December 30, 2005

The Best Wealth is Your Health

Sucking thumb, pacifier is normal for young children

By Dr. Meena Sathappan
Special to the Times

Does your baby suck his thumb or use a pacifier? Don’t worry, these habits are very common and have a soothing and calming effect.

The need to suck is present in all infants. Some infants suck their thumbs even before they are born and some will do it right after being born.

Thumb, finger sucking
Most children suck their thumbs or fingers at some time in their early life. Many thumb or finger suckers stop by age 6 or 7 months. The only time parents should be concerned is if it goes beyond 6 to 8 years of age or affect the shape of the child’s mouth or teeth. If you see changes in the roof of your child’s mouth (palate), or in the way the teeth are lining up, talk to your pediatrician or pediatric dentist.

Friends, brothers, sisters and relatives often tease children who suck their thumbs past 6 to 8 years. Sometimes, these comments are enough to get the child to stop. If not, talk to your pediatrician about other ways to help your child stop.

Pacifiers
Many parents have strong feelings about pacifiers. Some oppose their use because of the way they look. Some hate the idea of “pacifying” a baby with an object.

Others believe that using a pacifier can harm a baby. This is not true. Pacifiers do not cause any medical or psychological problems. If your baby wants to suck beyond what nursing or bottle-feeding provides, a pacifier will satisfy that need.

A pacifier should not be used to replace or delay meals. Offer a pacifier only or between feedings, when you are sure your baby is not hungry. It may be tempting to offer your child the pacifier when it is easy for you. However, it is best to let your child decide whether and when to use it.

Some babies use a pacifier to fall asleep. The trouble is, they often wake up when it falls out of their mouths. Once your baby is older and has the skill to find and replace it, there is no problem. Until then, your child may cry for you to find the pacifier.

Do not attempt to solve this problem by tying a pacifier to your child’s crib, or around your child’s neck or hand. This is very dangerous and could cause serious injury or even death.

Babies who suck their fingers or hands have a real advantage here, because their hands are always readily available.
Choosing, maintaining a pacifier

One-piece model: Look for a one-piece model that has a soft nipple—as some models can break into two pieces.
Firm and wide shield: The shield should be at least 1½ inches across, so that a baby cannot put the entire pacifier into his/her mouth. Also, the shield should be made of firm plastic with air holes.

Correct size: Pacifiers come in two sizes, one for the first 6 months and another for children after that age. For your baby’s comfort, make sure the pacifier is the right size.

Comfortable nipple: You will also find a variety of nipple shapes, from squarish “orthodontic” versions to the standard bottle type. Try different shapes until you find the one your baby prefers.

Dishwasher safe: Make sure the pacifier is dishwasher safe. Follow the instructions on the pacifier and either boil it or run it through the dishwasher before your baby uses it.

Keep it clean: Clean the pacifier frequently until your baby is 6 months old so that your child is not exposed to germs. After that, your baby is less likely to get an infection in that way, so you can just wash it with soap and rinse it in clear water.

Buy some extras: Pacifiers have a way of getting lost or falling on the floor or street when you need them most.
Inspect them regularly: Pacifiers fall apart over time. Inspect them every once in a while to see whether the rubber has changed color or torn. If so, replace them.

Don’t use baby bottle’s nipple: Do not use the nipple from a baby bottle as a pacifier. If the baby sucks hard, the nipple may pop out of the ring and choke him/ her.

How to help your child stop
A first step in dealing with your child’s sucking habits is to ignore them! As children grow and develop, their need to suck usually goes away, most often by the time they are 6 to 8 years old. Also, with increases in peer pressure, children are more likely to control their behavior. Harsh words, teasing or punishment may upset your child, and the habit will get worse. Punishment is not an effective way to get rid of habits.

Older children, more than 3 years of age, may use sucking to relieve boredom. Try getting your child’s attention with an activity that he or she considers being fun. Rewarding good behavior is the best way to produce a change. Praise and reward your child when she does not suck her thumb or use the pacifier. Star charts, daily rewards, and gentle reminders, especially during the daytime hours, are also very helpful.

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics

Dr. Meena Sathappan is a board-certified Pediatrician who lives and practices in Evergreen. She is available for questions and consultation at Aasha Pediatrics, 2060 Aborn Road, # 230, San Jose, Calif. 95121 (corner of Aborn Road and Capitol Expressway). You can call her at (408) 274-9099, or e-mail her at msathappan@gmail.com. Web site: www.aashapediatrics.com.