Babies and thumb sucking simply go hand in hand. But, as with any self-soothing method, it can become a hard habit to eventually break. And both she and Casares give a thumbs up to parents for discussing any and all issues about the growth and development of their little ones with their pediatrician or health care provider. When do babies start sucking their thumb?
The bottom line on thumb sucking? Baby shoe sizes: What you need to know. Daylight saving time for kids: The best tips to prepare them for the change. Postpartum depression: Signs, symptoms and treatment options. Is there something that stresses your child and that causes him to suck his thumb?
Does he have separation anxiety when you go to work or when you drop him off at kindergarten? Does he do it at a certain time of day or place? Use positive reinforcement. Set small goals to encourage him, like no thumb-sucking an hour before bed and then none after dinner, then not doing it all day, for example.
Reward him with encouragement and praise, or a specific reward, each time he goes the full time without thumb-sucking. Consider aversive measures as a last resort. If, after a while, you notice your child is still thumb-sucking, even after trying the above ideas, consult your child's healthcare provider for advice. Your provider may recommend aversive measures, like coating the thumb or finger with a bitter substance, or by using a bandage or thumb guard to discourage your child from sucking.
Thumb-sucking in babies is not something to worry about. It's a common behavior that provides comfort for many babies and young children. Chances are your little one will stop doing it naturally by about the age of 4, if not earlier. Gentle reminders to stop, positive reinforcement when your child goes long stretches without thumb-sucking, and eliminating or reducing stressors might work well. The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and relies on credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, highly respected health organizations and experts in various fields.
All content is fact-checked by professional journalists prior to publishing. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're reading. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies. For others, thumb-sucking is a continuation of a habit perfected well before they were born — and the proof is in those adorable ultrasound pics. So why not try switching it up and getting your baby to suck on a pacifier instead?
Well, you could, if the thumb-sucking really bothers you. And as a bonus, you have more control over when and where your baby uses a pacifier, which makes it easier to take it away in the end. Something else to consider: Studies show that using a pacifier while sleeping reduces the risk of SIDS. Just be sure she isn't sucking because she's hungry.
You can help that process along while your child is still a toddler by offering other comfort objects like a beloved stuffed animal when she reaches for her thumb.
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