Thursday, January 22, 2009

Breast Feeding - Thumb sucking habit

Thumb sucking habit

Thumb sucking habit is normally found in younger children, and it usually stops at 5 -7 years old. If this continues until 6-8 years old, thumb sucking habit affects tooth growth or mouth shape, we should consult pediatrician or a dentist.
Pacifier
Many parents misunderstand that using a pacifier could be harmful to baby. In fact, it is somewhat useful in case of the baby prefers sucking something else rather than a milk bottle. This idea is not suggested when the baby is hungry or waiting for food because it may aggravate him. The best way is to allow him to make his own choice of when to use it. Pacifier sometimes helps the baby to sleep comfortably, but the baby will wake up every time it falls off and will cry until it is put back in his mouth. Do not solve the case by tiding it around the baby’s wrist or hanging around his neck; it could be fatal. Thus, thumb sucking is better for the baby in this case.
Choice of pacifier and practice tips.[http://baby-breast-feeding.blogspot.com/]
Pacifier must be soft and at least an inch big to prevent chocking. It must be steamed for sanitation purpose. We should carry a spare one in case the one using is dropped of lost. Do not tide it around the baby’s wrist, or hang around his neck, or even tide it around the bed because it could be harmful to the baby. Avoid using the kind that used for the milk bottle because it may slip into the baby’s throat. Check on the color and tearing occasionally. The first tip to counter thumb sucking habit or a pacifier is not to pay much attention to him when he does so; he may quit afterwards. Avoid using verbal abuse, making fun of, or punishment. It may cause more stress to him. Kid over 3 years of age likes to suck his thumb during leisure time. Try finding him other things to do and reward him for good behave and not sucking his thumb. Complement and star awarding chart methods are recommended.
If the problem persists and he refuses to quit it., try wrapping his thumb with plastic adhesive tape. If the habit affect tooth growth or the habit continues, consult a dentist. The dentist will place a tongue guard in his mouth to prevent the thumb from pressing against the upper gum and teeth. The device will annoy the kid when he sucks his thumb and eventually quits the habit.
In general, stress could cause the baby to suck his thumb or a pacifier but when he get into school age, he will quit himself to avoid friends making fun of him. Some kids may do it during bedtime as it causes less harm to him than forcing him to quit.

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