Thumb sucking is one of the most common habits among babies and young children. You shouldn't worry too much about thumb sucking as most children do kick the habit between the age of two and four years but, if your child is past the age of 6 and still shows no sign of reducing her thumb sucking, there may be a slight cause for concern.
Why do babies suck their thumb?
As said above sucking is one of a babies' natural reflexes and they use it to calm and comfort themselves when they are tired, hungry, feeling stressed, worried or bored.
Thumb sucking or sucking any finger is quite relaxing and makes baby feel happy and secure. Studies has shown that children who suck their thumbs fall asleep more easily, are able to put themselves back to sleep at night more easily and sleep through the night much earlier than their peers who do not suck their thumbs.
At what point does thumb-sucking become a problem?
According to the American Dental Association, thumb sucking does not cause permanent problem with the dental health or jaw line unless it is continued beyond 4 to 5 years of age. Nearly 70% to 90% of babies suck their thumbs and most of these children stop doing so on their own before ages 3 and 6.
If the child is past 6 years and is still sucking thumb then it could be due to an emotional problem or other disorder and hence need help from psychologist.
To stop thumb sucking, give these ideas a try
If the child is two years of age:
If you are a parent of a child who is less than two years of age then don't be concerned as thumb sucking is normal at this age.
You must make sure that your child is getting enough feeding and is not left hungry.
If your child is between 3 to 5 years of age:
# Be on your child's side. Be understanding and patient.
# Minimize stress.
# Keep an eye on your child and try to find the cues when your child sucks his thumb and help find an alternative.
# Talk about what he/she might do instead of thumb sucking.
# Provide a warm environment.
# Ensure that your child is getting enough sleep.
# Avoid punishing your child for thumb sucking.
# Paint a bitter tasting substance to the thumb that can make sucking it less satisfying. Commercial products are available for this purpose.
# You can make your child wear thumb splints or gloves.
# Reward your child by taking her/him out for a movie or by putting stickers on a calendar
If your child is above 6 years of age:
# Talk to your child openly about the effects of thumb-sucking.
# Ask your pediatrician and dentist to talk to your child.
# Provide emotional support to your child.
# Discus the situation with your child's dentist.
# Distract the child when you notice his/her thumb in his/her mouth. Engage him/her in a way that he/she uses both hands.
When to call your child's dentist for help?
You must give a call:
If your child is over 4 years old and sucks thumb constantly.
If your child is over 5 years of age and doesn't even stop after peers tease him/her.
If your child is past 6 years of age and still sucks her thumb at any time.
If your child has any emotional problems.
If the permanent teeth of your child appears to be crooked.
If your child has not stopped sucking thumb even after applying this approach.
If the teacher of your child's school has expressed concern about thumb sucking in class.
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