How to Stop Thumb-Sucking

Some infants begin thumb-sucking in the womb, so your child may use her thumb as source of comfort before you ever observe the self-soothing behavior. Even though most children eventually stop independently, parents worry that thumb sucking will affect the alignment of their child̵7;s teeth or the shape of the mouth, notes the American Academy of Pediatrics. Your child may need orthodontic treatment if she continues to suck her thumb after her permanent teeth come in, usually by age 5. There is no single preferred strategy to stop thumb-sucking, and individual children respond differently to different interventions.

Things You'll Need

  • Daily behavior chart
  • Preferred treats

Instructions

    • 1

      Offer soothing alternative options to your child if he sucks his thumb to self-soothe, recommends the Ask Dr. Sears website. Present alternatives that children naturally find comforting, such as rocking, a massage or a warm bath.

    • 2

      Give positive reinforcement, such as praise, a favorite treat or a preferred activity, when your child does not suck her thumb and verbal reminders when she puts her thumb in her mouth. Provide a colorful visual reminder of her progress by posting a daily chart, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends.

    • 3

      Distract your child with activities that involve both hands, or offer a preferred activity if he sucks his thumb in response to boredom. For example, ask your child to assist you with a household chore, serve him a snack, or give him some crayons and paper.

    • 4

      Demonstrate alternative activities for calming herself if your child sucks her thumb in response to anxiety. Calming activities for your child may include taking a walk, swinging, listening to her favorite music and sharing a glass of milk. Praise your child when she opts for an alternative activity. Try to eliminate known sources of anxiety in her environment.

    • 5

      Limit where your child can suck his thumb in his environment, and gradually place greater restrictions on the behavior. For example, tell your child he may suck his thumb in the kitchen, living room and bathroom areas of the home, and restrict sucking his thumb to the kitchen and living room a week later. After another week, tell him thumb-sucking is permitted in the kitchen only. Your child may be willing to give up his treasured thumb when he sees he is successful without it most of the time.

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