Babies eating own excrement - what does this mean?

[GG58]

Hi
Can anyone tell me what it means if a baby eats its own poop?

[littlebit667]

It can, be  as you have read, but for the most part it is usually curiosity. The trick is if they continue you have to look for further answers.  I am glad you were able to get help here.  

[GG58]

Thank you so much all.  I read it was an indicator of disturbed behavior in response to abusive or neglectful parenting so this has put my mind at rest.

[skepticalpeach]

My little sister got in the trash once and started eating the poo out of her diaper. Totally gross, yet totally normal.

[adgal]

I've seen this come up several times in various parenting magazines and articles.  If it's just sort of "sampling" then it's just normal curiosity and considered very normal.  If she is (excuse my words here, not sure how else to put it) making a meal out of it regularly, then it should be discussed with her Dr.  All the best to you.

[littlebit667]

In children aged 18 months to 2 years, the ingestion and mouthing of nonnutritive substances is common and is not considered to be pathologic. Consider pica when the behavior is inappropriate to the developmental level of the individual, is not part of a culturally sanctioned practice, and does not occur exclusively during the course of another mental disorder (eg, schizophrenia). If pica is associated with mental retardation or pervasive developmental disorder, it must be sufficiently severe to warrant independent clinical attention. In such patients, pica is typically considered to be a secondary diagnosis. Furthermore, the pica must last for a period of at least 1 month.


from here:

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/914765-overview