Thumb Sucking or Finger Sucking: When & How to Curb the Habit

An important piece in learning how to fall asleep independently is encouraging your child to learn how to self-soothe. There are many ways children can comfort themselves. Some need to find the right position to be in, others might sing or talk to themselves, some like to play with their hair, and others turn to finger or thumb sucking.

When babies are little, this habit is extremely calming and comforting. It helps them feel secure, and it really can help them sleep well. In fact, it’s an excellent way for little ones to self-soothe early on. Most children end up breaking the habit on their own. This can happen as early as 6 or 7 months, or sometime between the ages of 2 and 4. It’s most typical to see children stop sucking fingers or a thumb when exposed to other children in a social setting.

Conversely, we can acknowledge that some children really struggle to stop the habit. Thumb sucking is not usually a concern until a child’s permanent teeth come in. At this point, it can affect the roof of the mouth or how the teeth line up. The true risk is often related to how long your little one has had this habit, how often they do it, and how intensely they suck on their finger or thumb. The AAP states treatment is usually limited to children who continue thumb sucking after turning 5.

So, what can you do to help your child break their finger-sucking habit? Here are some things to try as recommended by pediatric dentists:

1.) Positive Reinforcement

Try to catch your child when they are NOT sucking their thumb or fingers and make a big deal out of it. Little ones love the praise and want to celebrated again and again. Positive reinforcement is such an effective way to change behavior, and it’s free!

2.) Replacing the Thumb Sucking Habit

When your child is sucking a thumb or finger while awake, keep their hands busy. Ask them help you or give them something to hold. During sleep times, you can also offer them something new to replace their habit. Instead of sucking their thumb, encourage them to hug a stuffed animal or snuggle with a lovey instead.

3.) Incentive

For older children, you can offer an incentive that is special to them. A sticker chart to work towards a reward can entice them to strive to be more aware of their sucking. Many kiddos want to stop sucking as well, so it can be exciting to earn a reward. However, it’s important to note that a majority of children who suck to soothe do so absent-mindedly. It’s not always a conscious decision but rather something they do when nervous in a new setting, relaxed during a calm activity, or tired.

4.) Anti-Finger Sucking Products

Another approach is to put something that does not taste great on the fingernail(s). Some families find success using a spicy hot sauce or a bitter polish on the nail. A product called Mevala Stop seems to be more effective than other products out there. It is available online only, and it is considered safe for use after age three. Other products are available for purchase at pharmacies. This will work for some children, but studies show it is only effective about 10% of the time.

5.) Thumb Guards

For young toddlers with a preference towards one specific thumb, a thumb guard or elbow guard can be a useful tool as well. Guards are sold online, and they prevent the little one from getting the thumb/ finger in the mouth. Anecdotally, families have seen success in removing a sucking habit with this type of product. Bandaids over the thumbs or gloves on the hands for young toddlers have helped some children as well. However, blocking the finger/thumb is something that is not likely to work well for older children simply because those with more refined motor skills are able to remove the barrier.

6.) Make Some New Rules

You can make a new rule that your child is only allowed to suck their thumb or finger while in your home, or only when in their bedroom. If your child is allowed to do it anywhere and at any time, there may not be much of a reason to stop it. When making this new rule, make sure it does not feel as if you are punishing your child. You want to get rid of one little habit – not change their personality.

What if the Thumb Sucking Doesn’t Stop?

Look to see what might cause the behavior. For example, if they are doing this in response to a stressful situation, comfort your child with a simple hug. Use reassuring language to let them know they are safe and loved. Understanding what triggers the behavior can have a huge impact on the habit.

For some kids, this can be hard. Do your best not to worry or put too much pressure on your little one. With time, the right method to encourage your little one, and/or support from a myofunctional therapist, your child will learn how to break this habit.

By Kelsey Hotchkiss, Senior Pediatric Sleep Consultant