Thumb Sucking

Thumb sucking is a natural habit for babies and children to help them self-soothe and feel more secure. All babies are born with the reflex to suck because it is needed to eat and drink. Beyond nutrition, sucking provides a calming effect for babies and young children. 

Most children stop sucking their thumb on their own between the ages of 2 and 4. Thumb sucking usually does not cause permanent problems unless children continue to do it past age 5.

This article will describe the long-term effects of thumb sucking and provide suggestions for how to break the habit.