Blog

It is very common for babies to suck their thumbs. Most of the time, parents are very worried about this habit from a social etiquette and personal hygiene perspective. Sucking thumb majorly effects dental healthy but can cause other problems as well. If you don’t correct this habit, it could have negative effects. They might suck their thumbs when they feel upset, sick, bored, hungry or tired. It acts as a stress buster for them.

Parents need to follow a systematic approach to stop their babies from sucking thumb. Here are some of the ways to do it:

1. Give your baby with gentle reminders: older infants are very smart even if you think otherwise. They understand all your basic instructions and know when you say ‘no’. Just remind them gently and softly that they should not suck their thumb. Explain to him about all the negative things that can happen if sucks his thumb. If he actually stops sucking the thumb, then appreciate him out loud.
2. Find out what triggers him: Babies often suck their thumbs when they are feeling hungry or bored. This means your baby sucks his thumb in response to a stimulus. You need to observe the circumstance in which your baby usually starts sucking his thumb and take action accordingly. If boredom is the reason, then you can involve your baby in different games or activities that require the use of hands. If it is when he feels exhausted, then simply put your baby to sleep. If the hunger happens to be the culprit, then make sure you set a proper schedule and feed your baby timely.
3. Try a pacifier: You can help your child break his thumb sucking habit by using a pacifier. Pacifiers can work just like thumbs but it is believed by experts that they are less habit-forming which makes them worth a try. Even the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you give your babies pacifier. Just don’t force it on your baby if he continuously rejects it.

1. Use distractions: Diverting your baby’s attention is also a good way of keeping him from putting his thumb in the mouth. You can take him out for a walk or simply near a window to show him things outside. Distractions help to soothe the baby and build his curiosity in other things. It will keep him from becoming too dependent on thumb sucking.

Make your efforts to stop your baby from sucking his thumb but don’t be forceful. Using harsh tone to remind your baby not to suck his thumb or punishing him is also a bad idea. These things will only make him become more stubborn and suck his thumb more. Putting bitter medicine or bandage will also do the same. In case none of your methods work, just wait till he quits his habit by himself. He is not going to do it forever. Babies usually tend to stop sucking their thumbs between the age of two and four years. Only 30% infants go on sucking their thumbs after age of one. This means most of the babies stop sucking their thumbs when they turn one year old. It is 12% babies who continue to suck their thumbs after they turn four.