Obsessive Behavior in Toddlers – What’s Normal, What’s Not

Toddlers can get fascinated with a toy, a movie, or a color and fixate on it in a way that adults often don’t.

While this behavior is cute and normal in most circumstances, there are times to be concerned about obsessive behaviors in toddlers.

Is obsessive behavior normal in toddlers? Yes, obsessive behavior is normal and expected in toddlers. It should start to subside as your child reaches school age, but they may be obsessed with a particular interest until then. If this fixation starts to affect their social development, it may be moving into an area that is not normal.

To know what is normal toddler behavior and what is cause for concern, understand all you can about how toddler obsessions work.

Obsessive Behavior in Toddlers: What To Know

You will absolutely have to wash the same shirt, watch the same movie, read the same book, always be able to locate the same toy that your child loves, etc., depending on the current obsession.

Here are some other things to know about toddler obsessions.

Why Toddlers Become Obsessed With Certain Things

Toddlers can become obsessed or fascinated by certain objects because they offer comfort.

Perhaps they love trains because they associate those with playtime with a family member. A special book or stuffed animal helps calm them because it’s an item they connect to soothing.

Toddlers may also be prone to fixating on items if there are a lot of other changes going on in their lives.

They can also just show interest in an object because they want to be their own person and claim this as part of their identity or interest.

Common Toddler Obsessions

For me, it was a baby doll I’ve had since I was 3 days old. For my oldest child, it was a book we read multiple times a day. Common toddler obsessions include:

• Trains
• Princesses
• Cars
• Airplanes
• Puppies or kittens
• Dolls
• Dinosaurs
• A specific movie or book
• A particular TV show, maybe even a specific episode
• A color
• A food
• A routine they want to be done in the same order

Nothing is off limits when toddlers decide to fixate on something, and each kid attaches with their own level of intensity.

How To Tell When a Normal Obsession Becomes Unhealthy

Your child’s obsession or fascination should not keep them from interacting socially with other children. It also shouldn’t dominate your child’s day and keep them from moving from one activity to another.

If the obsession has become something that controls your child’s daily routine, it’s time to seek help so you can find out if there is an underlying issue.

Toddler Hyperfixation

Hyperfixation occurs when your child is so caught up in what they are doing that they lose track of everything else around them.

You may call your toddler’s name and get no reply because he really doesn’t notice you are talking to him. 

Your child may be hyper-fixating if he is refusing to sleep or take part in other activities because he wants to keep doing what he is focused on doing.

This can be a sign that there is an underlying issue and that your child’s obsession goes beyond normal toddler behavior.

When Toddler Obsessions Begin To Fade

Your child’s obsession will likely fade around the time he is getting ready to start preschool or kindergarten.

He may still have an interest in the subject he is fascinated with, but it won’t be a full-blown obsession anymore.

Toddlers move through this phase, and it usually becomes a memory that parents tell their kids about when they are older.

How To Manage Obsessive Behavior in Toddlers

Your child’s obsession doesn’t have to dominate your life, but you do have to find ways to manage it while still allowing your child to pursue his interests. Here are a few tips:

1. Have Clear Boundaries

Even if your child wants you to read their favorite story 22 times, you can set a limit before story time starts to ensure that doesn’t happen.

You don’t have to collect everything associated with your child’s obsession. You can support your child’s interests while still setting reasonable boundaries.

2. Encourage the New

You don’t have to stop your child from pursuing their obsession or interest.

However, you can encourage them to learn about new things alongside their current fascination.

3. Don’t Worry

It’s very likely that your child’s obsession is normal and will pass with time. Don’t spend a ton of time worrying. Most kids move through this phase on their own.

When To Worry About Obsessive Behavior in Toddlers

If your toddler would rather be involved with their object of obsession as opposed to interacting with other humans all the time, this could be a sign of a problem.

It’s also important to know if your child goes from being obsessed with something to suddenly feeling like their mind is streaming the same negative or disturbing image over and over. This is a sign of OCD.

OCD in Child Symptoms

OCD symptoms in children can vary, but here are some to look out for if you’re worried your child’s obsession has crossed a line:

• Germ phobia
• Constant doubts about if they have performed a task
• Bad, disturbing thoughts on a loop that your child feels they can’t control
• A need for things to stay in a particular order

High-Functioning Autism Obsessions

Kids with high-functioning autism may become fixated on a particular topic. They will want to know everything they can about it and will spend time researching and collecting all the information they can.

The obsession may keep them from being around other people and may limit how much they are willing to learn about anything else.

Related Questions: 

Does Childhood OCD Go Away?

Though treatable, childhood OCD does not go away. Symptoms can go from severe to moderate or mild, but a child who has OCD will probably always deal with it on some level.

Treatments can include medication, therapy, or a combination of the two.

Why Do Toddlers Like Baby Dolls?

Playing with baby dolls gives toddlers a chance to create their own stories, reenact their memories, and develop empathy.

Playing with dolls also gives toddlers a way to be like mom and dad, and kids love to act and imitate what they see.

Dolls aren’t just for girls either. If introduced to dolls, most every toddler will play with them.

Final Thoughts

While obsessive behaviors in toddlers can be concerning, most of them are perfectly normal.

If you suspect your child’s fixation with a topic or object has crossed a line, reach out to your pediatrician for help.