How to Get a Toddler to Stop Thumb Sucking

Developing fetuses learn the act of thumb sucking before birth, and babies learn to suck their thumbs in response to rooting reflexes necessary for feeding. After birth, thumb sucking becomes a pleasurable experience, but most babies stop thumb sucking by 7 months. Children who experience stress will advance to toddler and preschool, still sucking their thumbs. Thumb sucking at a later age can cause dental issues, according to MayoClinic.com. The idea of quitting thumb sucking will possibly distress your child, but methods to help your child stop will make the transition easier.

Things You'll Need

• Favorite toy or blanket
• Modeling clay
• Coloring books
• Pickle juice
• Vinegar
• Snacks

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Instructions

• 1

  Thumb sucking can become a habit if you pressure your child.

  Distract your toddler. Instead of drawing attention to the thumb sucking, provide your child with a favorite toy or blanket. Alternatively, color with your child or use modeling clay.

• 2

  Unattractive flavors applied to fingers can nip thumb sucking.

  Apply distasteful products such as pickle juice or vinegar to his fingers, suggests Dr. Alan Greene. Yucky-tasting thumbs make the idea of thumb sucking gross to your toddler.

• 3

  Help your child grow out of the phase with a talk from your doctor.

  Enlist the help of your pediatrician to talk to your toddler. Your pediatrician can encourage your child to understand that big kid's do big-kid activities, not baby things like sucking their thumb.

• 4

  Provide a motivation, such as a friend.

  Invite your child's friends, who don't suck their thumbs, to come over. This can motivate your child to stop thumb sucking.

• 5

  Postive reinforcement will encourage your child to stop sucking his thumb.

  Reinforce in your child that you're proud when he doesn't suck his thumb. Reward your child with something he enjoys.

• 6

  Pacify your hungry toddler.

  Offer your toddler a healthy snack. Some children resort to thumb sucking because of hunger.