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How To Stop Thumb Sucking In A Child?
Question: Suggest remedies for ways to get rid of thumb sucking. My 15 month old daughter has an acute habit and she particularly needs it while falling sleep. Occassionally, she also does it when she is thirstry, tired or bored. But when she is awake, we can address her problem and divert her mind. Even while putting her to sleep, I use other soothing methods so that she doesn't need to suck her thumb. but during sleep if she changes position or wakes up due to some other reason she needs to do it again to restore her sleep. How can I get rid of this habit completely?
Brief Answer:
Thumb sucking is common till 4-5 years of age
Detailed Answer:
Hi...Thumb sucking is common till 4-5 years of age. Till then we should consider it only as a self satiating behavior. No need to force her out of the habit at such a tender age. sometimes it will be so comforting that some babies' sleep gets disturbed if we take it out in deep sleep too.
We need to treat it only if skin at the thumb is becoming thicker or forming a callosity or if the nail is getting distorted or if its bleeding.
As of now if you are too worried, you can try tying a clean cloth around her thumb before sleeping and the odd sensation may make her quit the habit.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Thumb sucking is common till 4-5 years of age
Detailed Answer:
Hi...Thumb sucking is common till 4-5 years of age. Till then we should consider it only as a self satiating behavior. No need to force her out of the habit at such a tender age. sometimes it will be so comforting that some babies' sleep gets disturbed if we take it out in deep sleep too.
We need to treat it only if skin at the thumb is becoming thicker or forming a callosity or if the nail is getting distorted or if its bleeding.
As of now if you are too worried, you can try tying a clean cloth around her thumb before sleeping and the odd sensation may make her quit the habit.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
ok. I had been advised to strictly not allow this. So do you suggest it will go away naturally as she grows up?
Brief Answer:
Yes...it will go by itself
Detailed Answer:
As I was suggesting... You need not worry unless there are signs which I have already mentioned are there.
It will settle by itself. Now it is too early to impose regulations on such an Young kid. After she's above 3 years you can talk her out of it gently.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Yes...it will go by itself
Detailed Answer:
As I was suggesting... You need not worry unless there are signs which I have already mentioned are there.
It will settle by itself. Now it is too early to impose regulations on such an Young kid. After she's above 3 years you can talk her out of it gently.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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