Finger in a child's mouth: how to wean?

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

With such a phenomenon, when a child constantly keeps a finger in his mouth, almost all parents face. If this is a one-time moment or the baby is worried about growing teeth, then this is a physiological phenomenon that does not require correction. But what if the years go by, your child has long been a schoolboy, and the habit is firmly rooted? In this case, the constantly located finger in the child's mouth becomes a serious problem. And sometimes it’s not even one, but two or three, or even the whole five. It's unhygienic and ugly. But almost all parents face such a problem, so you are not alone in your trouble. Let's deal with the reasons and look for opportunities for correction.

Custom approach

Mom's first impulse is to immediately forbid bringing hands to her face. But usually it doesn't work. Finger in the mouth is with enviable regularity. But if you understand in detail the reasons for this phenomenon, then it may well be that you do not have to forbid anything to your baby.

How to wean a baby from a bad habit? You just needunderstand it. As soon as he gets what he lacks, the need for sucking will disappear. However, you need to focus on age. The baby can compensate for the insufficient satisfaction of the sucking reflex, which is solved very simply. But an older baby thus demonstrates the presence of psychological problems.

Think about the reasons

In fact, a finger in a child's mouth can be at any age. The easiest way to understand the chest. For him, this is either an attempt to get enough if the baby is hungry, or the need to satisfy the sucking instinct. Everything is quite simple here: feed the child not according to the clock, but according to his individual schedule. Also, don't take it off the breast too quickly. Let the baby doze a little under the breast. On average, feeding should take 30 to 40 minutes. This allows the baby to fully satisfy the sucking reflex.

Older children try to calm themselves like this. If you see that a child who previously did not have such a habit began to fall asleep with a finger in his mouth, you need to carefully observe him. Perhaps there are problems in relationships with peers or caregivers. Look at your behavior, if you are too strict with the child.

Psychological comfort zone

Today the pace of life is only accelerating. It is difficult for parents to manage to provide for the family and spend enough time with the child. Do not think that the baby does not understand this. A finger in the mouth of a child of 3 years of age is a clear sign that he lackssupport and understanding. You need to carve out some time in your schedule. Lie together on the couch, hug and fool around, go for a walk and read a book. Make it a daily tradition and the problem will gradually go away.

Normally, by the age of three, this problem goes away on its own. If this does not happen, then parents need to find the cause and work on its correction. There is nothing useful in this addiction, rather the opposite.

Why is it harmful

Indeed, the habit is quite harmless at first glance. Why did we decide to turn our attention to it? A finger in the mouth of a child (3 months - the period of infancy) is nothing to worry about. While he lies in the cradle, he has practically no chance to collect pathogenic bacteria on his hands, which will then enter directly into his mouth. But when he starts to crawl and actively explore the world, the likelihood of catching an infection increases, despite the quality cleaning.

During infancy, thumb sucking has no effect on the growth of teeth. But if the child does not get rid of such an addiction before reaching the age of five, then this can lead to the formation of a malocclusion. Among preschool children, there are quite a few children who continue to suck their fingers. But as a rule, they have problems communicating with peers.

For parents of babies

At this age, parents may already begin to disturb the finger in the child's mouth. How to wean a babywho is not yet able to control his actions? Understand why he does it. Take a closer look at the circumstances under which the baby begins to suck his thumb. Maybe he's just hungry? You just need to shorten the intervals between feedings a little.

The second point is the satisfaction of the sucking reflex. The baby lacks emotional communication with her mother, and she has to look for something to replace her, that is, something else to suck. Your own finger is a great option. By the way, breastfed babies are much less likely to suck their fingers. They stay at the breast for as long as they need to satisfy the sucking reflex. In addition, at this time they feel their mother's warmth and affection.

What to do if a habit does develop

Extend breast time. The baby should be in the arms of the mother for at least 30-40 minutes. He will not overeat, because as he is saturated, he will suck less actively. But it will fully satisfy the sucking reflex.

If your baby gets distracted while feeding, don't rush to finish the meal. Wait until he returns to his occupation again. Let the baby understand that mom is at his disposal, she will not go anywhere, and most importantly, that mom loves him and is ready to give him as much time as it takes.

If GW is impossible

The specifics of the fight against finger sucking in this case are somewhat specific, since formula feeding is carried out strictly according tographics. The quantity is also regulated. However, if you see that the child puts his hands in his mouth, try to shorten the breaks. This will not harm the child, but will solve the problem. In addition, you can buy a harder nipple with a small hole. In this case, the crumbs will take much more time to cope with their portion. The second option would be to use a pacifier. It also has its pros and cons, but compares favorably with fingers.

Baby grows up

You celebrated your second birthday, but the problem persists? What do the fingers in the mouth of a child (2 years old) and profuse salivation say? Most likely, his teeth are being cut, which cause some anxiety. In addition, there may be problems with teeth that have already appeared. If you see holes or blackness, then this is a reason to visit the dentist. It is possible that the baby is in pain and is trying to relieve it by sucking.

Four to eight

At this age, sucking is no longer associated with physiological processes in the child's body. Most likely, you need to pay attention to the emotional and psychological overtones. Only at first glance the child is already big. In fact, he may be scared or bored, excited or upset, uncomfortable, lacking parental attention. Therefore, your own finger becomes a lifeline. It gives a feeling of peace and tranquility, moreover, it is always with you.

That is, it is external factors that contribute tothat suddenly there are fingers in the mouth of a child of 6 years. The reasons should be sought most often outside, and if you look closely, you will definitely see them. You need to understand why the child experiences psychological discomfort. By eliminating this cause, you will very soon see that the habit will be lost due to its lack of demand.

Adolescence

Most often, this attention to one's own fingers is completely lost by the time milk teeth begin to change. That is approximately 5-6 years. However, there are exceptions to every rule. Early adolescence is a time of self-awareness and a lot of stress from the fact that the world is not so perfect at all. However, a he althy psyche is ready to endure it.

If the habit of sucking fingers persists, you need to pay attention to the presence or absence of other obsessive movements. All of these symptoms tend to get worse with age. Therefore, it makes sense for parents to seek help from specialists. These are neurologists, psychologists and psychiatrists.

What not to do

At any age, and even more so in adolescence, it is strictly forbidden to scold a child. This will not solve the problem, but simply drive it deeper. Thumb sucking at age 10 and older is not just a bad habit. This most often indicates disorders of the nervous system or problems of a psychological nature. This requires professional help, and the sooner it is provided, the better. In any case, onlyattentive and sensitive attitude towards your child is the key to solving any problem. Thumb sucking is unpleasant, but not a tragedy.