Thumb sucking 15 mth old- can I stop him?

[cheesenpickle]

My DS is 15 mths old and constantly sucks his thumb. He sucks it quite hard and as well as sucking it when hes upset and to go to sleep, he also sucks it during the day. The problem is that its really red and sore with the skin breaking. I have no idea how to stop him, he does it so much that distraction isnt really an option. Has anyone an ideas on how to stop it at such a young age?

Anyone...?

I know someone who gave her daughter a dummy every time from around 9 months. She gave up sucking her thumb, was never very interested in the dummy and gave that up too not long after.

I'm worried about this as DD is a thumb sucker. I take it out as soon as she's asleep/calmed down. Would be interested to see replies!

If he really won't stop, can you coat it with that bf cream- lani-something?

well it's his thumb, and it gives him some comfort......
my girl was literally born sucking her thumb and still does it now(13) although not when she is out/at school.
I did try to stop her once when she was about 4 by painting 'stop and grow' on it, but it seemed kind of mean so I stopped.

I know plenty of adults who suck their thumbs, it's not a big deal. OP your DS will probably suck less when he starts playing with toys a bit more and using his hand.

The lanisol cream is a good idea- at the moment its his skin coming off thats my main concern,