She does it at bed time, every time she is tired or upset. Also when she rides in her stroller and has nothing better to do.
Any suggestions? TIA
2007-01-09 07:31:55 · 11 answers · asked by HIDY 6 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
I honestly don't think thumb-sucking is a crime. If it relaxes her then there is no problem. However, I have seen an OTC "nail polish" that you can put on her nails that makes it taste bad when she puts her fingers in her mouth. Here is one: http://www.amazon.com/MAVALA-Stop-Biting-Thumb-Sucking/dp/B0000YUXI0
Also, if she likes nail polish you can let her pick out a new color and she can get another nail painted for every day she goes without sucking. However, if she sucks, one nail must be removed of the polish.
2007-01-09 07:40:14 · answer #1 · answered by theresa_xo92 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't understand why so many people think it's wrong or bad for a child to suck their thumb.
Sucking is a healthy and comforting human instinct, especially for children.
Instead of focusing on trying to get your little one to stop sucking her thumb, you should be happy that she is healthy.
She is only 20 months old...not even 2 years old yet! If she were much older and still sucking her thumb...that's when some amount of concern should come into play...but not now.
The only thing that should concern a parent about their OLDER child's thumb sucking is possible dental problems...that's it. For example, my almost 9 year-old daughter does still suck her thumb at times and I don't have a problem with it (she doesn't have any dental issues related to it). She only sucks it when she's tired or bored and the thumb sucking has been getting less and less with time, so eventually I know she'll grow out of it.
So again, my advice would be to not be so worried about it. Let her be the healthy baby she is and I'm sure she'll grow out of it with time.
2007-01-09 15:49:35 · answer #2 · answered by memyselfandi 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My cousin did that years ago and there used to be a product you could buy to put on there fingers it was non toxin but taste aweful. (I'd give you the name of it but I don't remember I'm sure you could ask a pharmacy if they've ever heard of it?) on the down side of that is some kids eventually get used to the aweful taste and keep sucking there thumbs. If that is the case you will have to try to find something to comfort her at night and keep stressing the thumb out... My cousin had to have major dental work done cause she ended up sucking her thumb well into her teens.
2007-01-09 15:41:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give her plenty to do to keep her hands busy. Books, books and more books. You can find fun, interesting cheap books at dollar stores and and even at book stores on sale. She'll soon find some favorites that will continually keep her hands busy, at night (have nite lite close by), in the stroller, and when she's upset. Also, find interactive toys, or low cal snacks. Anything to keep those little hands busy.
Good luck!
2007-01-09 15:42:53 · answer #4 · answered by F.A.Q. 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't. Its her thumb, and she's doing what babies her age do.
Chances are she may suck her thumb for as long as until she's four or so and just stop on her own. If she doesn't, though, that will mean she'll suck it for a few years longer. Either way, as long as she knows (once she's four or so) not to suck it in public leave her alone.
Babies and toddlers who suck their thumbs are said to be children who comfort themselves rather than looking to other people. It is seen as a positive sign when it comes to her personality and independence.
2007-01-09 15:39:43 · answer #5 · answered by WhiteLilac1 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Try this: There is a chemical (safe) clear nail polish you can coat her thumbs with--designed for thumb suckers. It leaves a VERY nasty taste in her mouth. Catch her while she is asleep so she doesn't see you do it and paint her thumbs with it. It will break her very fast.
2007-01-09 15:36:17 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why would you want to? I recently took my 3 year old thumb-sucker to the dentist for her first check-up (a children's specialist, by the way), and she said not to worry about it yet, she's still little and they just do that for comfort. Not to worry. Let your baby have her comfort.
2007-01-09 15:43:38 · answer #7 · answered by toomanycommercials 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Let her do it, its the one comfort she has. No damage until there permanent teeth come in and by then she won't need it anymore.
2007-01-09 17:01:07 · answer #8 · answered by Lori 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
put something nasty tasting on her thumb that is not not harmful to her health
2007-01-09 15:36:09 · answer #9 · answered by woody 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Put a little alum on the thumb. EEEEEEWWWWWW
2007-01-09 15:39:59 · answer #10 · answered by Ben B 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋