Finger in the child's mouth: how to wean?

With this phenomenon, when a child constantly holds a finger in his mouth, almost all parents are faced. If this is a single moment or the baby is worried about growing teeth, then this is a physiological phenomenon that does not require correction. And what if years go by, your child has long been a schoolboy, and the habit is firmly rooted? In this case, the constantly located finger in the child’s mouth becomes a serious problem. And sometimes it’s not even one, but two or three, or even the whole five. It is unhygienic and ugly. But almost all parents face this problem, so you are not alone in your trouble. Let's deal with the reasons and look for opportunities for correction.

Individual approach

Mom’s first impulse is to immediately prohibit bringing her hands to her face. But usually this has no result. The finger in the mouth is with enviable regularity. But if you examine in detail the reasons for this phenomenon, it may well be that you do not have to forbid anything to your crumbs.

How to wean a baby from a bad habit? You just need to understand it. As soon as he gets what he lacks, the need for sucking will disappear. However, you need to focus on age. The baby can compensate for the insufficient satisfaction of the sucking reflex, which is solved very simply. But an older baby thus demonstrates the presence of psychological problems.

Think about the reasons

In fact, the finger in the mouth of a child can be at any age. The easiest way to understand babies. For him, this is either an attempt to get enough if the baby is hungry, or the need to satisfy the sucking instinct. Everything is quite simple here: feed the child not by the hour, but according to his individual schedule. In addition, do not wean him too quickly. Let the baby doze under the breast a little. On average, feeding should take from 30 to 40 minutes. This allows the child to fully satisfy the sucking reflex.

Older children try to calm themselves like that. If you see that a child who had not had such a habit before, began to fall asleep with a finger in his mouth, you need to carefully watch him. Perhaps there are problems in relationships with peers or educators. Look at your behavior, are you too strict with the child.

Psychological comfort zone

Today, the pace of life is only accelerating. It is difficult for parents to keep up with the family and spend enough time with the child. Do not think that the baby does not understand this. The finger in the child’s mouth for 3 years of life is a clear sign that he lacks support and understanding. You need to make some time in your schedule. Lie on the couch together, hug and fool around, go for a walk and read a book. Make it a daily tradition - and the problem will gradually go away.

Normally, to reach the age of three, a similar problem goes away on its own. If this does not happen, then parents need to find the reason and work on its correction. There is nothing useful in this addiction, rather the opposite.

Why is it harmful

Indeed, the habit is quite harmless at first glance. Why did we decide to turn our attention to it? The finger in the child’s mouth (3 months - the period of infancy) is not a big deal. While he is lying in the cradle, he has practically no chance of collecting pathogenic bacteria on his hands, which will then fall directly into his mouth. But when he begins to crawl and actively explore the world, then the probability of catching an infection increases, despite the quality of cleaning.

In infancy, sucking fingers on the growth of teeth has no effect. But if the child does not get rid of such addiction before reaching the age of five, then this can lead to the formation of a malocclusion. Among preschool children there are quite few children who continue to suck their fingers. But as a rule, they experience problems when communicating with peers.

For parents baby

At this age, parents can already begin to bother the finger in the child’s mouth . How to wean a baby who is not yet able to control his actions? Understand why he does it. Take a look under what circumstances a baby begins to suck a finger. Maybe he was just hungry? You only need to slightly reduce the intervals between feedings.

The second point is the satisfaction of the sucking reflex. The baby lacks emotional communication with her mother, and she has to look for something to replace her with, that is, what else to suck. Own finger is a great option. By the way, babies who are breastfed suck their fingers much less often. They are at the chest for as long as they need to satisfy the sucking reflex. In addition, they feel mom’s warmth and affection at this time.

What to do if the habit has developed

Extend your chest time. The baby should be in the arms of the mother for at least 30-40 minutes. It will not overeat, as it will suck less actively as it saturates. But he will completely satisfy the sucking reflex.

If the baby is distracted by something while feeding, do not rush to finish the meal. Wait until he returns to his occupation. Let the baby understand that his mother is at his disposal, she will not go anywhere, and most importantly, that her mother loves him and is ready to devote as much time to him as she needs.

If hot water is not possible

The specificity of the fight against sucking fingers in this case is somewhat specific, since feeding mixtures is carried out strictly according to the schedule. The quantity is also regulated. However, if you see the child pulling his hands in his mouth, try shortening the breaks. This will not harm the child, but will solve the problem. In addition, you can buy a stiffer nipple with a small hole. In this case, the crumbs will take much more time to deal with their portion. The second option is to use a dummy. It also has its pros and cons, but compares favorably with the fingers.

Baby grows up

You celebrated your second birthday, but the problem persists? What do the fingers in the child’s mouth (2 years old) and excessive salivation say? Most likely, his teeth are being cut, which cause some concern. In addition, there may be problems with teeth that have already appeared. If you see holes or blackness, then this is an occasion to visit the dentist. It is possible that the baby is in pain and is trying to remove it by sucking.

Four to eight

At this age, sucking is no longer associated with physiological processes in the child's body. Most likely, you need to pay attention to the emotional and psychological subtext. Only at first glance the child is already big. In fact, he may be scared or bored, he is excited or upset, he feels uncomfortable, he lacks parental attention. Therefore, your own finger becomes a lifeline. He gives a feeling of peace and tranquility, besides he is always with himself.

That is, it is external factors that contribute to the fact that fingers suddenly appear in the mouth of a child of 6 years old. Causes should be sought most often outside, and, having carefully looked, you will surely see them. You need to understand why the child is experiencing psychological discomfort. Eliminating this reason, you will very soon see that the habit is lost due to its lack of demand.

Teenage years

Most often, such attention to your own fingers is completely lost by the time milk teeth begin to change. That is, approximately up to 5-6 years. However, there are exceptions to each rule. Younger adolescence is a time of self-awareness and great stress from the fact that the world is not so perfect at all. However, a healthy mind is ready to bear it.

If the habit of sucking fingers persists, you need to pay attention to the presence or absence of other obsessive movements. All of these symptoms tend to worsen with age. Therefore, it makes sense for parents to seek help from specialists. These are neurologists, psychologists and psychiatrists.

What you should not do

At any age, and especially in adolescence, it is strictly forbidden to scold a child. This will not solve the problem, but simply drive it deeper. Sucking a finger 10 years old is not just a bad habit. This most often indicates disorders of the nervous system or psychological problems. This requires professional help, and the sooner it is provided, the better. In any case, only an attentive and sensitive attitude to your child is the key to solving any problem. Sucking a finger is an unpleasant phenomenon, but not a tragedy at all.