Chewie

I don't have a 4 year-old; however, is he an older 4? Maybe he is teething. We just came back from the dentist with my 2 year-old. I asked shen she would get her next set of teeth and they said 5-6. Just a thought.

Also, I remember doing this as kid as well... chewing on my hair and nails. Maybe it is just something kids do to keep busy?

If it's not a breaking new teeth in problem, I'd look ever so closely at anyone who is caring for the child besides you. Has anyone had access to him aside of you-extended family or daycare??? anyone??? Try to get him to talk about this. any bullies in the neighborhood?? Make it a game-just a silly little game. Just do what you can to get to the bottom of this.

i have no advice but my daughter is doing the same thing! she sticks everything in her mouth, which i expect from her 9 month old brother, but i didn't know that kids who are almost 4 do it too. she's really been chewing on her shirts throughout the day, her sheets at night, sometimes her fingers and random other things.
i think it must be developmental although i haven't tried to read up on it.
just wanted to let you know that you are not alone!

Hi J.,

My daughter who will be 5 in a couple of weeks has had a blanket stuck in her mouth since she was very little. When she sleeps or is very anxious/nervous about something this has always been her pacifier per say. And she wasn't just sucking on it, she would bite, twist, chew, suck...you name it. She does it especially when there is something on TV or a movie that makes her scared. Or sometimes it's just an absent minded habit.

Now that she's beginning to get a bit older, she is starting to drop that habit, especially with our encouragement. I wouldn't worry too much about it. For us, it wasn't a development problem, just a way for her to comfort herself.

D.

Could he be cutting a tooth??? Just a thought

He might be feeling anxious about something, but is too young to verbalize it.
My daughter has always sucked her blanket along with her thumb since she was a baby.
Try to see if something's on his mind. If not, it may just be a phase. I wouldn't worry about it too much.

My older son chewed on his shirt collar constantly around 3-4. I ended up giving him his own washcloth at home to chew on. It did help. And yes, he will outgrow it!

Hi J.,
Yes I think it's somewhat "normal" for some children at this age to develop certain "oral fixations". Chewing straws, shirt collars, etc....
Maybe offer him something he can chew on. I got my son a chewy toy for him to chew on and he loved it. http://www.chewytubes.com/
C.

My daughter had the same condition for about 3 years. It is a relaxation/coping mechanism and your son will grow out of it. In the meantime, I would suggest buying some "chewy tubes." They come in several colors and textures.

Here is a link:

http://www.rehabilitystores.com/For-Kids/Chewy-Tubes/

Feel free to email me if you would like to know more.

R.