Why do children suck their thumb and how to deal with it?

Why do children suck their thumb and how to deal with it?
Why do children suck their thumb and how to deal with it?

Video: Why do children suck their thumb and how to deal with it?

Video: Why do children suck their thumb and how to deal with it?
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One of the important reflexes of newborns is sucking. It is very important that he be satisfied. If the mother suddenly noticed that the child began to suck his thumb, then you need to think about the fact that the baby sucks little breast or dummy.

children suck their thumbs
children suck their thumbs

Every child is different. Needs, of course, are also different for everyone. One baby can suck on the breast for 15 minutes, and this will be enough for him, while the other will need at least half an hour. Gradually, this need will decrease, but it is also unknown when exactly your child will refuse to suckle completely - perhaps by the year, or maybe a little later.

It can be considered normal behavior when a baby puts fingers in his mouth before feeding. He's just hungry. But if children suck their thumb between meals, you should think about it.

baby sucking thumb
baby sucking thumb

Babies breastfed by mothers rarely replace her with a fist. Currently, pediatricians recommend feeding on demand, so the baby's sucking reflex is completely satisfied. With artificial feeding, childrensuck their thumb more often. Here it is important to choose the right nipple that is put on the bottle with the mixture. The hole in it should be such that the baby “extracts” the liquid drop by drop. First, otherwise the child may choke. Secondly, this way he will suck the bottle longer. Also in this case, there is no need to rush to reduce the number of feedings.

When children suck their thumb, offer them a pacifier. First of all, it is more hygienic. Secondly, her sucking does not affect the growing teeth of the baby so much. And the so-called "orthopedic" pacifiers contribute to the formation of a normal bite in an infant.

the baby sucked his thumb
the baby sucked his thumb

Very often, children suck their thumbs when they are teething. The gums itch, it worries the baby very much, and he pulls everything into his mouth, including pens. To prevent such behavior from becoming the norm for a child, it is necessary to use special means. Medicinal gels "Kalgel" or "Kamistad" will help relieve pain and itching. You can also offer your child teething toys. Usually such gizmos are filled with a special gel that can be cooled, which helps to remove discomfort.

But what if an older child sucks his thumb? Why is this happening? As already mentioned, the baby's need for sucking may fade at different times. That is why many now advise not to stop breastfeeding the child until such time as he refuses to do so.

If the baby is already over a year old, then sucking for him is a kind of sedative. It doesn't matter what it is:breast, bottle or pacifier. The finger becomes a kind of substitute for them. He can put it in his mouth when he is tired or wants to sleep.

If your child sucks his thumb, don't get mad at him. Maybe he's just bored. Try to make his pastime more interesting and enjoyable. Remember that this habit passes by itself, but not overnight. Although you can take some measures too. For example, to bandage a finger. Perhaps the baby will not like it in this form.

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