Thumb sucking is one of the most common habits among infants and young children. It’s a natural, self-soothing behaviour that typically starts in the womb and can continue well into early childhood. While most kids eventually outgrow thumb sucking on their own, many parents still struggle understanding why do children suck their thumb, and can it become a problem? We decided to get in touch with an expert and solve this age old problem for parents. Read ahead to know when should you worry if your kid sucks their thumb too often.
Why Do Kids Suck Their Thumb?
There are a couple of reasons for kids to suck their thumb. According to our expert, Dr Bhumesh Tyagi, Consultant, General Medicine and Physician, Shardacare, Health City, Noida, a few of them include:
1. Natural Reflex
Thumb sucking is an automatic reflex that begins even before birth. Ultrasound pictures have revealed babies sucking their thumbs while still in the womb. It provides reassurance and makes babies feel comfortable.
2. Self-Soothing Mechanism
Similar to pacifier usage, thumb sucking allows children to soothe themselves when they're afraid, tired, bored, or need comfort. It can make them feel safe within new or stressful environments.
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3. Helps With Sleep
Many kids suck on their thumbs to assist themselves in falling asleep or fall asleep again if they awake during the night. It can be a part of the bed-time routine.
When Should Parents Begin to Worry?
"Although thumb sucking is typically not damaging through the initial few years, extended habits can create dental and developmental problems if they persist beyond an age," Dr Tyagi explained. Here are a few signs that thumb sucking could be a problem for your kid:
1. Persistent Habit After Age 4-5
If your child persists in thumb sucking when permanent teeth begin erupting, normally between age 5 or 6, it may alter the position of teeth and the development of the jaws.
2. Aggressive Thumb Sucking
Mild thumb sucking is less worrying, but vigorous sucking may lead to more significant dental issues, skin irritation, or even alterations in the roof of the mouth.
3. Speech Difficulties
Extended thumb sucking may at times disrupt proper speech development, leading to lisping or the inability to pronounce some sounds.
4. Social Awareness
If the child continues sucking their thumb in school or during social interactions, they are likely to experience teasing or embarrassment, which affects their self-confidence.
Tips to Assist Your Child to Quit Thumb Sucking
- Offer Comfort: Deal with the underlying emotional triggers. Give hugs, distract them, or use a comfort toy when they are anxious or tired.
- Gentle Reminders: Do not punish or reprimand. Gently remind your child when you catch him thumb sucking, particularly during major transition points such as bedtime or boredom.
- Praise and Positive Reinforcement: Reward small successes in avoiding thumb sucking by rewarding or charting progress.
- Use Comfort Substitutes: Encourage the practice of holding a stuffed toy, using a favorite blanket, or experiencing other self-soothing substitutes.
Consult a Pediatrician or Dentist
Dr Tyagi concluded by warning that if your kid continues to suck his/her thumb after 5 years of age or is impacting tooth development, consult a professional for individualized approaches or interventions such as thumb guards.
Bottomline
Thumb sucking is a normal aspect of early childhood and can normally desist by itself. The majority of children outgrow it between the ages of 2 to 4 without interference. Yet, if it persists beyond the preschool age or begins affecting dental health, speech, or social confidence, it's time to help your child break the habit. Patience, encouragement, and proper guidance can help most children overcome this stage.