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Can The Habit Of Sticking The Thumb In A Toddler Be Weaned Off And Cured?

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Posted on Thu, 11 Feb 2021
Question: my son is 13 months old. he sucks his thumb a lot. can you please suggest me tips to get rid out of this habit.
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Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Normal at this age. Needs intervention if persists beyond 3 years of age.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Let me assure you that for a child of this age it is normal to suck thumb and nothing needs to be done about it. More importantly, it is an indication that the child is feeling alone and left out and so you need to increase your interaction with him. However, you are free to intervene with the thumb sucking habit but make sure that you do not use force. Watching TV and sleeping are two common times when a child sucks thumb. Identify your child’s problem times and then have your child help you devise a quitting plan that focuses on these times. If nighttime is a problem, try putting socks on hands before bed and attaching the socks to pajama sleeves with safety pins. If watching TV is a problem, try turning off the TV for 5 or 10 minutes every time a child is caught sucking.

Feel free to write back.

Regards
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. Diptanshu Das

Pediatrician

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 3875 Questions

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Can The Habit Of Sticking The Thumb In A Toddler Be Weaned Off And Cured?

Brief Answer: Normal at this age. Needs intervention if persists beyond 3 years of age. Detailed Answer: Hi, Let me assure you that for a child of this age it is normal to suck thumb and nothing needs to be done about it. More importantly, it is an indication that the child is feeling alone and left out and so you need to increase your interaction with him. However, you are free to intervene with the thumb sucking habit but make sure that you do not use force. Watching TV and sleeping are two common times when a child sucks thumb. Identify your child’s problem times and then have your child help you devise a quitting plan that focuses on these times. If nighttime is a problem, try putting socks on hands before bed and attaching the socks to pajama sleeves with safety pins. If watching TV is a problem, try turning off the TV for 5 or 10 minutes every time a child is caught sucking. Feel free to write back. Regards