How to Stop a Child From Nose Picking

By Holly L. Roberts on January 4, 2011

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Nose picking can be a tricky habit to break.

Nose picking is one of the most common and annoying habits your child can develop. Your child might start picking his nose because it's itchy, infected, irritated or just because he's curious. But once he starts, you'll need to nip the habit in the bud if you don't want to deal with increased nasal infection and potential nosebleeds -- both consequences of too-frequent picking.

Step 1

Schedule an appointment with your child's pediatrician to make sure your child doesn't need treatment for allergies. Kids with allergies may pick because their noses are irritated and medication may help solve the problem.

Step 2

Run a humidifier in your child's room at night to help restore moisture to her nostrils, recommends Baby Center's website. Picking can irritate and dry out your child's nostrils, increasing the habit. A humidifier reduces dryness and discomfort.

Step 3

Rub a little petroleum just inside your child's nostrils a few times a day if his nose is red and irritated. Petroleum jelly smooths broken skin and soothes irritation, reducing his urge to stick his finger in his nose.

Step 4

Pay attention to when your child picks his nose the most. Get into the habit of distracting him with activities that occupy his fingers, like finger puppets, crayons or a keyboard.

Step 5

Show your child how to blow her nose with a tissue and let her know that's a better option for dealing with a stuffy nose.

Step 6

Schedule plenty of play time with other kids for your child. Peer pressure -- like other kids saying, "gross!" -- can be one of the most effective ways to get your child to stop picking, according to Baby Center.

About the Author

Holly Roberts is an award-winning health and fitness writer whose work has appeared in health, lifestyle and fitness magazines. Roberts has also worked as an editor for health association publications and medical journals. She has been a professional writer for more than 10 years and holds a B.A. in English and an M.A. in literature.

Ingredients

Humidifier

Petroleum jelly

References

BabyCenter: Nose picking: How to nip it in the bud

University of Michigan Health System: Bad Habits/Annoying Behavior

What to Expect: Toddler Nose Picking

Tips

Even if you're totally grossed out by your child's nose picking, resist the urge to nag or punish your child for picking her nose. You'll just be giving your child negative reinforcement, which can spur him to continue the habit, or starting a power strug