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Parenting

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Original poster

Thumb sucking question

5 replies

IlanaK · 11/09/2004 20:37

This is going to sound like a really strange question - how do I get my 3 month old to suck his thumb?

My ds1 found his own thumb at 9 weeks old and we were really pleased that he could self soothe at night - it coincided with the first night he slept through.

With ds2, we have tried a dummy - he only occasionally accepts it. Mostly when he is in a sling, but never in bed. He showed signs of wanting to suck his thumb early, but could not get his hand to his mouth. If we helped, he did suck it on occasion. However, he now has the control to get his hand to his mouth - and clearly wants to suck. But his hand is always clenched so he just sucks on his fist. This clearly is not satisfying the sucking urge in the same way as his thumb would. When we have tried to help him, he actually seems to resist by keeping his thum curled. What can we do??

I know not everyone approves of thumb sucking, but I am not starting a debate. I just want to hear from people whose babies have sucked their thumbs.

Thanks!

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jamiesam · 11/09/2004 20:42

Does he need to suck his thumb? My ds1 still sucks his thumb at 3 whereas ds2 (1yr) never sucked thumb or dummy.

Original poster

IlanaK · 11/09/2004 20:47

Well, I think he does. He is certainly trying to suck his fist. There certainly seems to be a sucking need there.

My ds1 also still sucks his thumb at 3, but only when he goes to bed.

OP posts:

beansmum · 11/09/2004 20:50

my ds is about the same age as yours and is sucking his fist too. he sucks his thumb sometimes but seems happier with his whole hand. Maybe your ds is the same?

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jamiesam · 11/09/2004 20:55

Oops, sorry.
Might ask you another time about success in getting 3yr old to stop sucking thumb.
Friend who helped her ds to suck her thumb talked about patience/persistence - gently guiding over and over again. Your ds2 sounds stubborn in wanting to suck only his fist. Good luck

kbaby · 12/09/2004 14:02

my dd is 15 weeks and was the same as yours, she couldnt get the hang of uncurling her fist. now she uncurls it and sucks the fleshy bit as the bottom of her thumb. she still hasnt worked out how to actually get her thumb in her mouth. ive tried helping her but she resists and then ends uo taking her hand out of her mouth. ive given up now and just think shell learn by herself when shes ready

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