Thumb & Finger sucking help please!

[Nan]

Hi guys.
My DD has recently started thumb and forefinger sucking. She does it constantly! When she's hungry, when she's not hungry, when she's tired, when she's not tired etc. She's even started doing it when we're playing together! I try to distract her with rhymes, songs & toys etc, but they last a few minutes then the thumb or finger (usually both!) go back in. She plays with one hand and sucks with the other!

I've tried to introduce a dummy, but she just won't take it. I have even sat with her for 15 mins. with my finger on the dummy to keep it in. Every time I take my finger off she spits out the dummy! So frustrating. She just doesn't get it! :banghead:

I don't want the thumb sucking to become a habit and as far as I can see she isn't doing it for comfort - its all the time! She is very happy and growing well. I have felt for teeth, but can't feel anything yet.

Can anyone help with tips for stopping the thumb and finger sucking or taking a dummy?? I'd appreciate anything at this point, even if you think it sounds dumb!! :o

Love,
Nan. xx

[MammaMia]

It's not a problem - it is a normal developmental stage. Part of their exploring!

So, take a seat, relax and put your feet up.

Don't worry about what hasn't even happened. Not a buck tooth in sight!:D

And if it happens that you have a thumbsucker, relax. Easier to find the thumb than the missing dummy!;)

[MonkeyMum05]

My little boy does it too... but I don't see it as a problem?

[Funkychicken]

My bub is doing this too. He loves his thumb and finger. He was trying for his thumb within days of being born but now at 3 1/2 months he has finally mastered it. I don't think you can 'stop' a baby from being a thumb sucker especially if they were doing it in utero-they have a heads up on us there.:thumbsup:

[maddysmama]

My bub spat the dummy at 2 months and replaced it with her thumb. I don't think you can stop a baby from thumb/finger sucking for comfort. I love it...the way I see it she can't 'lose' her thumb in the middle of the night and I don't have to get up and pop it back in her mouth! :smiliedance:

I don't think it becomes a problem until their adult teeth come through, and I think most kids stop sucking by then. Mind you I was a thumbsucker until I was 8 and I don't have protruding teeth.

[Brooksy]

My dd loves her thumb to suck when she is either hungry or tired. I tried to give her a dummy but she doesn't like it. I now think its better that she sucks her thumb than have a dummy, as you don't have to keep washing or sterilising it. When dd is finally asleep she takes out the thumb.

i know when they are older you can put stuff on their fingernails that doesn't taste very nice, it is suppose to help people stop biting their nails.

[Nan]

Hmmm...thanks for making me feel better. I guess it isn't so much of a problem now. I just don't want it to become one in the future. I know she isn't dependent on it for comfort, but I don't want her to become dependent IYKWIM??

And yes.....a heck of a lot easier than finding the missing dummy!! ;)

Love,
Nan. xx