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Behaviour/development

Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

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Original poster

Thumb sucking

10 replies

Feeltrapped · 20/06/2009 20:47

My little DS (4 months) has suddenly started refusing the dummy and sucking his thumb instead. He looks absolutely adorable when he does it but I'm now having visions of him looking slightly less sweet when he is still doing it at 14! And all joking aside I am really worrying that he he is going to cause himself terrible teeth and jaw problems in the future.

Ideally I'd prefer it if he did neither thumb or dummy (he was given a dummy when he was in SCBU) but given the choice I would go for the dummy as I can't exactly remove his thumb at a later date!

Any advise as to how to discourage him from doing this?

Also for those with thumb suckers, how old were your DC when your DC stopped sucking their thumbs and did they cause any lasting damage in the meantime?

Many thanks in advance

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wrinklytum · 20/06/2009 20:51

My ds is a thumbsucker.He is 5.Teeth are fab.He only does it now if he is tired/out of sorts/before he goes to sleep.I don't think you can stop it,really.

Littlepurpleprincess · 22/06/2009 15:06

ahem..I sucked my thumb until I was 11. . I had goofy teeth and wore a brace when I was a teenager, but that's the worst that can happen and a brace really ain't that bad. All my friends wore braces at some point as well anyway.

My parents tried everything but your child will grow out of it when he is good and ready. It's really not worth getting in a stew about.

pranma · 22/06/2009 20:01

My 4mnth old dgs sucks his thumb,dd has tried a dummy but he spits it out.

SoupDragon · 22/06/2009 20:04

DS1 started sucking his thumb at 4 weeks old. We ahhed and thought it cute.

He finally stopped at around 8 or 9 when the orthodontic brace he hasd to wear (to correct the overbite and overcrowded teeth caused by thumbsucking) meant he couldn't get his thumb in. Even now (he's 10) I sometimes find his thumb up by his lips when he's asleep even though he can't get the thumb in due to the brace.

4madboys · 22/06/2009 20:05

my 15mth old sucks his thumb, mainly when he is tired up teething. tbh i think it looks cute and it helps him sleep and self comfort so i am not bothered (he also have a blanket which he twiddles whilst sucking his thumb)

i sucked my thumb until i was 19 and preg with ds1 my teeth were fine

Wilts · 22/06/2009 20:06

Ds1 is 12 stills sucks his thumb and is on the waiting list for braces.

SoupDragon · 22/06/2009 20:07

I was a thumbsucker and my teeth are fine. DS's orthodontist looked at the shape of my face/jaw and said with utmost confidence "You were a thumbsucker".

JennyTaylier · 22/06/2009 20:10

My dd2 sucked her thumb till she was about 9. She only gave up when the dentist told her to as one of her top teeth wasn't growing properly. As soon as she stopped, the tooth grew ok. Ds had a dummy till he was 4.5. There are pros & cons (can't lose a thumb, but can't throw it away either)

Littlepurpleprincess · 24/06/2009 20:11

I don't see any sense in worrying about it tbh. No child's gonna drop down dead because they suck their thumb. I think there is enough to think about when parenting, and enough hard work so pick your battles.

LoveBeingAMummy · 25/06/2009 10:15

My dentist advised me that its how hard they suck their thumb that causes the damage. My DD sucks very hard so have started to give her a dummy at bedtime/naptime however in the night i know she does still use her thumb. I'm not too bothered as I have reduced it a bit.

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