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Thumb Sucking: Why Kids do it and How to Gradually Wean Thumb Sucking

Thumb sucking is quite an adorable habit for babies and young toddlers. And beyond looking cute, sucking is one of the first and most basic instincts of human babies. That’s how babies know to suckle from their mother’s breast during breastfeeding.

It’s a natural reflex that cannot be stopped. But some babies have a more intense desire to suck than others, which is where thumb sucking comes into play. You can look online for different ways in which you can help your child stop thumb sucking habit.

Some babies begin sucking their thumbs as early as in the womb. Parents are often surprised to see ultrasound images of their babies sucking away before birth. Not surprisingly, those babies are more likely to be thumb suckers a few months later when they are on the other side of the womb.

The downside of Thumb Sucking

The dentist is not a fan of sucking his thumb as strong sucking can push the teeth out creating a misalignment. However, thumb sucking up to the age of 2 may not be causing the problem and sucking her thumb before the permanent tooth appears (about age 6) usually will not make a lasting problem.

Children who suck their thumbs can often suck their thumbs raw and shape of the wound sometimes causes infection. You can also read this post to know why babies suck their thumbs.

If the thumb sucking is causing dental or behavioral problem and you need to intervene, try these tactics:

· Keep your child's hands busy so he does not have a chance to suck.

· Offer comfort in other ways, such as her singing, rocking or giving him a massage.

· Suggest alternative habits, such as sitting on the hands or fingers pinched together.

· Create a relaxing environment which will not require the need for self-entertaining.

· Show your child how to thumb sucking affect the teeth.

· Help your child identify when he was sucked by using a silly catch-phrase that would make her laugh and let go of the thumb.

· Gift set for the end of the end for thumb sucking.