Is Thumb sucking a Better Option than Using Pacifier?

Thumb sucking is commonly observed among infants. Parents are aware that the babies sucking the thumb or pacifier is only non nutritive sucking. This practice is associated with their need to satisfy the urge for contact and security.

At times the pacifier is encouraged by parents to avoid baby crying especially on an outing. Parents also believe that it is easier to get rid of the practice of a pacifier rather than thumb sucking as the fingers or thumb are always available for the baby and therefore becomes extremely difficult to change the habit.

Within the first few months of life, or even sooner, a baby can become a thumb or finger sucker as a way to fall asleep, to calm down, or to just feel good. At this stage, not only is thumb or finger sucking common, it is considered harmless in terms of a child’s growth and speech development.

Affects of thumb sucking, using pacifier

Usage of thumb/ fingers and pacifiers will have a negative effect as they affect the teeth in the same way. The teeth is slightly raised on the front side. Sucking puts pressure on the sides of the upper jaw and the soft tissue on the roof of the mouth. As a result, the upper jaw can narrow, causing the teeth to not meet properly from the top to the bottom

Hygiene part is most critical. The pacifier needs to be kept sterile in between uses. Exposure to dust and germs will affect health and baby may fall sick repeatedly. The ‘problem’ isn’t really thumb sucking or using a pacifier, it is when they become prolonged sucking habits.

I’ve seen children who have joined school with distorted skin due to constant sucking. Sucking is very natural for babies. It is very common for them to use their thumbs or fingers as part of their routine to find comfort and to soothe themselves.

Thumb sucking: Do’s and Don’t’s

If your child is approaching preschool and is still sucking away, here’s how to handle it correctly:

1. DO try to limit the time that your child sucks his thumb to his bedroom or in the house, not in public. Explain to him that this is a bed activity during nap time and at night.
2. DON’T turn it into a confrontation. “Don’t tell your child, ‘You cannot suck your thumb anymore,’”. Try to recognize him and praise him when he’s not sucking his thumb instead of criticizing when he is.
3. DO talk to your child about her thumb sucking or finger sucking. The child will surely give up with the support you have constantly given him.
4. DON’T stop your child if he tries to suck his thumb or fingers after being hurt or injured. This is a basic means to be in his comfort zone, and by not letting him go there, you’re only hurting him more.
5. Do not use the various means prescribed to stop thumb sucking i.e application of neem leaves paste, applying bitter gourd juice and other bitter applications.
6. DO come up with creative ways to help your child understand that he is growing up and one day won’t suck his thumb anymore. “Ask your child, ‘Do you think Spider man or his favorite cartoon character eg: Chotta Bheem sucks his thumb?’” Observe the thought process. “Then they’ll think about, and start to process whether they want to be sucking their thumbs anymore.”
7. DON’T try a glove or a mitten on the hand as a quick-fix to thumb or finger sucking. “This will just frustrate them and cause more anxiety,”. They’re old enough to just take it off, and as a result, they’ll just want to suck more.”
8. DO remember that a child will grow out of the need for thumb sucking or finger sucking when he’s good and ready. While parents may not like it, it’s best left alone,.  Parents be assured that “Kids will eventually give it up.”

Therefore whether  the baby is thumb sucking or using a pacifier you need to gradually encourage them to change this habit and be supportive during this changing phase where they will require more comfort and YOU to lean onto.

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Thumb Sucking: How Can you Help your Child Stop this Habit

Thumb sucking is a common habit among children. Babies have sucking reflexes by which they transition to breast feeding or bottle feeding quickly. Babies have natural rooting which make them put their finger(s) into the mouth, sometimes seen prior to birth too. Few children place their thumb into the mouth, other few put two fingers- index finger and middle finger into the mouth. I’ve observed babies try to put their toe into the mouth.

My neighbors son has a habit of putting two fingers in the mouth. He is 12 years now and the thumb sucking is intense when he watches TV or when he is in bed. The skin above the nails have become thick and hard too.

The main reason babies put their finger into the mouth is because it is very soothing. When the babies get bored, they are hungry , lonely they tend to put their fingers in the mouth. Thumb sucking in children are also due to factors such as anxiety and receding from the general environment and letting himself off to another world. Babies protect their fingers by covering their face with a bed sheet.

Most of the children stop thumb sucking between 2 to 4 years. Few children continue thumb sucking beyond 5 years also. The Doctors claim that the reason is insecure feeling. The child is having an emotional problem and is finding comfort in thumb sucking.

Prolonged thumb sucking will lead to major dental problems when the permanent teeth surfaces. The teeth line up and the pressure impacted on the roof of the mouth indicates the type of teeth that develops.

If the thumb sucking is aggressive the front tooth will be raised , improperly aligned with orthodontic problems and treatment . Thumb sucking will make the child to be aggressive and stubborn.  Speech problems are generally associated with thumb sucking. The child will have difficulty in spelling words with T’s, D’s , lisping and thrusting out the tongue while talking.

If you are anxious about your child’s habit consult your pediatrician for further guidance. Positive reinforcement is generally more effective than negative reinforcement. Do not constantly remind the child of the habit. Pay no attention for a few days after you see a change in your child’s behavior and routine.

Few homemade remedies are to cover the thumb sucking finger with tape, place a ball of cotton dipped in vinegar for wiping his finger . The smell will not allow him to place his finger into mouth, place gloves on the hand after baby sleeps to avoid sucking finger. ensure he does not take the finger to his eyes. Rubbing freshly cut ginger, garlic are also good way to make them stop thumb sucking.

There are over the counter sale products to deter the child from sucking fingers.

Keep in mind that positive reinforcement is generally more effective than negative reinforcement. The child will further be intolerant to your advices. Don’t shame or punish your child for thumb-sucking. This will only lower your child’s self-esteem.

You need to spend time in observing your child’s patterns for the day or two. Then you will understand what is causing the baby to suck the finger. Relieve baby of the stress factors.  Do not scold or shout in public, the child becomes more withdrawn and tensed. In fact gently remind the child of the issues he will face in the long run. Maybe your Doctor will be able to explain better.

After the talk if you see the baby has gradually decreased his thumb sucking habit then you can praise child for not sucking. Gift him small things as a reminder of the change.

Look out for toys that could keep his hands engaged and his focus is shifted. To spare embarrassment in front of others, you might alert your child to the thumb sucking with a special hand signal. Make your child comfortable.

Studies have indicated that babies whose mothers are away to work, etc are more prone to this habit than the ones whose mothers are available with them.