Age 1
Finger-sucking
Finger-sucking begins in the womb and is a way your child relieves anxiety.
What makes my child suck her finger？
★If your child constantly sucks their finger, it may affect the way their teeth grow in.
What should I do when my child sucks her finger？
First, determine why they are sucking their finger.
- When they can’t play freely and is bored . . .
Invite them to play something else or play with them until she forgets about it. - When they are lonely or anxious . . .
Talk to them or hold them. - At bedtime . . .
Reassure them by holding her hand or patting them until she falls asleep.
Advice
- Think of finger-sucking as a habit that will go away naturally, and be patient.
- If you try to force your child to stop sucking their finger, it will have the opposite effect.
- When your child is able to play outside energetically, they won’t suck their finger as often.