what would cause a child to eat paper?

Question

I have a 2 year old who is always chewing on paper

Answer 1

Thats an interesting question.

I used to do it, there's nothing to worry about, it's not dangerous, as far as I know.

Paper is extremely high in fiber, if nothing else. It may be a deficiency of fiber, but I wouldn't make a fuss of it, it's probably just a phase.

Answer 2

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RE:
what would cause a child to eat paper?
I have a 2 year old who is always chewing on paper

Answer 3

The same thing that causes them to put every non-food item in their mouth, they just want to put it in their mouth. It might be they enjoy the feeling. I teach 2-year olds at a nursery. I have kids who eat paper, crayons...you name it, I've seen it. It's probably just that your child likes the feeling or finds the sensation comforting in some way. It's also a slim possibility that your child is lacking in iron and suffering from a condition known as pica, which causes them to eat non-food items in search of missing nutrients.

Answer 4

There is a disorder called pica, which causes people (kids especially) to eat non-food items. I don't know the particulars.

I ate paper for my whole life without a real reason for it. I just liked to chew it. But paper has dioxins in it from the bleaching process, which are very powerful carcinogens. Try to get him or her to stop!

Answer 5

Kids develop "tastes" for alot of things. For some it's burnt match heads. For others it's paper, some eat pet food, some eat dirt. None of these can really harm the child although it is kind of gross to see them licking a match head. Some theories claim it is a deficiency in one vitamin or another in their system.

Answer 6

If it was you eating the paper I'd say you were missing a mineral that makes you crave paper. But, being that its a two year old...

I'd just say curiousity!

They just like to get something that they know they aren't supposed to have. Or, normally don't get. And, it's gold!! :))

Besides, he/she is just chewing not ingesting and digesting it.

I used to eat Dial soap. No other soap just dial. My mom finally had to quit buying it. I just couldn't refuse, lol. And, I was fine :))

Answer 7

There is a disease whose name I can't remember right now that causes people to eat strange things like paper, chalk, dirt, clay, mud, baking powder. They can't help it and they actually like the stuff. Probably it is a lack of something in their bodies, because a lot of women get it when they are pregnant. Your child probably does not have the disease, just likes chewing on something. Does the child swallow the paper? If not then just a chewing thing. Give him/her something else to chew on. PS. The disease is Pica.

Answer 8

maybe it's a habit like some people bite or chew on their nails your child chews on paper,I guess it's not a big deal as long as the child isn't actually eating it.

Answer 9

It might be a security blanket for him. He likes chewing on paper cause it keeps him relaxed and calm, maybe?

Answer 10

You need to mention this to your pediatrician. It is either a habit he has or it could very likely be anemia- iron defiency. I have iron deficiency and the forst thing the doctor asked if I was either chewing a lot of ice or paper. Of course with me it was ice chewing like crazy. Please have him tested for this becuase if he is low on iron it can get worse.