How To Stop Fingers In The Mouth

[WImom]

I have a set of twins - 3 years old - everytime I turn around one or both have fingers in their mouth or a toy. It's driving me nuts.

What are some things that have worked for you?

I've tried saying fingers out of the mouth, only food goes in the mouth. I've tried just walking past and removing the toy and taking it for the yuck bucket or removing finger and not saying anything.

My ages are only 2y up and so far I really haven't had to deal with this, usually after a few reminders they stop but not these two, it's been 2.5weeks.

[kitkat]

I make them wash their hands every time fingers go in. If you have them wash their hands, make sure they wash them for the correct length of time. Having to do it so many times will become old.

If my kids put a toy in their mouth (like the play kitchen food), then THEY have to put it in the sink. You could do the same for whatever toys they are playing with while they have fingers in their mouth, instead of you putting it in the bucket.

[Sunshine44]

I'm having the same issue. It has become a problem lately. Driving me crazy trying to figure out a way to stop the toys and fingers from going in the mouth. I'm interested to see what suggestions others have.

[Mom_of_two]

With a baby of course it is inevitable, but at three not ok! I had a DCG who had fingers ALWAYS in her mouth (or nose) when she started- I did the same, wash hands or us a wipe every time, and remind her verbally every time. If I was close to her I would (gently of course) physically remove her hand and put it at her side as I reminded her. It was a lot the first couple weeks (when she started here) but now she does not do it.

[Ariana]

I agree with washing their hands when you catch them and maybe make them wash the toy as well. Explain about germs and why it's "gross".

My child is only 22 months but has recently started doing this due to teething her molars so I got her a wooden teether. Everytime I catch her with her fingers in her mouth I replace them with the teether. Of course I'm not sure if it's a good idea to give a wooden teether to a 3 year old but it's a thought!

I should add that when my DCK started with me they always picked their nose and never used a tissue. I was on them like white on rice and kept telling them to get a tissue and to then go wash their hands. After a week they used a tissue every time!!

[Michael]

Here is an earlier post that relates: https://www.daycare.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11102