How do I stop 4 year old putting everything in his mouth?!

[hello33sunshine]

I have a very intense sick phobia and I cannot tell you the anxiety I'm getting about germs and sickness from my 4 year old son who is constantly putting things in his mouth!!!!

He is delayed with his speach so talking things through with him doesn't always work.

Does anyone have any tips? In the space of 5 minutes at soft play today he had a ball from the ball pit (🤢🤢🤢🤢) in his mouth and then he was licking the counter at the cafe.

I am absolutely in it and always intervene when this happens. I think it's just a habit for him, but how do I make it stop?! It's causing me a lot of stress! It's so unhygienic! Has any other mums been there with this?!

Muzzle him.

Unfortunately that's how children learn about their environment. You could try distracting him with items you have that you know are clean, he may have sensory issues and putting things in his mouth could go on for longer.

Plenty of sanitiser and wipes with you to mitigate germs as much as you can.

I feel you, I can't stand sticky fingers even now.

Hello my lovely,

You mention your little one has delayed speech, is this linked to a diagnosis? Have you come across the term mouthing? Perhaps speak with your health visitor, it may be sensory seeking but a professional will be able to assist you further x

If you have a sick phobia then it might be best to avoid soft plays all together as they are notorious for giving people stomach bugs. I swear I can smell the germs in soft plays, just hate them. As a result my 3 year old has only been in a soft play a couple of times but I much prefer to do thighs outdoors with her anyway.

Thank you for the replies!
He's under the care of the children development center for his speach/understanding but after many assessments there's no red flags, at this stage, to warrant any diagnosis.
His teeth are fine , has regular dentist check ups.
I don't recognise that he has any sensory issues tbh. He's good with textures, sounds, smells... it's just the mouth situation! He's always chewing on something at home... and like I said previously I always intervene but it feels completely pointless!
I do think it's a comfort thing. He was breast fed until he was 3 and also has a dummy at bedtime (I know, I know!!! It's a work in progress)......

Haha yes I probably should avoid the soft plays! The one we went to today was very busy and looked a bit dated and I instantly felt the sickness stress take over 🙈

Chewy?

Get him some chewlry so he can meet his sensory need to chew. It's common enough get a couple if you want to rotate them through the day.

But it sounds like he is going to have a fabulous immune system 😃

Don't avoid soft play, your phobia is yours not his. Wash hands when you get home and he'll have a fabulous immune system.

It is a myth that you need to keep getting sick to strengthen the immune system. Best way to strengthen your immune system is a good diet and plenty of rest, so keeping your body strong. Yes it’s good to be exposed to bacteria and viruses little and often (like when you’re walking down the stree; and it’s best if you don’t actually get infected) but no need to go somewhere like soft play which is a Petri dish of germs. Every infection carriers a risk. Catching a stomach bug will not protect you from catching another one, if anything it will make you weaker for a little while.

I absolutely agree with this. It would be sad to stop going to places he enjoys because of your phobia.

Don't worry guys, he's not missing out on any fun or soft plays because of me. We go to all the parks and soft plays and barns you can think of.
I'm aware it's my phobia, I feel bad enough about it so don't need to feel worse!

Give him a chewey? Sounds like my sensory seeking autistic boy .

It's good to be exposed to germs when you're young. Helps your immune system get stronger.
I would focus on getting treatment for your anxiety, it's clearly causing you a lot of pain.

I think most children go through this to some extent. My daughter has no SN but when she was that age I felt I spent my life telling her to keep her hands away from her face. She used to be a big nose picker and I would get annoyed to see her finger in her mouth when we were on public buses etc. I wouldn't say she got any more sickness bugs than other children - only about 4 in her life so far aged 7.

My older foster son always seemed to have things in his mouth until he was about 10 and actually he has a fabulous immune system and barely ever gets ill so I do think there is a lot to be said for regular exposure to a bit of dirt and grime.

Thank you. I've had 2 rounds of cbt therapy, edmr therapy and counciling but it's not lifted in the slightest.
I'm doing my best, not sure what more I can do to make it feel any lighter!

but this isnt just about my sick phobia, just after tips and experience for my child to stop chewing on everything!

i appreciate the advice so far 😀

I'm looking at Cheney's as we speak 😊

Cheweys!!!!!!!*

He needs a large chewy round his neck he is seeking sensory experiences.

I agree with chew buddies. I don't like them round the neck but you can get clip on ones. Also I would ask for a pediatrician referral If you're in the UK. Speech delay and sensory needs (like mouthing) are signs of ASD my 4 year old does this and hes diagnosed

Thank you!

He's been through the referral process, and is still under child's development observation. He's had mannnnyyy assessments by lots of people who have all said there's no red flags and no extra support at this stage! 🤷🏼‍♀️

That's tough OP.

Have you heard of a condition called PICA

You just can't. All babies go through this stage. The best thing would be to get therapy for your phobia.

Ah I'm so sorry for my post, I must still be half asleep still I thought it said 4 month old.

Really sorry!

Sorry op doesn't sound like you're getting the help you need. I would speak to nursery/school senco and see what they thing. Could just be pica but it's common with asd x