A special moment for a parent is to see a baby’s face after 10 months of pregnancy. From the time of birth, they start to show their untold yet sacred expression. Their gestures are special, no doubt. But, sometimes they show some gestures from overexcitement or when they feel upset. Of them, Parents do concerned over the fact of rubbing their feet together.
Well, this is pretty normal that they will try to discover something new. As they Have seen a new environment after the womb. Whatever they do or see, everything is charming and surprising to them. Rubbing her feet together is also a part of their discovery. So it’s a question of matter that why does baby rub their feet together?
In this article, we will try to dig out the mysteries of babies rubbing feet together. And when should you be concerned about your baby’s rubbing feet together?
Why does my baby rub her feet together?
Emm, Firstly, it is completely usual to rub their feet together. Because everything is new to them. They try to discover their surroundings. So they express their actions through the throwing motion of their limbs.
Babies do whatever they want. Sometimes they take their hands in their mouth. Or keep hands on their head, showing they are upset. All is about their fun and discovery. So there is nothing to be concerned about. In some cases, it will make you worried. Course down to see the causes.
It’s playtime
Yeah, this is a part of their play. When a baby is born, it gets surprised by the new world. It tries to figure out the causes of these happenings. Once they find them interesting, they start to play with them. This is the intuitive nature of a baby.
Body parts are also new toys for them to play with. They try to apply all the moves.
These playing moves are the preparation period for it to crawl, roll over and stand. So when your baby is doing that, he or she is playing with their body.
Let’s take a sip of a new sense:
As you have known, babies do it from their active play. Similarly, babies are indeed curious. They want to figure out their surroundings. You may see this obvious fact when they open their eyes big. Meaning, they are curious.
So they find that rubbing feet together gives them a tickling sensation. They start to dig into what happens next. Gradually, they continue to rub. Because it gives them fun.
To soothe themselves:
We know babies are fond of what makes them soothe. They love to do it again and again. Soon, that becomes their habit.
You may notice that they do it on a short interval. Meaning, that they are enjoying it. If our statement matches, you need not worry about your little soccer.
Express the feelings:
Now, it’s common in toddlers. When they don’t want something they throw their feet randomly or rub those feet with rocket speed. Likewise, babies do it often to say that it is not okay or it is overexcited. These are inborn human behavior. People love to express their feelings in how they find comfort.
Moreover, your baby may moan like “mmmm” for a long time while rubbing its feet together. It says they enjoy their time.
As they find it interesting and soothing, they do it again and again.
You have nothing to worry about until you see below.
Your baby gets cold
Not only a baby but also elder person do rub their feet when they catch a cold. Rubbing feet will make your baby feel better. Here is why during cold babies rub their feet together.
Your baby gets stressed out
If you forget to feed your baby at daylight then he/she will rub his/her feet during sleep-time. Feed your baby from time to time so your baby will have enough fuel for activities.
Sometimes your baby wants your attention
Oftentimes, your baby may rub the feet so you will interact with your baby. However, it does not happen every day.
Benefits Of baby rubbing feet together?
There are many benefits of baby foot rubbing. It can help soothe and relax your baby, improve circulation, and help to relieve congestion. It can also help to improve the quality of your baby’s sleep.
One of the most important benefits of foot rubs for babies is that it can help to soothe and relax them. If your baby is fussy or colicky, a foot rub can be a great way to help them calm down. It can also help to relieve gas and bloating.
Foot rubs can also help to improve circulation in your baby’s body. If your baby is suffering from cold hands or feet, a foot rub can help to warm them up. It can also help to improve circulation in the lower part of the body, which can help to reduce the risk of diaper rash.
Finally, foot rubs can also help to improve the quality of your baby’s sleep. If your baby is having trouble sleeping, a foot rub before bedtime can help to relax them and improve the quality of their sleep.
Benefits of baby foot rubbing:
- It can help soothe a fussy baby
- Rubbing helps to relieve gas
- Your baby finds ease with the tight muscle
- It can promote healthy circulation
- Improve digestion
- Reduce stress
- Improve sleep hours
- Help to boost the immune system
- Rubbing will promote bonding
- It will reduce teething pain
Is it normal for baby rubs feet together
As a parent, you will be worried about the tweak in your baby’s behavior. That’s quite normal. But to make you happy, this feet-rubbing is not an issue to be concerned with. Rather, it says they are happy with their time.
But you will have to be concerned and be careful if you see some changes on the skin of your baby’s feet. In the below, we dug out some signs that can make you worried.
When you should be more concerned?
Generally, we, the grown-ups, can express our feelings through speaking and physical movement as well. But babies don’t have that in their primary period. Some unrecognizable sounds are their language.
But when they cry at the time of physical movement such as rubbing feet, it is a matter of concern. Normally, a happy kid rubbing his feet is a sign that he’s enjoying his time. But when it’s crying continuously while rubbing its feet, you need to care about his language that he is not okay. Experts found some signs that you should not delay on that. Let’s see those.
Symptoms that you should notice: If you see the symptoms then without further delay, move to the pediatrician.
- Dry and scaly skin, particularly in the ankles
- Redness
- Scratches or wound
- Tenderness or pain
- Fever
- Arching back
- Refusing to feed
- Irritable and unusually wakeful
- Pigeon toe or Intoeing
If your baby has eczema then the skin of the baby will be red, scaly, and itchy. The skin will get dried. Generally, eczema is seen at the ankles. So when the baby rubs his feet, check out if the feet are dark or red. Even if you find the place swollen and thickened, then rush to the pediatrician. This means, your baby’s foot is surfacing the signs of eczema.
If the baby’s toenail is sharp enough, they may scratch their own feet. Well, you think those toenails are small and they are negligible. But those small toenails create wounds and scratches while they rub their feet. So, this is their self-made hazard.
Keep checking every week whether the toenails grew up or not. Cut the nails if you find them increasing. Above all, the more you are awake to your baby, the more he is healthy and sound.
Sometimes your baby may cry due to severe pain and rub their feet. To make sure of fever, find other signs such as your baby is cranky. It refuses to eat food.
Or crying overnight due to pain. How can you know that? If your baby arches back and cries constantly. Assume that he needs some medications.
If your baby constantly keeps their feet rubbing and you find that the feet are directed inwards. You should call your pediatrician. Generally, this is not a big deal. Because pigeon-toed babies can walk normally. They have no problem with that. But you must be careful so that any symptom doesn’t let your baby suffer afterward.
Why do babies like their feet?
Babies are born with a natural reflex to suck. This reflex is known as the rooting reflex, and it helps them to find their mother’s nipple and begin feeding. When a baby is born, they have this natural rooting reflex, but they also have a reflex known as the Babinski reflex.
The Babinski reflex is when the big toe moves up and the other toes fan out. This reflex is also known as the “open palm sign”.
The Babinski reflex usually goes away by the time a baby is 4 to 6 months old. But some babies will still have this reflex when they are 12 months old or even older. Some babies like to suck on their toes because it makes them feel good. It might make them feel safe and comforted like they are back in the womb.
Babies might also like the taste of their toes. They might have a natural curiosity about their own bodies and what they taste like. And, of course, babies put everything in their mouths!
So, why do babies like their feet? There are a few possible reasons. It could be because they have a natural reflex to suck, it might make them feel good, or they might just be curious about their own bodies
Do babies like when you touch their feet?
Babies love to have their feet touched! It is one of the most pleasurable things you can do for them. When you touch a baby’s feet, you are stimulating their nerve endings, which are very sensitive. This can help to calm and soothe them.
It can also help to relieve any discomfort they may be feeling. Babies also enjoy the physical contact and the feeling of being loved and cared for. When you touch their feet, you are giving them a very special form of affection.
If you are not sure whether a baby likes having their feet touched, just try it and see! You will quickly get an idea of whether it is something they enjoy.
Why does my 4 month old rub her feet together?
There are a few reasons why your 4-month-old might be rubbing her feet together. One possibility is that she’s trying to soothe herself. This is a common self-calming strategy for babies and young children. When they’re feeling overwhelmed or upset, rubbing their feet together can help them feel better.
Another possibility is that your baby is exploring her body and discovering all the different sensations her feet can create. This is a normal part of development and nothing to be concerned about.
If your baby seems to be rubbing her feet together excessively, it might be a sign that she’s in pain. This could be due to teething, an ear infection, or something else. If you’re concerned about your baby’s rubbing, talk to her pediatrician.
Conclusion
After a long way, we came to know that baby’s rubbing feet is not a big deal until you see some strange signs. This is an inborn nature of a baby to play with its limbs. So, this is also a part of their play. If he is happy and content while rubbing his feet, then you need not worry about it.
But if you see some changes like overnight crying or red signs at the ankles, take him to the pediatrician. After all, this is not a sign to be worried. But if you are awake to the unusual tweaks, your baby will be happy as well.
