Why there are children who suck their thumb

For many babies, it is a very normal act to suck your finger from practically the time of birth until the first years of childhood. Many times this can be replaced with the use of a pacifier, although there are children who prefer to suck their thumbs. We explain why they do it. 5 reasons for childr

For many babies, it is a very normal act to suck your finger from practically the time of birth until the first years of childhood. Many times this can be replaced with the use of a pacifier, although there are children who prefer to suck their thumbs. We explain why they do it.

5 reasons for children to suck their finger

1.Suction by reflex action: For many children, the act of sucking their finger is no more than a reflex. Some babies perform this suction, which can then be replaced with the pacifier desde, from the womb, something that can be seen even in ultrasounds when the pregnancy is advanced. Once they are born, the suction of the finger continues to be a natural reflex until they reach three or four years, which is already a process that has become a habit. 2.As a search for food

: Although it is evident that sucking the finger will not contribute nutrients to the child's organism, many carry out this action when they feel hungry, as a calming process that momentarily satisfies the sensation of feel like eating3.Calming effect

: If the child suffers an episode of stress, or simply wants to relax, or has pain in the mouth area when the teeth are coming out,thumb suckingcan be a very comforting balm. Children put their finger to their mouth to feel good and this may symbolize an act of intimacy in which they feel safe. 4. Boredom

: For some children, in addition to a process of acquired behavior, sucking their thumb is another activity, which they carry out in a moment of free time and relaxation or when they are bored, so the parents They do not want their child to put their finger in their mouths. They should be alert to propose other activities when they detect that they are going to do it.5.To fall asleep

: Many children do not suck their thumb all day until night comes, which means that they have established this behavior in order to go to sleep. Reconcilingsleepcan be difficult for infants and children in early childhood, and many of them find satisfaction in sucking their own finger to achieve a total relaxation and an interior sound that makes them stay peacefully asleep.