Some children have the habit of sucking their thumb and generally this habit is considered bad. Many times, even after a lot of efforts, parents are unable to free their child from this habit and the child remains in the habit of thumb sucking till the age of starting school. In such a situation, parents fear that children will make fun of them in the class.

If your child also sucks his/her thumb, then first of all you should know till what age it is okay for the child to suck his/her thumb and after what age it is necessary for the child to get rid of this habit. Pediatrician Doctor Rachna has told through a post on her Instagram that till what age it is normal for a child to suck his/her thumb.

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What is the treatment?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, there are usually very few treatment options for children who suck their thumb even after the age of five, so parents should try to prevent the child from developing this habit.

When should the child be stopped?

There is no need to worry about thumb sucking until the baby’s teeth come in. After this, the roof of the child’s mouth may start getting affected and this may affect his/her teeth. Due to this there is a risk of teeth related problems.

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Why do children suck their thumb?

Mayo ClinicAccording to this, due to natural rooting and sucking reflexes, children take their thumb or finger in their mouth. Children suck their thumb even in their mother’s womb. Children feel safe by sucking their thumb and some children suck their thumb to comfort themselves or before sleeping.

Up to what age should one start sucking one’s thumb?

The doctor has said in his/her post that it is normal for a child up to four years of age to suck his/her thumb. When the child is sleepy or lethargic or feels bored, scared or hungry, then in these situations he/she may suck his/her thumb. If a child sucks his/her thumb even after the age of four, his/her teeth may become crooked.

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These methods are not effective

If you want to get rid of your child’s habit of thumb sucking and for this you apply something bitter on his/her thumb or criticize him/her or punish him/her for this act, then according to Dr. Rachna, any of these methods will work. Doesn’t. Instead, try to attract your child’s attention towards toys.

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It is not wrong to suck a child’s thumb till the age of four years, the doctor said – ‘When should one take tension?’