Before you try some of the tips that we are offering, it is important to understand why your child has developed such a habit. In most cases, the reason will bring you to the nearest solution.

Time to Worry

Some babies begin to suck their thumb when they are inside their mother's womb. Some are even born with calluses on their thumb due to excessive sucking.

If your baby is within a year and a half to two years of age, the only sensation she will understand is the oral sensation. No wonder, she puts anything and everything in her mouth! However, at this age, thumb sucking is normal. The habit will fade once she explores other sensations, such as the sensation of touch.

You only need to be worried if this habit continues into her third year. At age five, you need to take her to a child specialist to find out what is causing this habit and treat it accordingly.

Feeding Frenzy

In the initial stages, that is, prior to her second birthday, it is possible that she is sucking her thumb because she is hungry and wants food. Even then, it is possible to gently encourage your child to kick the habit. The next two ways will show you how...

• Hungry for More

Your child usually has her fill in 5-7 minutes. If she suckles for any duration of time after that, it is to satisfy her need (to suckle). Allow that to happen. Also, try feeding her from just one side. This will give her the illusion of sucking her finger. After she is satisfied, she will not suck her finger anymore.

To know more about Breastfeeding Tips, click here

• Bottle Blues

Even after finishing the milk from a feeding bottle, if she sucks the nipple for longer than that, you will know that she has the tendency to suck her thumb. So, buy a nipple with a smaller hole that will allow your child to spend a longer time feeding. This will leave her satisfied and she will not suck her thumb anymore.