2 Year Old Wont Stop Biting His Nails

Updated on August 06, 2007
K. asks from Aurora, CO
4 answers

Does anyone have any advise for me? My 2 year old is biting his nail almost down to to the nail bed! I'm very worried, and I'm not sure how to stop him from doing it. Does anyone no of any nail biting products I should buy that really work? Or I'm up for any other suggestions as well.

Thanks!

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P.M.

answers from Boston on

Nail biting is often a response to anxiety. I'm not a fan of the aversion techniques because that does nothing to help him release this anxiety. You should strongly consider offering him another, more suitable solution.

My son was also a nail biter. So much so, that he'd often chew his nail until he was crying (b/c he chewed it so low it was too short & was hurting). For my son, things that are crunchy are very soothing & relaxing for him. Crackers, pretzels and chips work well but his favorite is dry cereal... Cheerios, Kix, Life. The more resistance it can offer, the better. We also offer him other chewy things - Chewelry, Tri-Chew, and his favorite Chewy Tube. These are also socially acceptible alternatives to pacifiers. My son is 3 and we also recently introduced him to chewing gum. Be extremely careful if you choose to offer that. My 2 yr old daughter does not yet understand that she needs to spit it out when she's done.

As recommended earlier, you may want to discuss this w/ your pediatrian. He/She can help you select an appropriate solution.

Good luck in your search,
P.

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J.M.

answers from Denver on

Have you tried a product called thumb?? It is generally used to help stopping thumb sucking, but you can paint it on the nails and that should help. If not you may want to think of jalapaino juice, most kiddos don't like the tast and it works rather quickly. good luck

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L.P.

answers from Denver on

One of my friends had a really bad nail biting problem. She would put vinegar or something else that tastes really bad on her finger nails to break her habbit. That might work with your 2 year old.

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D.N.

answers from Grand Junction on

K.,

If you go to Sally's the Beauty Supply store next to Wal-MArt on north ave they should have some nail biting polish. It tastes bad but it is not toxic at least I hope not cause my mom used to give it to me (I sucked my thumb as a child), she also tried tabasco sauce on my nails. I hope this helps :)

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