How To Stop Baby From Thumb Sucking?

Baby

oi-Staff

By Super

Wednesday, May 30, 2012, 11:24

Do you get frustrated and irritated when you see your baby thumb sucking, well, don't be, as there are ways to stop your infant from doing it. Thumb sucking is a common habit among babies and may continue even when they are toddlers. It will be surprising for you to know that as high as 80% of babies are into a habit of thumb sucking.

And why do they do it?, because thumb sucking produces endorphins that relaxes the mind and induces sleep. It is not bad, but doing all day may result in many problems such as dental and development of the fingers, parents feel that if the habit isn't stopped they would continue doing it even longer. Continuous thumb sucking softens the skin and may also cause infection due to nail biting.

Ways To Avoid The Baby From Thumb Sucking -

1. Getting Rude Won't Work – Do not scold the baby for thumb sucking or frown in front of him as it will irritate him even more and may lead to him doing it more often.

2. Distract For Good – There are thumb guards available in stores which can save the skin and nails of the baby, put a nipple onto its mouth and a sugar candy to stop it from thumb sucking. Divert its attention through toys, puzzles, songs etc.

3. Always Do What He Loves – Never disappoint your baby when it wants you to do something, it is said that the baby cultivates thumb sucking mainly because of stress.

4. Get Smart – Use natural oils like neem oil or mustard oil on its fingers so that it feels the thumb to be bitter and stops it at once. Do it for a few days and you will see your infant leaving the habit.

5. Cheer Him Up – Whenever he feels lonely, give him an activity so that he feels active and appreciate him when he does things. This way he feels rewarded and stops thumb sucking.