Babies have natural rooting and sucking reflexes, which can cause them to put their thumbs or fingers into their mouths, sometimes even before birth. Because thumb-sucking makes babies feel secure, some babies might eventually develop a habit of thumb-sucking when they need soothing or going to sleep. Many children stop sucking their thumbs on their own, often by age 6 or 7 months or between ages 2 and 4. But even a child who has stopped sucking his or her thumb might go back to the behaviour during times of stress.
In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr Wasim Kazi, Paediatrician, Adhikari Lifeline Multispeciality Hospital, Palghar explained the probable causes of thumb sucking in children and tips to manage it.
Why Children Suck Their Thumbs?
According to Dr kazi, when a child continues to suck their thumb past the age of two, it’s important to understand the potential reasons behind this behaviour. Anxiety is a common factor, as thumb-sucking can serve as a self-soothing mechanism during stressful or overwhelming situations. Additionally, if a child has been bottle-fed for an extended period, they may naturally associate sucking with comfort and security, leading to continued thumb-sucking.
Feelings of insecurity, whether stemming from changes in their environment or attachment issues, can also contribute to the habit. Sometimes, thumb-sucking becomes ingrained as a habit without any apparent underlying cause, known as idiopathic thumb-sucking.
Tips To Manage Child Thumb Sucking
In managing thumb-sucking behaviour, it’s crucial to adopt a compassionate and supportive approach. Instead of resorting to harsh measures like applying bitter substances or using dental braces, which can be distressing for the child, focus on gentle counselling and positive reinforcement.
Offer encouragement and praise when the child refrains from thumb-sucking and provide alternative coping strategies, such as offering a favourite toy or engaging in a distracting activity. Creating a nurturing environment where the child feels emotionally secure can help address any underlying anxieties that may be fueling the behaviour. It’s essential to avoid shaming or punishing the child, as this can lead to feelings of shame and exacerbate the habit.