The dreaded thumbsucking

[pukkaplant]

6 month old DS hasn't used a dummy for a while (spat it out) and in fact rarely used it at night anyway.

However, he has found his thumb. It is fairly permanently in his mouth now. I know he's teething and some days he'll suck on anything going. I also don't want to take away comfort and I also know that there's nothing I can do about it. Or is there?

[Meeshamie]

My DD did the same.. she had a dummy then one day when she was about 3/4 months old she spat it out and used her thumb instead. She is now a 1 year old and still sucks her thumb for comfort and for going to sleep but I never felt there was a problem with it - apart from possible damage to her mouth. She was checked over by a dentist when she was about 10 months old and they said there are no signs of damage so I feel like if it gives her comfort then why not? Once she's properly asleep her thumb tends to come out anyway so I don't think it's really prolonged and it is a very useful tool for self soothing and comforting when needed (esp. when she's unwell).

Perhaps see a dentist if you're worried - even though he's still quite young, it might help put your mind a rest.. and if it looks like he's causing potential damage to his mouth then you can start trying to stop it .. but I have no experience of ways to do this, I'm sure others on this board will be able to help.

[LaLoose]

The slightly left-field advice I was given by my AMAZING GP (after being told by the dentist that dd had damaged her teeth by thumbsucking) was to rub her thumbs with clove oil (from Holland & Barrett). Worked within two days.

[Poogles]

DS never had a dummy but found his thumb at 6 months (same time as I stopped BF!). He is now 5 and the thumb sucking is worse than ever - seems to have increased since he started school. It used to be only when he was tired but now it's walking down the road or anytime he is not running around like a loon!!

Bought some of the stuff to stop nailbiting and plan to do the 1st dose this weekend - wanted to try it for a few days when he is at home rather than risk him being upset at school becuase he can't suck his thumb. I'll report back if it works (or pop to Halland & Barratt!).

[mattiesmummy]

My son is 7 1/2 months old and sucks his thumb, has done since he was very small. I haven't worried untill now since it helps him sleep and he's always been a great sleeper but he's started to suck his thumb a lot more lately, especially during the day and i'm worried about his teeth, also the thumb is getting red and sore.

Is it something I should try to stop or just leave him be and hope he grows out of it? Is there anyone I can ask for advice?

[Tortoise]

Personally i think it is best to stop thumb sucking sooner rather than later. DD2 used to have a dummy. When i took that away she took to her thumb. Now age nearly 7, the thumb is constantly in her mouth. She even scoots one handed so she can thumb suck.
Tried the nasty tasting thumb stuff. Works for a hour or so then the taste has gone. At home i can make her re-apply it but can't do that at school.
It drives me mad seeing it in her mouth all the time. Trying a chart at the moment. If i catch her with her thumb in less than 10 times in a day she gets an extra story at bed time. Worked ok today.

[Secondtimelucky]

I really wouldn't worry at 6 months. I think if they have a source of comfort to help them sleep and which they can't lose, that's a good thing! DD1 sucks her thumb at aged 2, but less than she used to. I won't worry until she's much, much older...

[MavisEnderby]

ds still sucks his thumb at 7 to send himself to sleep,don't stress!

[MyNameIsCaz]

My DD is 10 and still sucks her thumb, dentist says she will defo need a brace in a couple of years but they won't fit one if she's still sucking her thumb, her 2 front teeth are a bit crooked but nothing too bad! I told her she's old enough to make her own decision by 12, brace and straight teeth or thumb suck and crooked teeth, be interesting to see what she decides!