My child likes to suck on my finger yet hates a pacifer. Any way to solve my dilema?

Question

I use the finger to stop him from crying. I have to keep my finger unsidedown...fingernail on the tongue cause he doesn't like it when it rubs the top of the mouth. I want to use the pacifer, but can't.

I would really like it if he uses the pacifer rather than my finger to stop him from crying.

Answer 1

This is a common thing among breast fed babies. None of my children wanted a pacifier. They are used to the feel of flesh, not plastic. Just make sure your hands are clean (use a good sanitizer) and instead of sticking the tip of your finger in their mouth (because the finger nail does irritate the inside of their mouths) try bending your pinky finger and use the knuckle.

I agree with another writer, the most successful pacifier seems to be the really soft Nuk's, if you can eventually get the child to take one. But, keep in mind, once you get the child accustomed to a pacifier, it is sometimes very difficult to take it away from them when they get a bit older.

Answer 2

I would try helping the baby find his own fingers. My daughter wouldn't take a pacifier, so for a few days when she would cry, I would put her hand to her mouth. Now, she sucks on her fingers to comfort herself. Good luck!

Answer 3

Some babies refuse pacifers like my son. try dipping the pacifer into his or her formula or brest milk before putting into the mouth. Also it's normal for kids to suck on your fingers, thiers , or any other object at this age, they are just exploring

Answer 4

You can always try having him/her sucking on their own finger. Make sure you hold his hand with yours-eventually he will learn - that his own fingers are just as good

However- then there will be the time you have to break the cycle-
I.E Thumbsucking-but worry about it when the time comes
Enjoy your baby

Answer 5

Wear the nailpolish that is available that helps children not suck their own thumbs and fingers. It is mostly designed to help stop nail biting but should work for this situation as well.

Answer 6

number one, you never know what kind of germs you might have on your finger, stop allowing that. Number two, you could get the baby some kind of soft approved safety toy to chew and suck around to distract it from wanting your finger. Find him/her something that attracts his/her attention. He/She will forget all about your finger if you find the right one.

Answer 7

Try different kinds of pacifiers. Just like adults, babies have preferences when it comes to certain things. My cousin's little boy only liked one kind of pacifier, no other kind would work. My cousin bought him one and when he lost it, hell broke loose. So, the point of this story is....once you find the kind that your baby likes, buy every one that is on the shelf and then go to another store and buy every one that is on the shelf, and then go to another store and buy every one that is on the shelf.... you get the picture. Leave a pacifier in all of your hot spots: granny's house, Aunt so and so's house, the baby sitter's house, the day care center, one in each diaper bag, and stash one in every room of the house. Trust me, you will be glad that you did. HTH!

Answer 8

I wouldn't use my finger because you could have something on it that may be harmful to your child's stomach,soap,perfume,cleaning chemicals.etc.
A baby needs to cry in order to built better lungs. but if you let him cry long enough, your baby will get tired of crying and calm down.
I used to put a little bit of honey on my kids pacifier then it took me a long time to wing him out.
good luck.

Answer 9

Did you try different types of pacifiers? My son only liked the "NUK" type from Gerber. The silicone style. I tried 2 other types and he wanted nothing to do with him.
Try a different type, she may like that.

Answer 10

What dilemma? If the baby likes to suck on your finger, then let her/him suck on your finger at times that you can't nurse.