Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

My toddler is obsessed with my stomach

My almost 3 yr old daughter has this obsession with stomachs, mine particularly. Since a little after she turned 2 I believe, she has been obsessed with it. She lifts my shirt up so she can squish it and touch. When shes layin on me she'll lift my shirt up so that she can lay her head on it or she'll lift her shirt up to so that her bare back is on my bare stomach. Is this normal? I'm constantly having to tell her to stop it. She's done it to a couple of my friends as well LOL. I always warn people ahead of time so theydont get shocked! I dont know how to get her to stop and I want to make sure its not something to be concerned about?
13 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
You just described my 2.5 year old grandaughter to a T!! Except its me and her grandfather mostly! She wsnt breastfed and my daughter works so ive been her primary care giver and they live with me. I also have to let her sleep on me on my back. She wakes me up in the middle of the night and tries to turn me on my back if im on my side and will have a fit till i wake up and turn over! I am so glad i read this and not thr only one
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My 5 1/2 son, who I wouldn’t call a typical kid, does this all the time. He’s doing now. He pokes it, squeezes it, blows raspberries, rubs his face back and forth in it, smells it (he’s very into the way things smell) yells out “Belly! Belly!” This has been going on since probably 3? There’s no end in sight. I try to keep it short and let him know it bothers me, but he is relentless. I would put my belly on his list of top 5 favorite things ever. Sometimes I wonder if I should let him do it or cut him off completely. I think I tried to cut him off and it was one of the fights that wasn’t worth it. If the belly thing is my biggest issue with him then I’m doing ok. :)
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
You know, it does usually end.  :>)  My boys are now teens and they'd rather eat nails than look at let alone touch my stomach.  ha.  
Avatar universal
I'm glad I'm not alone on this! My son is 2 and he is OBSESSED with my tummy ! He does the same thing lifts up my shirt so he can lay his head on it and sometimes pulls his shirt up to do belly to belly. I just let him figured its comfort for him
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My just turned 5 year old as if almost by accident discovered my belly about a month ago and has been obsessed with it ever since.  He was born in emergency c section scenario and didn’t get any skin on skin time on that first week due to being in a humidicrib.  And I couldn’t produce enough milk to breastfeed and found out I have breast hyperplasia.  So 5 years down the track it’s been a weird, confusing time.  But I put it down to comfort.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Comfort is a nice thing for a child.  Emergency c sections are so scary!!  That probably was a bit traumatic for you both (with a good outcome of your son!).  :>))  Welcome to the forum!
Avatar universal
My 2.5 year old just started doing this a few months ago. Same with the lifting shirt up. It prompted me to search as she was trying to get her whole body up my shirt lol
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My son is 4 and still does this!! As I write those he is putting his head inside my shirt rubbing hit face back and forth!!! I don’t allow him to do this to anyone else and I do not allow him to do it in public!!! In the last year I’ve gotten more strict about it like only allowing him to rub my stomach on MY terms instead of all the time whenever he wanted!!! Since I’ve done this it is now only a few times a day like if I’m laying down or he comes to ask a question and it’s very brief!! I nursed him until he was almost 2 and agree it’s a comfort thing and is essential for bonding!!!
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
IF he is at home and it's not inconvenient, to you, then yes Let Him rub against you. You and, more importantly, your SMELL were the first 'thing' your baby experienced. It was comforting, it still is, there are a Lot Of Things that are Scary to a young child. You know what that Sound is, You Know what that Smell is, You know what that 'Strange' Light is.....Your child may not, don't you see? Mummy is Protection, Mummy is Love, Mummy is Safety, Mummy feels Safe and Mummy Smells Safe too. In some African Cultures, it is Traditional, to Nurse children until they are five.....Your child is four. Yes maybe start to, very gently, suggest that he Holds Your Hand instead.....
Avatar universal
My 3 year old does the same thing he will pull up my shirt so he can lay his head on my stomach, I did not breast feed, but I think its a comfort thing, they remember the sounds of being in the womb, I think it relaxes him
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
probably a mix of a few things. off the top of my head id guess:

a curiosity of something most people keep covered,

An innate feeling that the lower abdomen is a sensitive region as far as vital points are concerned,and naturally linking a feel of trust and bonding to leaving it unprotected

The fact that a lot of people when discussing where babies come from are essentially told from their moms stomach rather breaking down the human reproductive system to them at a young age leaving them wondering how the **** a person gets in and out of there

lol

also tummies are soft. everyone likes laying heads on tummies if they can get away with it.
Avatar universal
My daughter has the need to sleep on my belly every time she's going to sleep and if I try to refuse because I'm sleepy and I can't sleep on my back she flipps out I never nursed and I don't understand why she does this HELP!!!!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Ok my grandson just turned 5 and has always loved bellies. He likes to put his belly or head on his cousins bellies. Sometimes totally undressed sometimes not. Is this also normal
Helpful - 0
535822 tn?1443976780
My answer is yes particulary as you breast fed, whats not to love about bosoms especially for a small child, you could give her some reminder that it could hurt if she pummels you too hard,I think you will find as she gets older it will lessen ,without pushing her away you could get up after a short time and busy your self so its only for a little while that she does this thereby not overly encouraging it,.I have always believed that families touching each other /hugging /holding hands is a happy and bonding thing ,
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks....Thats what I was thinking is that its some sort of security thing especially since I nursed her but I wasnt sure because none of my friends nursed their children so Im alone on this behavoir LOL. It can get annoying at times especially when shes pushing on it like shes tryin to knead dough LOL but I dont mind when she wants to lay on it. I just wanted to know if this was unusual or if others have dealt with something similur with their toddler :)
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
My son is 4 and he still does that!! He is obsessed with my stomach and yes I agree when they knead it like dough it is pretty annoying.!! I ended up on this sight because I was also specifically wanting to know if it was weird!!! I breastfed him as well and have noticed any mother that is dealing with the same issue nurses as well!!!it is comforting to know that I’m not alone!!
535822 tn?1443976780
Also children that have been breastfed often want to touch Mommies breasts /tummies I think it is a comfort thing ,I have seen this happen in public where little children  of 2-3 years old want to touch Mom even in public. My opinion is not to encourage it in public but also its part of love and bonding, I dont see any wrong at home, she loves you thats all ....
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I wouldn't worry too much about it. Just treat it as a child's obsession. It might be something left over from the womb. Your stomach sounds may be comforting. You can let her get her fill of your stomach in private, or you can make your stomach unavailable to her. Scold her when she does it to your friends. But with you just decide which way you will go. Private or not at all. If she does it enough with you, I am sure she will out grow it. But it might be good to indulge her. It may be a security thing. These are just some things to consider. You make the call.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Child Behavior Community

Top Children's Health Answerers
189897 tn?1441126518
San Pedro, CA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Fearing autism, many parents aren't vaccinating their kids. Can doctors reverse this dangerous trend?
Is a gluten-free diet right for you?
We answer your top questions about the flu vaccine.
Learn which over-the-counter medicines are safe for you and your baby
Yummy eats that will keep your child healthy and happy
Healing home remedies for common ailments