Why
Do Infants Suck Their Thumb?
Sucking
reflex is essential to infant survival.
Many babies who do not have their sucking needs satisfied through feeding
may begin to suck on their fingers.
They help infants to make the motional transition from dependence to independence.
They give the child emotional and tangible comfort.
They have a calming effect on the child.
They can help an infant learn self-control.
They act as a substitute bridge for the representation of the mother.
(American Academy of Pediatrics,
2000)(Brazelton, 1992)(Jenson, et. al, 1997)
Pros
of Thumbsucking
This
activity provides comfort and soothes the infant.
It does not get lost.
It is not psychologically damaging.
Premature babies show increased weight gain when they can suck a finger
or pacifier.
(Brazelton, 1992)(Jenson et.
al, 1997)
Cons
of Thumbsucking
Constant
sucking may be difficult to break.
Damage may be done to permanent teeth when they begin to come in.
"Buck" teeth could be formed - protruding upper teeth.
Teeth may be pushed towards the tongue.
Children may develop high roof of the mouth.
Children may develop a lisp.
It could interfere with a child's social skills.
Child may not learn other ways to cope with stress.
(Brazelton, 1992)(Jenson,1997)
Parents
Thoughts About Thumbsucking
Many
parents worry that thumbsucking is a result of an unhappy or maladjusted
child. However, there is no correlation between thumbsucking
and psychological or behavioral problems in childhood (Jenson et al., 1997).
Another concern is that thumbsucking may cause dental problems. There
is a higher incidence of malocclusion and dental problems in chronic thumbsuckers
and children who continue to suck their thumb into middle childhood (Jenson
et al., 1997).
Parents should be aware that other medical problems are associated with
thumbsucking such as, infections on the thumb due to sores, multiple ulcers
on the tongue, and flattening and wrinkling of the thumb, (Jenson, et al.,
1997).
Expert
Thoughts About Thumbsucking
Thumbsucking
is clearly the most frequent habit disorder during childhood. Experts
suggest that approximately 40 million children suck their thumb during
some part of their early childhood, (Jenson et al., 1997).
There are many suggested causes of thumbsucking in children. Early
Freudian interpretations were associated with oral fixations at a young
age. Other experts propose thumbsucking was caused by interruptions
during feedings such as a too rapidly flowing breast or bottle, a forced
withdrawal from sucking after too short a feeding time, or a change in
feeding schedules. Infants that are not satisfied after feeding may
also resort to thumbsucking for satisfaction. (Jenson et al., 1997)
Experts suggest that thumbsucking may also play a role in reducing the
irritations that develop during teething in infants (Jenson et al., 1997).
Ellingson
and Miltenberger (2000) cited that thumb sucking is a common childhood
behavior that is estimated to occur in 23% to 46% of children aged 1-4
years. They also went on to say that this behavior is generally not
of concern and most children cease sucking their thumb or fingers with
out intervention before school age.
Problems can arise if the thumb or finger sucking is allowed to continue
past the age of 4 years (Ellingson & Miltenberger, 2000). The
child is put at greater risk for their teeth not closing together well
(i.e., dental malocclusion), finger (i.e. digital) deformities and speech
difficulties.
Also the social and emotional implications for the child resulting from
negative peer opinion is also a risk factor (Ellingson & Milternberger,
2000).
Ellingson and Miltenberger reported some success with treating (reducing
and stopping) finger sucking in two children, a boy and girl, ages 7 and
10 respectively, with the use of a specialized glove on one, and sometimes,
both hands.
Foster (1998) concluded that it was important for parents and teachers
to be flexible about these behaviors and to consider their function before
trying to force the child to stop them. Foster (1998) believes these
behaviors may help soothe the child or help contain his/her negative emotions.
Breaking
the Habit
All
children should discontinue 3-6 years of age.
Timing is important. It is important to not break the pattern during
toddlerhood when the child really needs the object.
Wean the child gradually.
Allow the child to use the object only at certain times of day.
Be positive. Nagging and scolding will make the child feel guilty
and likely encourage the habit to continue.
Affirm that your child is growing up. Recognize the adult behaviors
that your child has accomplished such as toilet training, dressing self
and learning new skills. This will encourage your child to leave
babyhood habits.
Force doesn't work. Find ways for your child to be motivated.
Offer incentives.
Enlist a professional if the habit continues beyond age 6.
Use
a bitter tasting substance on the thumb.
(Brazelton, 1992)(Foster,
1998)
Sites
to Visit for More Info
Learn
more about Thumbsucking at the site by Access Health Group of McKesson
HBOC. http://www.yourhealth.com/bin/build_result_doc.pl?SEARCHTERM=Thumbsucking++&/CRS/PA/hhg/thumbsuc.html
Learn more about Thumbsucking at the site by American Dental Association.
http://www.ada.org/ppublic/media/minute/DMVof-4/dm-thumbs.html
Learn more about Thumbsucking at the site by Homestead. http://childcare.homestead.com/ThumbSucking-ns4.html
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