Thumb sucking in kids

Thumb Sucking

Thumb and finger sucking is normal in infancy and toddlerhood

no need to worry upto 4 years of age . If the habit persists beyond 5 years then we have to intervene

Babies acquire the habit of thumb sucking from the womb life itself . Thumb sucking gives pleasure , soothing , secure feeling and sense of satisfaction to the babies

thumb sucking wont cause much harm to the baby and no need to worry

Minimal side effects of thumb sucking are :

infection
Callus formation in the thumbs
teeth mal alignment

How to prevent thumb sucking in child >5 years

Ignore and don't pay attention to the act

Engage him in other activities such as play , drawing etc ,..

Don't scold or criticise about the habit .but tell him that thumb sucking is a habit of babies

the application of bitter substances over the thumb will not help to abolish the habit

permanent teeth erupts from 6 years of age and its better to get rid of the habit beyond 5 years