Dear Jack,

All of the behavior described by this nursing toddler is completely
normal.  All of my kids and most of the nursing toddlers I know will put
their hands down the front of my and even grandma's shirt.  It's very
comforting to these breastfeeding babies.  The caregivers may feel
somewhat uncomfortable.  Perhaps the mother can bring in a piece of
clothing with her special scent on it.  Maybe a sweater or perhaps the
toddler can be given a special doll to "nurse" himself.

My son is 25 months old and will try to "nurse" significant others in
his life.  Talk about babies assuming a cultural norm.  Wouldn't it be
great if babies kept this outlook forever?  They expect comfort from the
people in their lives and this very cleaver toddler knows what comforts
him the most :-)

As for the aggression,  I don't believe that breastfeeding is related to
his *pushy* tendency.  ALL toddlers push and pull and punch and bite and
kick and scream . . .

I would recommend a good book on child development (The Baby Book, by
William Sears) which has a good section on normal toddler behavior.  Of
course, distracting the child will work best and toddlers become very
frustrated when they don't have the verbal tools to communicate.
Good luck with this smart little guy!

Heidi S. Roibal BS, LLLL, IBLCE
Child Development Specialist, currently nursing a toddler!

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