Thumb Sucking

Thumb sucking is a common sight in toddlers. This thumb sucking instills in them a sense of security and comfort and you need not worry about it in the initial days. Your toddler is most likely to overcome the thumb sucking habit on her own by the time she is three years old. If she does not do so, you must gradually help her overcome this habit. If prolonged for a long period, thumb sucking may have an adverse effect on the development of your toddler's teeth.

How to stop thumb sucking

• Apply some odd tasting solution on the toddler's thumbs. If she does not like the taste, she will resist putting her thumb into her mouth. Make sure to apply only those that are approved by the doctor.
• Get her some knitted puppets that she can wear on her fingers. Put them on her fingers and shake them slightly. These are likely to amuse the toddler and she may not want to remove the puppets. You can put them on her fingers even when she goes to sleep.
• If your toddler engages in thumb sucking only during bedtime, kiss both her hands and ask her to keep them closed to prevent the kisses from escaping or falling down.
• Keep your toddler happy as much as you can. This reduces her stress and there are lesser chances of thumb sucking.
• Tell her that big children do not suck thumbs and ask her to stop thumb sucking if she wants to be considered as a big girl.
• Make her put on a dress that covers her hands fully right up to the tip of her fingers.
• Keep her occupied with various activities such as building blocks, jigsaw puzzles and so on.
• Try the "mirror trick". Help her to see herself in a mirror sucking her thumb. She may feel embarrassed and stop thumb sucking.
• Tell her that when she sucks her thumb, dirt and germs enter her mouth. This can make her sick and she may have to be taken to the hospital.
• Offer your toddler a reward of her choice such as a box of crayons if she stops thumb sucking. You can reward her with a chocolate occasionally but not everytime.
• Praise your toddler for not sucking her thumb. Hug her and give her a kiss as a sign of appreciation. Never criticize or blame her for the habit in front of her. This may increase her thumb sucking.
• Do not force her to give up thumb sucking. Encourage her to overcome the habit and do not show signs of frustration if she takes time in doing so.
• Help your toddler to remove sources of anxiety with comforting objects such as a teddy bear.
• Introduce her to friends who do not suck their thumbs. She may stop thumb sucking if she observes that none of them are doing so. This may be a sign of motivation for her to stop thumb sucking.
• Give your toddler the attention she needs. Lack of attention can also result in thumb sucking.
• Provide your toddler with a toy to take to bed with her and remind her not to suck her thumb. If your toddler falls asleep with her thumb in her mouth, gently remove it.

Your toddler may take a long time of about three to six months to stop the thumb sucking. Remember to be patient and consistent with her. She will gradually overcome the habit of thumb sucking.

Can you please tell me why my toddler may be thumb sucking?

Thumb sucking in your toddler can arise because of a number of reasons. Some main reasons are your toddler is:

• Bored
• Tired or sleepy
• Hungry
• Deprived of attention
• Stressed
• Fighting feelings of insecurity
• Undergoing teething