Take the Next Step

If you’re concerned about your child’s clothing chewing or other sensory behaviors, you don’t have to figure it out alone. At Eyas Landing, we specialize in helping families understand and support their children’s sensory needs through comprehensive evaluation and individualized treatment planning. Our occupational therapists work with your family to develop practical strategies that fit your real life—whether that’s at home, in school, or in your community. We believe in meeting families where they are and providing the support you need to help your child thrive.

Ready to learn more about how we can support your child’s sensory journey? Contact Eyas Landing today to schedule a consultation. Together, we can help your child develop the self-regulation skills they need while preserving their wardrobe in the process. Visit eyaslanding.com/contact or call our team to take the first step toward understanding and supporting your child’s unique sensory needs.