nBaby and Toddler thumb sucking habits are very common. These habits are considered to have a soothing and calming effect on babies and toddlers. There is a natural need to suck present in all infants. Infants have been known to suck their thumbs before they are born and right after being born.nnMany parents report their children suck their thumbs or fingers at some time in their early life. The behavior usually stops around 6 or 7 months of age. If your child continues to suck its thumb or fingers beyond 6 to 8 years of age or the habit affects the shape of your child’s mouth or teeth, you should consult the child’s physician for suggestions. nnI know personally of a woman who is now 55 years old who told me she was still sucking her thumb at age 15 after she was married to a man about 20 years older than her. She said her husband thought this behavior was “cute.” I was extremely shocked. I have seen some very immature behaviors from this woman still at the age of 55. I personally think her thumb sucking had something to do with some kind of an emotional disability. There are other members in this same woman’s family who suck their thumbs far beyond the age of 6 to 8 years of age.nnThere are reports that children who suck their thumbs or fingers past 6 to 8 years often get teased by friends, brothers, sisters, and relatives. However, in the case with this family who has had chronic thumb suckers, teasing has not been an issue. I suppose after you see it several times in one family, the family members and friends who know them closely consider thumb sucking as “normal.” nnIt is not normal for a child to suck its thumb and fingers beyond the ages of 6 or 7 years old and there is good chance “someone” around that child will tease. It is wise to try and break thumb and finger sucking habits from this age group. You could possibly see changes in the roof of your child’s mouth (the palate) or in the way the teeth are lining up. It is very important to discuss thumb and finger sucking habits with your pediatrician and pediatric dentist for a solution to the end the habits in older children.nnOther children rely on pacifier for soothing and calming. I personally would rather my child use a pacifier. You can at least be sure a pacifier is sanitized properly before giving it to the child. The thumb and fingers of babies and toddlers are subject to airborne pollution, germs and bacteria just like adult thumb and fingers. You of course can wash the child’s hands frequently, and is a good habit in itself to teach a child, however, I would still prefer my child use a pacifier over the sucking of thumbs and fingers.nnIt is best to offer a pacifier between feedings and not use it to replace or delay meals. If your baby or toddler is hungry, feed him or her, do not offer a pacifier in the place of a feeding or to delay a feeding time. Do not be tempted to offer a pacifier when it is easy for you. It is best to let your child decide whether and when to use it (unless it is just before a meal).nnIf your baby uses a pacifier to fall asleep, do not tie the pacifier to your child’s crib, or around your child’s neck or hand. This is very dangerous and could cause a serious injury or even death. I have to admit babies and toddlers who suck their thumbs or fingers have a real advantage here. You don’t have to worry about the baby or toddler losing a pacifier just as it drifts off to sleep and screams for you to replace it. I honestly feel like you should avoid the habit of giving your baby or toddler a pacifier to fall asleep. The exception here would be if your child is one who is content to continue sleeping when they lose the pacifier.nnThe use of a pacifier requires some safety precautions. Consider the following as examples:nn• Look for a one-piece type pacifier with a soft nipple. You don’t want a pacifier that can break into two pieces.n• The shield should be at least 1 ¼ inches across to allow baby or toddler to put the entire pacifier into his or her mouth. Be sure the shield is made of firm plastic with no holes.n• Purchase a dishwasher-safe pacifiern• Follow the cleaning instructions on the pacifier, which is to either boil it or run it through the dishwasher before baby uses it. You will need to clean the pacifier using this procedure until your baby is 6 months old to avoid exposing baby to germs. After that age when baby is less likely to get an infection you can wash it with hand dishwasher soap and rinse it in clear water.n• Since pacifiers come in two sizes, one for the first 6 months and another for children after 6 months, be certain the pacifier you purchase is the right size for baby’s comfort.n• Never tie a pacifier around baby’s neck or hand, or to baby’s crib. n• Inspect your baby’s pacifier for wear and tear. They do fall apart sometimes. The rubber may change color or tear. If this occurs, replace them promptly.nnSource: American Academy of PediatricsnnDisclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use the information in this article to diagnose or treat health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child’s condition.nnn nThis article is FREE to publish with the resource box.nn© 2007 Connie Limon All Rights Reserved