what are the effective and safest ways to stop baby from thumb sucking? thanks?

Answer 1

Whenever you see her/him sucking, nurse instead. *Most* babies won't such a thumb that way, although it doesn't work for everyone.

Answer 2

First there is nothing wrong with a baby sucking his/her thumb, most pediatricians believe that the baby started sucking on their thumb in the womb. It help to calm them. If you really need to stop the sucking, try "Bitter Apple", it is all natural and sold in pet stores (originally made to stop pets from chewing) but be forewarned some children learn to love the taste.

Answer 3

Why stop. This is a security feeling (warm fuzzy) to your child. I would rather see a child sucking his thumb than to have the infamous pacifier jammed into it's mouth.

Your child finds self reassurance in the sucking of it's thumb and you'll find that the more you try to stop this act the more insecure your child will be.

Leave the child alone. Trust me the child will stop on their own and will be happier and feel more secure if you just let them be.

Answer 4

I really don't think it's necessary. Babies have comforting mechanisms, and thumb sucking may give your child the self confidence it needs later in life. If you take away such a natural habit it may create psychological issues for your child.

Answer 5

1. Wait for the problem to go away. Most children, but not all, outgrow the habit by the time their permanent teeth come in (about age 6). After this age, thumb sucking can cause dental and speech problems, but before then, many children still have a fairly strong impulse and need to suck.

2. Start to work on kicking the habit a little while before you expect your child's permanent teeth to come in. That way you can deal with it before it becomes a real problem.

3. Try to keep your child talking, which will make it hard for her to keep her thumb in her mouth.

4. Offer her activities to keep her hands busy: crayons or pencils and paper, squishy balls or toys to fiddle with, or models and puzzles to work on.

5. Consider working out a reward or praise system, using stickers and a chart or calendar.

6. Encourage your child with positive reminders that she is a big kid and that big kids don't need to suck their thumbs.

7. Explain to your child in simple terms why it is important for this habit to go away, and ask her to suggest a few possible solutions. Many children will come up with some creative possibilities.

8. Try putting a brightly colored adhesive bandage on your child's thumb as a reminder not to suck.

9. If your child sucks her thumb at night, consider having her wear a glove or sock on her hand while she sleeps.

10. Talk to your dentist, who may have helpful suggestions and who can also explain the dental consequences and options for treatment if thumb-sucking continues when the permanent teeth come in. Ask your dentist to have a talk with your child, if you think it will help.

11. Be patient with your child. Although thumb sucking is an unattractive habit, many children can't help themselves. Take the time your child needs to eliminate the habit gently and gradually, rather than criticizing or punishing.

Tips:
Encourage your child to wash her hands frequently to avoid constant transfer of germs from her hands to her mouth.

Take a look at your child's thumb. If it is callused or sore from sucking, she is almost certainly sucking it too much.

Look for hidden stress in your child's life if she suddenly develops a thumb-sucking habit. Dealing with the source of the stress may eliminate the problem.

Answer 6

I have four kids and all were 'suckers'! My older two sucked their first two fingers, my third used a pacifier, and my youngest sucked his thumb. All have stopped when they were ready. I feel kids get so much thrown at them as they grow, learn, and develop that this is one thing they have control over. Just set limits, only at home, or only at naptimes......your child will stop.

Answer 7

firstly please do not give your child a dummy if the child has gone without for so long.
try introducing a blanket or teddy (put it into a tumble dryer for a few minuets to warm it up) that will comfort the child and wean of the thumb but don worry to much all children grow out of this at some point!

Answer 8

Pacifier
If baby gets used to taht you can control when or when not. A thumb will always be at the ready.

Answer 9

I'm not sure how old your child is but there is a device called a thumbgaurd.

Answer 10

my mom put this liquid hot stuff on our thumbs when we were little, i think she got it at a drugstore. you paint it on their nails its clear. so you get a burning sensatation in your mouth. not too strong tho.