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Expert Q&A
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| By David L. Fay, M.D. Family Physician Associate Director, Waukesha Family Practice Residency Program | ||
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My 17-month-old son has recently discovered that he can gag himself by placing his hand far into his mouth. He does this quite often -- occasionally resulting in vomiting. Is this just a stage or should I be worried?
At 17 months of age, you're not dealing with a child who is making a conscious decision to gag himself; what you have on your hands is a child who temporarily finds this kind of activity pleasurable. I would recommend ignoring the behavior, because he probably won't continue to find this to his taste. If, however, he provokes a strong response from you, his behavior will be reinforced, and would be more likely to continue."
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