Thumb Sucking Toddler
Thumb sucking is an instinctive behavior that provides comfort and is a common self-comforting mechanism that is normal to see in infants into toddlerhood. It starts to be concerning as this remains in later toddlerhood and childhood development.
If you see excessive thumb-sucking behavior in toddlerhood it is very important that you seek advice and bring awareness to your occupational therapist or pediatrician for appropriate treatment. This soothing mechanism may be challenging to change but early intervention is key. Here are some tips and strategies that may assist:
Subsiting thumbing sucking with other self-soothing activities such as:
Bear hugs and parent-nurturing activities. Keep your child involved in claiming fun activities that require the use of two hands.
Gentle swaying while holding on fidget toy/holding on to plush toy/blanket
Gently Reminding a child that our thumb has germs on them and can make us feel sick through social stories
Redirecting the child to another comforting soothing activity of choice while reinforcing wanted behavior.
Social storybooks:
Here are some good examples below #ad
Lolipoop
Reward Chart
6. Reinforcing wanted behavior through a sticker chart/reward system.
Here are some great examples below #ad
7. Remember every child is different and can have their own special self-calming tool which can vary from a soft blank to a soft/rough teddy bear. Assess what your child gravitates towards and provide this calming tool in replacement of thumb-sucking. Sometimes if even having them hold your hand and providing them with a soft gentle massage can be comforting to your child. Below are some self-calming devices for toddlers. #ad
