
Thumb sucking is a common habit among young children. Babies have a natural sucking reflex, and they may feel the need to suck on whatever object they can put in their mouth. Since thumb sucking is a self-soothing action, babies may develop a habit of sucking their thumb when they’re hungry, sleepy, scared, or bored.
But while it may have been cute when they were an infant, as your child gets older and becomes a preschooler, you will want to help them break this habit. Learn why (and how) you can encourage your child to stop thumb sucking.
Why encourage your child to stop thumb sucking?
In general, thumb sucking doesn’t create problems in children under age 4. Beyond that age, however, continued thumb sucking can cause dental, speech, and other health issues:
- Improper teeth alignment, causing difficulty:
- Closing the jaw (malocclusion) which may interfere with biting and chewing
- Changes in the shape of the jaw or the roof of the mouth
- Sensitivity of the roof of the mouth
- Abnormal gaps in the front teeth, causing aesthetic concerns
- Speech problems including:
- Lisping
- Thrusting out the tongue while talking
- Inability to pronounce hard consonants
- Calluses on the thumb (if the thumb sucking is vigorous or intense
The earlier you can help your child break this habit, the easier it is to prevent or manage these issues.
How to help your child stop thumb sucking
Most children give up thumb sucking eventually, but you can speed up the process with a few simple tactics:
- Explain to your child why giving up thumb sucking is important. Discuss it with them when they are relaxed and in the mood to listen. Motivate them by saying that they have a beautiful smile that will be spoiled if they continue thumb sucking. Explain to them that their hands carry so many germs that can enter their mouth. You may even use a mirror to show them what harm thumb sucking can do to their mouth.
- Don’t yell or get frustrated if they don’t listen. Yelling at your child may further make them stressed, which only worsens the situation. If your child is 4 or 5, they will likely be able to understand you if you reason with them patiently and gently.
- Keep them active. Children may forget and engage in their thumb sucking habit when they’re bored. Try engaging them in activities such as crafts, board games, coloring, or puzzles. Since some children suck their thumbs while watching TV, limit screen time and get them to play outside instead.
- Physically discourage them from sucking. Try bandaging their thumb or dipping their thumb in a yucky-tasting liquid like diluted vinegar.
- Give them an alternative. Offer them an alternative source of comfort such as a soft toy or a comforter. This may be especially helpful for them when they go to bed, since children often suck their thumbs before falling asleep.
- Use positive reinforcement. Praise your child when they go without thumb sucking for a day or during a situation when they would normally have indulged in the habit. Set small goals for them, and if they successfully achieve the goal, reward them with a trip to the park, their favorite meal, stickers, a small toy, or a book.
- Avoid triggers. Since children may suck their thumb because of lack of sleep, hunger, or stress, avoid putting your child in such situations. Make sure you keep an eye on them to make sure they are eating well and getting enough rest.
Helping your child break a habit requires lots of patience, affection, and encouragement. Don’t worry if your child doesn’t succeed overnight, and don’t be too strict with them.
If, despite all valiant efforts, your child still does not seem to want to stop thumb sucking or they develop speech or dental issues, contact your pediatrician.

SLIDESHOW
Parenting Guide: Healthy Eating for Kids See Slideshowhttps://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/tp23120
Top How to Encourage My Child to Stop Thumb Sucking Related Articles
Baby's 1st Yr Slideshow
What developmental milestones can you expect to see during baby's first year? Find out when babies learn to smile, laugh, crawl, and talk.Dental Care for Babies
Getting in the habit of cleaning your baby's gums after each feeding will help prevent future oral health problems, like bleeding gums and cavities. Also, it's important to be able to recognize the symptoms of teething. The symptoms include increased drooling, tender gums, rash on the cheeks, ear pulling, and placing objects in the mouth and biting down on them. Treat teething pain by massaging your child's gums, allowing your child to suck on a chilled teething ring or cold, wet cloth, or applying an over-the-counter teething ointment to numb the gums.New Parents Mistakes
Parenting a child isn't easy. Explore the top 10 mistakes that new parents make. Discover newborn parenting tips for breastfeeding, learn to deal with crying babies, child's fevers, and more.What Are Some Mistakes Parents Should Try to Avoid When Feeding Toddlers?
Most toddlers who are picky eaters have a normal appetite and exhibit age-appropriate growth patterns. Mistakes parents should try to avoid when feeding toddlers include watching TV at mealtimes, offering unhealthy snacks as a reward, feeding too many sugary foods, forcing the child to eat, serving portion sizes that are too big and other mistakes.Child's 2nd Year Slides
Your child's second year is full of toddler milestone such as running, climbing, kicking a ball, and more. Discover child developmental events that occur during the first two years of life.Food-Smart Kids Slides
Healthy kids' snacks and meals help your child develop a positive relationship with nutritious food. Teach your kids how to eat right for better nutrition.What Are the Things Toddlers Do?
A child is a toddler between the ages of one to three years old. At this age, toddlers experience milestones in physical development, cognitive development and language and speech development.What Is a Toddler's Development?
Toddler’s development includes the physical, emotional, behavioral and mental growth of children from ages one to three years old. The various factors that influence the toddler’s development include the family's culture, environment, socioeconomic status and genetics.