Getting rid of a toddler's bad habit

[redshoes]

My two year old is a finger sucker. He only does it when he is in his bed, but it's an ongoing thing. If you walk by his room anytime at night you will hear him sucking away at his fingers. I know it is a comfort thing not unlike a favorite blanket or stuffed animal. But here's the issue, he has sucked his pointer and index finger to the point that they have developed huge calluses on them. They crack, bleed and they look very sore. He has stopped using those two fingers when he eats and plays because they hurt so much. Does anyone have any advice on how to stop this habit? I wouldn't worry about it too much but he has acid reflux and that combined with the finger sucking is doing a number on his skin. I've tried the stuff you paint on their fingers that is suppose to taste horrible, sadly he thinks I have given him a great treat. I would love any ideas that might work.

 

[CEDmom]

My 6 1/2 yo DD was a thumb sucker. She still does it occasionally in her sleep but has stopped for the most part. She also got calluses from it but they never bleed or interfered with her doing other activities. What helped my DD stop was being told of the damage it was doing to her teeth by our dentist. He didn't lecture or make her feel badly but rather just explained the facts. Everytime I saw her struggling with it I'd commend her but we didn't make a big issue of it. I'd also go into her room after she was asleep and pop her thumb out of her mouth. I think this might be one of your few options given his age. You could try some type of bandage but then there's worry that he'd choke.