Children naturally suck their thumbs for comfort and security. Most kids go through a developmental stage, but it doesn’t mean you have to let them keep doing it! This article will list six products to help your child stop sucking their thumb so they can move on to other developmental stages.
What is sucking their thumb?
When children suck their thumbs, it can lead to several developmental problems. If your child is sucking their thumb excessively or not stopping when asked, some products may help.
Some products that may help include:
-Teething rings are made from natural rubber or silicone inserted into the mouth and fit tightly around the finger. The child can suck on them like a pacifier to soothe them and remove excess saliva.
-Thumbsucking wrist cuffs made of stretchy fabric that fits around the hand like a glove. When pulled tight, they restrict the movements of the hand and fingers, causing the child to stop sucking their thumb. This is often effective in just a few days.
Causes of Sucking Thumb
There are a few different factors that can contribute to a child sucking their thumb. Some of the causes may be environmental, such as poor thumb-sucking habits being passed down from parents or siblings, while other causes may be due to genetics.
Some environmental factors that could cause a child to suck their thumb include:
– Poor thumb-sucking habits being passed down from parents or siblings
– Lingering problems with teething or overuse of teeth when young
– Watching someone else suck their thumb and then copying that behaviour
– Being around spoiled/indulged children who don’t get reprimanded for sucking their thumbs
– Living in an area with high humidity levels
These environmental factors can contribute to a child wanting to suck their thumb. Genetics can also influence why some children suck their thumbs, especially if they experience difficulties with teething or have trouble controlling their biting habits.
There are several things families can do to try and help prevent a child from sucking their thumb. One thing families can do is try and break the habit of watching others suck their thumbs and copy that behaviour.
Another thing families can do offer proper reinforcement when the child stops sucking their thumb, such as praising them or giving them a treat.
If Genetic reasons are behind the child’s sucking habit, treatments like chelation therapy may need to be started early to help curb the behaviour.
How to Stop Sucking Their Thumb
You can do a few things to help your child stop sucking their thumb. The first step is to identify the problem. If your child is sucking their thumb because they are bored, then you may want to try providing more fun activities for them to do.
If your child is sucking their thumb because they are anxious or nervous, you may want to try helping them or develop coping mechanisms and explore their anxiety symptoms. Additionally, if your child is performing this behaviour due to a developmental issue such as autism or cerebral palsy, you will need to see a specialist. However, these solutions can often be implemented at home with simple changes.
A thumb-sucking deterrent is one of the most common solutions for stopping children from sucking their thumbs. This product attaches directly to the baby’s crib or bed rail and emits an unpleasant noise when activated.
Some examples of thumb-sucking deterrents include the Hape Thumbsucker and the Fisher-Price Click N’ Play Safe & Sound Sleeper. Other products that may work include pacifiers filled with ice chips or water bottles filled with fizzy pop.
If your child does not respond well to traditional methods such as thumb-sucking deterrents or therapies, you may need professional help. Specialists like occupational therapists can develop specific exercises and routines designed to stop children from sucking their thumbs.
Products to Help Your Child Stop Sucking Their Thumb
Many children suck their thumbs as a form of self-soothing or comfort. However, this habit can only become problematic if corrected early on. If your child is sucking their thumb excessively or showing any other indications of struggling with this habit, several products are available to help them or break it.
First, try to identify the reason your child is suckling their thumb. Is it a way of calming themselves down? Is it an attempt to reduce anxiety? If so, work with your child to find different ways of calming themselves down without sucking their thumb.
If your child sucks their thumb because they are lonely or bored, find ways to socialize and engage in other activities that make them happy. Install a baby monitor in the room where your child spends a lot of time alone, and ensure there is always something for them to do when they’re not around adults.
If you think your child’s thumb sucking may be causing problems such as tooth decay or TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder), consult a pediatric dentist for testing and advice on addressing the issue.
There are also products specifically designed to stop children from sucking their thumbs, such as Thumbs Up! from Safe Kids Worldwide and Stop It! from The Honest Company.
If your child is still sucking their thumb despite trying these measures, consider seeking professional help. A therapist may be able to help your child develop new habits and coping mechanisms that can help them stop sucking their thumb.
Conclusion
Like most parents, you’ve probably noticed that your child is sucking their thumb more and more. At first, it may seem cute and harmless, but over time this habit can become quite harmful. Some studies have even shown that thumb-sucking can lead to several health problems, such as obesity and dental issues. If you want to help your child break the habit of thumb-sucking, a few products can help.
