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Parenting

For free parenting resources please check out the Early Years Alliance's Family Corner.

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Original poster

Thumb sucking

8 replies

Penguinmuma · 13/12/2020 01:13

Hi all👋🏼 I need help please 🙏🏼

My 13 month old has been a thumb sucker since he was in my belly (seen on the scans)

He only sucks his thumb 👍🏼 when he's upset or tired & when he is trying to sleep.

He only sucks his left thumb & its become really sore, I have tried to encourage him to stop & he does for a minute or so but as soon as I leave the room it's back in his mouth, I can't stay in the room as he won't sleep then.

I'm thinking to try a dummy, is it too late for this? Will it stop him sucking his thumb? When it falls out will he just suck his thumb again? His thumb needs a break to heal & I really want him to stop (even though it's so cute) to save his teeth.

Its been a wonderful thing, in my very selfish opinion, as he has been able to self soothe with his thumb since he was a baby, which has been a life saver, less sleepless nights for us & we have only needed to put him to sleep in our arms a handful of times, usually he's more then happy to put himself to sleep.

I also haven't had to deal with a dummy falling out & having to put it back in for him and repeat that process every night. But I'm kind of regretting it now 😕 as taking a dummy away from him would've been easier.

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Pipandmum · 13/12/2020 01:26

Oh do not use a dummy! Way too old for that. My daughter sucked her thumb but stopped as soon as she went to reception so the other kids wouldn't 'think she was a baby'. Also the dentist told her that if she didn't stop she might need braces. Now that's three years on from where you are now, but to be honest I didn't mind her doing it as she only did it when trying to sleep or for comfort.
You could try tying mittens on or that foul tasting stuff, but a dummy is just making him suck something else and you'll have trouble getting rid of that.

Original poster

Penguinmuma · 13/12/2020 03:50

That's what I was worried about. That it wouldn't be solving a problem it would be creating another. But his thumb is so sore I'm desperate to do something before it gets painful for him or infected. I do want him to stop long term but for now I'm more concerned about his sore thumb.

Ive tried mittens he just pulls them off ☹️ I sewed up some velcro on a mitten yesterday to make it hard for him to remove so will try that at nap time.

I'm finding it difficult to get an appointment with the dentist as they only taking emergencies atm so thanks for letting me know what your dentist said & at what age. So I still have some time before any real damage is caused 🙏🏼

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Doublebubblebubble · 13/12/2020 09:23

I dont have experience myself of thumb sucking op but have you tried a thumb guard??
thumbsie.co.uk/product/dumper-trucks-thumbsie-thumb-guard/?gclid=CjwKCAiAlNf-BRB_EiwA2osbxQ54lIZE6r9Ql2FvWP3OqLCUIJ14cFg6KDLxrXfzIP92fdWPyKUiuxoCB_QQAvD_BwE

A friend i have had success but her DD was a little older when she tried it.

Hope it helps though. Good luck.

(Id also presume he'd have to have 2 just incase he decided to swap thumbs)

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Original poster

Penguinmuma · 15/12/2020 18:05

I did look into these I even stitched up one of his mittens with velcro but the velcro I had was a little bit hard so didn't try it, also thought he would work out how to take it off because he's such a smart little boy. But thanks for the link, I have ordered one will hopefully get it tomorrow in the post. Hopefully it will work 🤞🏼 thanks for the link x

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swiggles · 30/12/2020 06:10

@Penguinmuma

Hi penguinmuma, How did you get on with thumb guard? In similar situation with DC so was wondering if you had any success. Thanks!

Original poster

Penguinmuma · 30/12/2020 17:52

Hi, it was a success. I ordered the small size from thumbsie with a dinosaur pattern. He got it off the first time I put it on him so I put it back on him & told him no as he understands no & he keeps it on now at naps & bedtime. Sometimes I have forgotten to put it on & he hasn't sucked his thumb. He also has a Muslin cloth for comfort which he now sucks but it's better then sucking his sore thumb. Although it has now almost healed.the small size was a little too big so I sewed it smaller, should've ordered extra small. But it has been brilliant glad I tried it.

It does help that he has his Muslin as a comforter as I don't think it would've worked as well without another thing to comfort him. Good luck.

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swiggles · 30/12/2020 19:49

@Penguinmuma

It does help that he has his Muslin as a comforter as I don't think it would've worked as well without another thing to comfort him. Good luck.

Ah brilliant! So glad you've had success Penguinmuma. We will definitely order one- currently seeing how we get on with lansinoh for the sore skin x

Original poster

Penguinmuma · 30/12/2020 21:20

That's what we have been using. The Vaseline type of nipple cream lansinoh it's working well to sooth it & stop it being so dry. Then with the added thumb guard to stop him making it worse, both together have made it much better. We were already using the nipple cream & it had already made a huge difference.

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