Best Ways to Stop Thumb Sucking

Many babies have a preoccupation with sucking their thumbs from the moment they first discover their fingers and toes, whether consciously or unconsciously. You might even have taken a grainy photo of your little one contentedly self-soothing in the womb after an ultrasound during your pregnancy.

Thumb sucking is a frequent childhood practice. Sure, that was adorable when your child was younger, but now that they are 3 or 4, it might have come to a point when enough is enough.

When your child reaches preschool age, it may be tempting to take their thumb out of their mouth whenever they begin to suck, especially if you believe it hurts their tooth and jaw development. However, you might consider rejecting that impulse and employing a different approach. Read on to know how to stop thumb sucking.

Introduce a Pacifier

You can use pacifiers to stop thumb sucking. In particular, you can take them away from your child as a tactic for breaking their habit. However, replacing your child’s thumb-sucking behavior with a pacifier is not a good idea.

For instance, sucking on a pacifier can cause tooth damage in the same way that thumb sucking can. Pacifiers can sometimes tumble to the ground and attract germs. Thus, only use pacifiers to break your child’s habit, not a substitute for the thumb.

Cover Their Hands with Socks

If your child thumb-sucks in their sleep, try covering their thumb with a glove, mitten, or sock at night. Remember, however, that your child cannot control whether or if they suck their thumb while sleeping.

Furthermore, if your child wants a reminder not to suck their thumb, various soft plastic or fabric thumb guards are available without a prescription. They can be worn all the time or only when your kid is most prone to engage in thumb-sucking behavior.

Discuss the Habit with your Child

Discuss your child’s thumb or finger sucking with them. Assist your child in understanding that you will be there to assist when they are ready to stop. If your child sucks their thumb out of habit rather than seeking attention, gently advise them to stop. Do not scold, condemn, or mock your kid. 

Moreover, if your child wants to stop and helps you choose the strategy, you are more likely to break the habit. Notably, paying no attention to thumb sucking might sometimes be enough to stop it, especially if your child uses it to obtain attention.

Come up with a Reward System

When your child is not thumb sucking, praise or give them rewards and treats, such as an extra bedtime story or a trip to the park. Be sure to set reasonable goals, for example, not sucking your thumb for an hour before going to bed. You can use stickers on a calendar to track the days that your child has successfully avoided thumb sucking.

Always Offer Encouragement

If your child sucks their thumb in response to stress, figure out what’s causing the problem and offer comfort in other ways, such as a hug or soothing words. You might also give your child a plush animal or a cushion to squeeze.

Moreover, if your kid tries to suck his thumb or fingers after being hurt or harmed, do not stop him. Your kid needs to be in his comfort zone, and preventing him from doing so would just traumatize him further.

Additionally, avoid escalating the situation into a fight. Do not command your child that they cannot suck their thumb any longer. Rather than condemning them when they are sucking their thumb, try to acknowledge and congratulate them when they are not.

Ultimately, sucking one’s thumb is a natural reflex that starts well before birth. Many children continue the practice until they are at least two years old. Thumb sucking usually goes away on its own. Still, it can occasionally cause mouth damage, especially if it continues above the age of four and the child sucks aggressively and frequently. Children may get exposed to germs and viruses as a result of this practice.

Thumb sucking may also get linked to stress. Sometimes, creating a relaxing atmosphere for your child when they are stressed can relieve their thumb-sucking behavior. Purchasing a new crib mattress might just do the trick and offer some help. 

Parents can assist their children in breaking the habit. Your child’s pediatric dentist or pediatrician may also be able to help them. Parents may not like it, but it is preferable to leave it alone. Kids will ultimately give it up.