Thumb Sucker

Question: My son is now going on 18 months and I am worried that his thumb sucking may start to make his teeth come in crooked.   I heard that things like pacifiers and thumb sucking are not a good thing for a baby to do once their teeth come in. I have been trying to get him to stop the thumb sucking but it make him upset when I do.  How long should I let this continue?  Any advice would me helpful.

Reply: Weening your child from thumb sucking can be a hard process.  Many children stop around two to three years of age.  so you still have time to slowing get her to suck her thumb and fingers.  Here are a few tips that may help you with the process.

1) Do not turn it into a confrontation. Do not tell your child, she cannot suck her thumb anymore.  Try to recognize her and praise her when she is not sucking her thumb instead of criticizing when she is.

2) Do not use the nasty-tasting stuff that is marketed to stop thumb sucking and finger sucking. It is like pulling the rug out from under your child and that is not fair.

3) DO come up with creative ways to help your child understand that she is growing up and one day will not suck her thumb anymore. “Ask your child, Do you think Dora the Explorer sucks her thumb?

4) And remember, that a child will grow out of the need for thumb sucking or finger sucking when she is good and ready. “While parents may not like it, it is best left alone.