My 3 year old has always been an oral kid - from the time he was born he always had something in his mouth and had a very strong suck reflex from the get go. He has always used pacifiers, but several months ago we restricted their use to his bed only. Now, since he doesn't have pacifiers all the time, his hands are constantly in his mouth! He isn't sucking on his fingers, he just has part or all of his hand in his mouth. He is healthy and has been recently checked by the dr. and dentist for any ear, sinus or teeth issues.
I think it is part habit and part his way of soothing still when he is unsure or nervous, but I REALLY don't want his hands in his mouth during cold and flu season! He does have a couple of stuffed animals that he soothes with, but they aren't enough to keep the fingers out of his mouth - sometimes he even chews on them. I constantly ask him to take them out when I notice, but I'm not with him 24/7 and I would have to ask him every 5 seconds. Any thoughts on how to break this habit?
This is so normal for his age! My daughter is going to be 3 in 2 weeks and constantly has her hands in her mouth or a toy. She was never a paci baby either. Distract him when he's doing it, ignore the hot sauce reccomendation and buy some hand sanitzer.
Your little guy seems to have stronger-than-average sensory needs, and since apparently something is going to go in his mouth, you might want to check out products made especially for kids with oral sensory needs. Find out lots more about this here: http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/ or google terms like sensory integration disorder products.
I suggest that he needs to have the sensation that putting something in his mouth creates. It's actually quite normal at this age to still be putting things in their mouths. I suggest backing off and letting it go. By focusing on it you may causing him to focus on it. I believe that he'll gradually do this less on his own.
As to flu and cold season. He will build up immunity. All too often, the children who get sick the most are the ones who are overly protected from exposure to germs.
Hand washing during cold/flu season is a good habit. However, don't overdo the anti-bacterial as it can have an opposite affect. Regular soap with water as hot as he can tolerate will do. Make sure he sings the ABC's as that is the length of time it takes for hands to get clean (20-30 seconds). Definitely make sure hand sanitizer is dry. It takes a larger dose than what is used to be toxic but over time it does add up.
How about letting him chew/suck on a toothbrush?
i know someone who uses hot sause. they threatin to use it if the girl doesn't keep her fingers out of her mouth. she's always sucking on them. most kids that young don't like hot sause which s why they use it.
I just wanted to add that even though hand sanitizer is good during flu season, you need to be careful. Make sure it is totally dry and safe before your son puts his hands in his mouth again. Some children are getting drunk on the alcohol in it. Just thought I would mention it.
I can empathize with the rest. My two year old daughter is the same way. She is very oral as well. Thank goodness, she is fairly healthy most of the time. I would suggest sanitizing the toys he most often puts in his mouth. As for his hands, my daughter loves water, so I may find a way to wash her hands with antibacterial soap this winter. :-) Good luck to us both!
If you can't stomach the hot sauce (I don't like to use it either); try something bitter. Hot sauce is effective, but I see the wisdom in that it can seem cruel as well. Something bitter (or very sour) will have a similar effect without burning the mouth...BTW the mom charged was most likely due to the fact that she used it on children other than her own and possibly to excess; same thing goes for feeding your children..you shouldnt overfeed them as it would be unhealthy.
