How to: prevent thumb sucking

allowe · December 2015

So, my 8 week old discovered his thumb a week ago (after a few weeks of fist sucking, or attempts anyway). Ever since he is so determined to get that thumb in his mouth. My husband and I don't want to use a paci and don't want him to suck his thumb either. Any ideas maybe from STMs or moms that have sought advice from their doctors on what we can do/if anything to prevent this? I go to the doctor on Thursday but thought id check with other moms too for ideas? It seems impossible to control but if it's possible to prevent a bad habit now, I'd like to..?

basdenjn6 · December 2015

I'm not sure why you'd want to stop it- most experts say it's a natural soothing method and typically most children stop on their own before if could become an issue for teeth alignment etc. sucking soothes them and if you don't want to use a pacifier his fingers are his natural remedy. That being said, when does he suck them, hungry, bed time, to soothe? I would think swaddling with arms in or hand mits would be the only way to stop him.

midge519 · December 2015

With not wanting to use a pacifier probably mittens would be the only thing to stop it. But he'll probably suck on the mitts as well. I prefer to use a pacifier because u want to stop thumb sucking. I figure you can take a pacifier you cannot take a thumb

millereliz13 · December 2015

I guess I question why you are against either. It's self soothing, which is what you want. Plus it's part of their discovering their hands.

chein1 · December 2015

All of the above. Babies sometimes just need to suck. It's natural.

tracij12 · December 2015

Agree with everyone else. I out the mittens on my little one at night to keep her warms and she just sucks on those too. We do use a paci but she seems to prefer her hands. I love that she's learning to self soothe. Gives me a bit more shower time

dchiapella · December 2015

I agree with pp's. It's baby's way of soothing so he's going to end up sucking something or other. If you're really against both thumbs and pacifier then try a lovey.

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How to: prevent thumb sucking

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