New Delhi. Many times, such habits are seen in young children which surprise the parents. Some children start eating by scraping lime from the wall while some put soil, chalk, paper or other such things in their mouth which are not edible. Initially, parents may ignore it considering it to be the child's mischief or curiosity, but if the child is repeatedly trying to eat such things, then it is important to pay attention to this habit. According to experts, the constant desire to eat non-food items may be linked to a condition like Pica. Apart from this, nutritional reasons like iron deficiency or anemia may also need to be investigated.
There can be many reasons behind a child eating lime. Small children often try to understand things around them by seeing and touching them, hence sometimes out of curiosity they may put lime from the wall in their mouth. But if this behavior persists and the child has started eating clay, chalk or other non-edible items besides lime, then it is not right to leave it as a normal habit. In such a situation, it is better to consult a pediatrician so that the condition and nutritional needs of the child can be understood.
Eating lime can also have adverse effects on the health of the child. Problems can vary depending on the type of lime and the amount ingested. In some cases, stomach pain, vomiting, constipation or problems related to the digestive system may occur. If a child has swallowed a large amount of lime or has burning sensation in the mouth, pain, vomiting or difficulty in breathing, then it should not be taken lightly and immediate medical help should be sought.
To save the child from this habit, first of all it is important to make the home environment safe. Get the lime coming out of the wall repaired immediately and keep lime, paint, putty or other such materials kept in the house out of the reach of children. Instead of repeatedly scolding or scaring the child, explain it lovingly and divert his attention towards a play toy or other activity. This can help in reducing his habit gradually.
It is important to pay attention to the child's food also. According to his age and needs, he should be given a balanced diet rich in iron, protein and other nutrients. Green vegetables, pulses, gram, kidney beans, eggs and other nutritious foods can be made a part of the child's diet. However, parents should not start iron or any other supplements on their own just because of the habit of eating lime. If necessary, the doctor can give appropriate advice after examination.
If the child continuously eats lime, mud, chalk or other non-food items then the best step is to consult a pediatrician. This habit can be controlled by understanding the reason in time and adopting the right solution. Patience of the parents, safety of the child and doctor's advice if needed can play an important role in dealing with this problem.