We have noticed that when we feed Trent his solid food, he will rub his eyes and ears and face the whole time he is eating. He has always done this since he was about 6 months. He also rubs his ears a lot in general as well. In fact, he does it so much we have taken him to the doctor twice just to rule out an ear infection which he has never had (knock on wood). Has anyone else ever noticed their child doing this? Just curious if it was reflux related or maybe a sensory issue.

Amy

Hi Amy, Adam also had some similar habits while eating. He plays with the hair on the top of his head alot, also rubs his ears and always had his hands on or near his face the whole time I fed him. The behavioral doc at the feeding center said that these are both protective and nervous habits. Protective in that reflux kids are reluctant to have food put in their mouths and nervous because their eating skills and desire to eat are lacking. Adam has overcome these habits now, but they come back when he's not feeling well or when I feed him something thats really challenging for him to eat. Aside from eating, he will do some of those things when he's really tired too, I guess it is comforting to him in a way. So I'm not totally sure that its reflux related but it could be. It could also be sensory. Adam has such tight muscles in his face especially around his nose and mouth - the PT said that he's so tight that it must be uncomfortable. Reflux has such an impact on every aspect of our kids it never ceases to amaze me.

Phyllis

I agree completely with Phyllis, it can definitely be a defensive and/or comforting posture. Great points Phyllis!!

Another possibility is discomfort from the reflux. Probably not so much with the eye rubbing, but definitely with the rest of the face, nose and ears. Reflux can cause damage and irritation to the inside of the nose, throat, and ears (frequent ear infections). Even if it's not severe enough to be causing infections (thankfully) it could be just enough to be causing discomfort in those areas. Shae used to grab and reach at her ears, nose, face and even her neck and throat as well and with her it definitely seemed to be pain related.