Frequently, twiddling starts around 6 months, but it may start earlier or later. There's no exact age when twiddling begins, and it may be affected by a variety of developmental and environmental factors. These include diminishing milk supply or your little one learning how to use a pincer grasp.

Why do breastfed babies twiddle?

'Many babies twiddle the opposite nipple while breastfeeding, and this actually causes a release of the hormone oxytocin, which increases milk supply. ' Professor Lorraine Sherr, clinical psychologist at the Royal Free Hospital, says that as breastfed babies grow up, the role of the breast changes.

Why do babies grab nipples?

Breastfeeding Basics noted that the behavior is seen in most mammals as an instinct to encourage letdown, similar to kneading the breast. According to the Dr. Sears website, "twiddling" is most common in babies 6 to 9 months old, and the habit usually dies down or becomes less of an attachment at that point.