Thumb Sucking

Many babies, toddlers and preschoolers engage in thumb sucking, a self-soothing activity that was once discouraged but now is considered harmless in the early years. In a baby, sucking the thumb or fingers is not an indication of insecurity or anxiety; it merely satisfies the need to suck, which varies from baby to baby. Therefore, thumb sucking should be regarded as a problem only when it persists into the school years or takes the place of other activities, such as playing or learning.

Although many parents worry about the effect of thumb sucking on the teeth, doctors assert that since most children give up the habit before their permanent teeth come in, it causes no dental problems.

WHEN SHOULD I SUSPECT A PROBLEM WITH THUMB SUCKING?
For the child under two, thumb sucking is rarely, if ever, considered a problem, and it may help to alleviate the child's stress or tension. In older children, if the habit interferes with performance in school or is associated with social adjustment problems, it might be a good idea to eliminate it.

WHAT CAUSES THUMB SUCKING IN THE OLDER CHILD?
Some children are more nervous, shy or insecure than others, and may use thumb sucking to relieve tension. Others may resort to thumb sucking to alleviate boredom or to help themselves fall asleep. Sometimes parents unwittingly prolong the habit by getting into power struggles with their child in trying to stop it.

IS MEDICAL ATTENTION NECESSARY?
Unless thumb sucking becomes obsessive and severely interferes with the child's relationships with others, medical attention should not be necessary in dealing with this problem.

PREVENTING PROBLEM THUMB SUCKING
The best way to keep a child from becoming too reliant on thumb sucking is to ignore the behavior yourself. For this approach to work, however, you will have to be patient and realize that you will not get results ovenight. Do not offer comfort or physical contact while your child is sucking his thumb. When the sucking stops, give plenty of love and attention.

HELPING THE CHILD GIVE UP THUMB SUCKING

• Help the child to relax by having him or her lie down quietly or do a quiet activity together, such as reading.

• Make the child aware of thumb sucking. Possible approaches might be to suck your thumb and discuss how it looks (without shaming or ridiculing, of course). Alternatively, have the child look in a mirror while sucking his thumb, and discuss how it looks. Pointing out other children sucking their thumbs may be helpful, as well.

• Try providing a substitute comfort activity, such as a stuffed toy to cuddle.

• Use a reward system. Choose a discrete period of time and reward the child for not sucking during that time. You can give the child a sticker, for example, for each 15-minute period free of thumb sucking. After collecting a certain number of stickers, offer a reward such as a new toy or outing.

• When using these techniques, be sure to project a positive attitude and refrain from lecturing or shaming.

GETTING HELP
Call your pediatrician if problems with thumb sucking threaten to undermine your family's harmony, or your child's emotional health. The doctor will be able to offer further advice or assistance in finding a qualified counselor.

Excerpt from THE DISNEY ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BABY & CHILD CARE, © 1995 DSH Communications, Inc. This material is based on current medical research and, to the best of the editors' knowledge and understanding, is accurate and valid. However the reader should not use information contained in this material to alter a medically prescribed regimen or as a form of self-treatment, without seeking the advice of a licensed physician.