My 2-year old son still has the habit of sucking his thumb whenever he has the chance. He thumsucks even while sleeping. Some say we should stop him from doing that, while others say it’s normal. His pediatrician assured us that thumbsucking is normal, but, out of habit, I had to do my own search. Here’s what I found.
Thumbsucking is a generally normal until a certain age. Babies have a natural desire to suck, an instinct which is necessary for survival. Ultrasound shows that babies suck their thumbs while still in the uterus. A study shows that only 6% of thumbsucking babies continued the habit past 1 year of age and only 3% continued beyond the age of 2 years.
The reasons for thumbsucking are varied. Many babies continue to suck their thumbs to soothe themselves. Thumbsucking can become a habit in babies and young children who use it to comfort themselves when they feel hungry, afraid, restless, quiet, sleepy, or bored.
Most babies stop thumbsucking on their own. About 70% to 90% of infants suck their thumbs. Most of these children gradually stop on their own between ages 3 and 6.
Weaning when the time comes. Prolonged thumbsucking may lead to problems, like teeth and speech problems. There are a lot of suggestions to gradually wean a baby from thumbsucking beyond the acceptable age.
1. For the younger ones, give him something to do with his hands without mentioning your concern about the thumbsucking. Avoid punishment or criticism. This will only hurt his feelings.
2. For the older ones, get the child’s commitment to give up thumbsucking by showing the bad effects of thumbsucking. For instance, show the gap between the upper and lower teeth with a mirror. Show the wrinkled rough skin (callus) on the thumb. Discuss the unhealthy aspects of placing the thumb in the mouth when there are germs or dirt on it. Appeal to the child’s sense of pride.
3. Offer another type of security object, like a stuffed animal, may provide the substitute for the thumb.
I’m not a doctor, of course; just a concerned parent who wants to do some research. This is not a medical advice and is not a substitute for your doctor’s advice.
Here are my sources: C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital: Thumbsucking; WebMD: Is Thumbsucking Normal?; Berkeley Parents Network: Advice About Thumbsucking; e-MDs Patient Education: Thumbsucking; Wikipedia: Thumbsucking.
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hi there!
i can relate to your post about thumbsucking. i have two young boys. my eldest has a habit of thumbsucking, but he does it when it’s bedtime. once he’s asleep, he takes the thumb off his mouth. it’s more of a soothing thing for him to make him sleep faster.
same goes with the youngest, although he would prefer the pacifier. same thing, for “sleep assistance” as hubby would call it.
i’m just waiting for the day they outgrow it. i did when i was a kid. i think i stopped when i was 4. =)
p.s
love reading your entries. it’s rare that i get to read a blog from a dad’s point of view.
Hi Haze, very true, he thumbsucks when he is sleepy or is sleeping. By the way, thanks for dropping by and thanks for the kind words. It’s really rare to read about kids from the father’s point of view…the book I was reading when my wife was pregnant was for mothers…didn’t find any for dads. It was helpful, nonetheless.
There is a great new picture and rhyme book out for kids who suck their thumb. This book will help understand why it is not a good thing. It mainly addresses issues of germs are bad and makes a fun story time for parents to discuss this. The book is by Paul Kramer, called “Is it Dumb to Suck Your Thumb?”. Go check it out. He also has another book coming out on overcoming bedwetting.
http://www.isitdumbtosuckyourthumb.com. LB.