sucking thumb

Oh man! I wish I could give you pointers, but I'm currently working on getting my six year old to stop sucking her thumb when she's tired (especially). She would never take a pacifier either. I know they sell this stuff that you can paint on their nails in order to hopefully stop them sucking their thumbs. I don't remember what it's called, but it's supposed to taste twelve different kinds of nasty, but be non-toxic of course, in order to have them associate their thumbs with a taste they don't like and therefore don't want to stick in their mouths. I know that a couple friends of mine, who used to suck on their thumbs as children, had their parents put chili powder, or something else that was sour, spicy, or nasty, on their fingers, to stop them from sticking them in their mouths. It worked on some, but for at least one friend, he just came to like spicy foods more. Still, it's something to possibly consider.

Hi, Similar is the case with my baby. He started sucking his thumb when he feels hungry. Then my mom suggested me that I should make the baby wear over sized clothes, so that his hand remains covered under the clothe. I did the same, wow I worked. after a few days he stopped sucking his thumb. Well I think this traditional tip may also prove beneficial for you child.

I am sure a lot of people will tell you that she will out grow it but I am happy to hear you are taking action now. With a soother you can eventually take it away and that is that, but you cannot just take their thumb away and that becomes a real problem for most parents. I have a friend who's son is now 9 and he is still sucking his thumb, strange enough he does not get teased by his friends for doing it. He sucks his thumb in school even. She has tried everything but the thing that seemed to work the longest is when she took him to the dentist and got him a mouth guard, unfortunatly for him the dental damage is already done and he will frequent the orthodontist when the rest of his baby teeth fall out. For my friend she waited to long, I encouraged her to start getting him to stop when he was around two but at that time she still thought it was cute. I think what your doing is a great start. Your right about the difficulty with bedtime maybe you could reward her when she keeps her thumb out of her mouth with a special surprise. She is young enough that I think if you stick with a plan now she will be fine. If you know of someone who knits see if they will knit her some "special" bedtime mittens, that may help also. Best wishes and great job noticing now the problem sucking her thumb could cause later.

If you talk with your pediatrician, he/she can give you some liquid stuff to paint her nails with, and its non-toxic, but tastes like crap! It does not wear off very fast, and she will stop sucking her thumb within a few days. I know it kinda sounds cruel, but it works really well!

Sorry then I can't Help.