Is your child glued to thumb sucking?

By Alice Noman

Babies on breastfeed are less likely to suck their thumbs as breastfeeding usually satisfies the baby's need to suck. If a baby on breastfeed sucks thumb, allow him/her to nurse for a bit longer period of time.

Parents should not be concerned if the baby sucks his/her thumb before mealtime for a minute as it could be due to hunger. But if the baby reaches for her thumb immediately after feeding or sucks her thumb in between meals, it is a sign that you need to distract her from thumb-sucking. Hand over bottle or a pacifier or breastfeed baby for some time.

Few tips to help your child give up thumb sucking:

* Stop nagging but help child notice when he/she is sucking thumb in a friendly manner.

* Don't make child conscious about his/her thumb sucking habit.

* Dentists, pediatrics can pass on healthy comments to help him/her stop the habit.

* Try to distract child with his/her favorite toy when he/she begins to suck thumb.

* You can try rewarding method; give rewards for accomplishments. But it works only with an older child.

* Make sure the child is well fed and rested.

* Give your child some food to munch or chewing gum to keep his/her mouth busy.

* Praise your child and give more attention when she is not sucking her thumb or pacifier.

* Don’t punish or yell at them as by doing so you are increasing their anxiety level and they will have even more need to suck their thumb for comfort.