Toddler behaviour

[Melly999]

I breast fed until my son was 14 months. Since then he has continued to seek comfort in touching my breasts when tired or upset. He twiddles with my nipples to get to sleep. He is nearly 3 years old and I would like to move away from this dependency

When he was younger we did try a dummy or a special teddy but I realise I am his dummy! More recently I tried plasters on my nipples and hyped up returning to Pre Sch in an attempt to get him off the boobies which lasted three days/nights until he figured out how to remove the plasters

Any ideas on how to encourage my son not to touch my boobs! I would like him to self soothe himself to sleep and to not get upset and demand boobie, especially at bedtime where he will not remain in his bed unless I’m cuddling him

I don't understand why you're not removing his hands and saying "No, that's mine" or something equally clear and simple?

Putting on plasters or covering up is faintly ridiculous! At 3 he's old enough to learn the basics of body autonomy...now is a good time to explain that everyone is in charge of their own body. His too. And that if someone says no touching, that must be respected.

Exactly this. Why are you letting him figure out how to remove plasters? Just move his hands away. Say no. Move yourself away. Don't give in.

I agree with pps. Sometimes we have to say no to our kids, that's OK.

@Pantheon

I agree with pps. Sometimes we have to say no to our kids, that's OK.

Yes exactly! I feel like my friend judges me for saying no to my son sometimes, but then her toddler rules her

Thank you all for your comments, I’ve tried saying no and removing his hands on daily basis but he goes hysterical as he doesn’t know any different. Totally my fault but I’m trying to move away from this now but it’s hard when he will get himself in a right state and then won’t go to sleep

Can his dad do bedtime instead?
If not can you wear a high neck jumper so he can’t reach?! Try holding his hand and stroking his head to get him to sleep, good luck

I have no advice but just want to say my 17 month old is very similar! I'm still breastfeeding but she is obsessed with my breasts and has to play with the other one while feeding and is dependant on playing with them to go to sleep, to the point it hurts alot of the time!
I'm okay with it for now but i dont want to end up in the position you are in further down the line, as i can see her being the same when i ever do finish breastfeeding.
Keep us updated on how it goes :)

I wore polarnecks with shirts over the top at first when I weaned my eldest, It just helped as we could cuddle without there being as much temptation to feed/touch. It's not such a bad thing to be your little ones comforter. Maybe introduce a sensory toy during these comfort cuddles, or take him to choose a teddy to go to sleep with? Have you got a partner who could do bedtime s for a bit? Xx

Distraction OP....do something silly or funny right after you remove his hands.