Could it be an autistic/sensory issue?

my 5 month old baby always wants to hold on to/touch my hands, or even my face when she gets a chance. if I give her a paci her hands shoot out to grab mine, and not let me go. its sweet, but seems strange to me. she would hold on forever if I didnt gently disentangle myself. when she is supposed to be going to sleep, she does it much more smoothly if I let her hold my hand, and if she is crying, giving her my hand to hold can often calm her down. also, she doesnt always hold it tight, sometimes she slowly, gently methodically taps it or strokes it. (the only reason I think of autism at all is that I once cared for a young woman with autism for a summer, who tapped on my hand the same way).

it this just plain normal, or something to look into?

At 5 months, I wouldn't worry much. Attachment is actually a really good thing. Talk to your pediatrician, though, since his/her word is going to mean more.

Beginner Joined: Jun 28 2012 Age: 31 Posts: 22

As someone else suggested: Discuss this with your Doctor, so that you can get it checked: Even if it is only to put your mind at ease.

You may be able to get a list of developmental stages for babies from your Doctor as well. This list shows things that should occur normally, and things to watch out for: For example if the baby is taking a longer than usual period to walk or roll.

At five mos. this is actually the age where babies start to grab onto things: A good exercise to play right now is the "clap" game. This helps to fine tune these reflexes and helps with development.

Opening, closing and clapping your hands will help teach the little one to do the same. This is the age where so much is mimicked! Even our facial expressions: It's fascinating!

All my kids did that. It's perfectly normal.
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Platinum Member Joined: Apr 06 2008 Posts: 5149

totally normal and age appropriate
relax and enjoy