Tips for Breaking the Thumb sucking/Pacifier Use Habit

Gain your child trust to participate. It is much easier when your child is willing to participate.

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Have a one-month discussion with your child and Identify trigger for thumb-sucking or pacifier use.

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When identifying the issue, provide comfort to your baby in other ways such as cuddling or talking.

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Buy a poster board and buy stickers or any kind of rewards to offer it as a prize for no sucking at the end of the week. Create a “progress chart”.

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Can also apply a bitter-tasting liquid on nail to remind them to not suck their finger or covering the hand with thumb-glove/sock at night.

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Distractions can also be used to distract your child from sucking such as a toy or a cuddle(13).

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If your child is participating, an adhesive bandage can be wrapped around thumb to remind them no to suck.

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A dentist can be involved as well if he/she has a great relationship with your child. Dental devices can be inserted into the mouth to prevent sucking such as palatal bar and crib that comes in a fixed and removable version.