Tips to Break the Thumb Sucking Habit for Older Kids
• August 22, 2022
Thumb sucking: It gets a bad rap in the parenting world, I’ll admit. Many assume that once children start the habit, it’ll become too hard to break.
But speaking from personal experience, thumb sucking isn’t the monster people think it is. In fact, both of my kids were massive thumb suckers starting at a few weeks old. And believe me, I tried hard to get them onto the pacifiers, but they just didn’t take well to them.
I realized after trying to get my oldest son to take a pacifier that thumb sucking is actually a very natural way for children to comfort themselves. When they’re feeling anxious or scared, thumb sucking can be soothing and comforting.
In fact, babies even suck their thumb in utero, so this is a completely natural thing. However, I know that for some children, they need a little more help in breaking the thumb sucking habit, so I’ve compiled my best tips to share with you here.
The Downside of Thumb Sucking
Although thumb sucking is a natural thing, there are a few drawbacks to it, which may add to your desire to help your little one kick the habit.
First, because little kids like to touch everything, there is potential for more germ exposure. Encouraging frequent hand washing is a good practice, and can help establish healthy hygiene for years to come.
Second, if your child sucks their thumb beyond the age of 4, there could be some teeth misalignment as they get their permanent teeth.
And of course, your child could develop calluses on their thumbs from the constant sucking, which could cause discomfort for your little one.
Regardless of the reason for wanting your child to end their relationship with thumb sucking, here are a few tips to try.
Dropping the Habit
Most kids will drop the thumb sucking habit between ages 2-4, as there’s a sense of “peer pressure” with not wanting to suck their thumb in front of their friends.
My children, however, did not drop the habit on their own, so I had to help them. Every child is unique, so you’ll want to take an approach that will work for your child.
Before we dive further in, I want to clarify that these tips are designed to help children who don’t naturally drop the habit by 4 years old.
I’ve talked to many moms who think their 10-month old needs to stop sucking their thumb, but I personally wouldn’t worry about a young child – remember, it’s natural and soothing for infants to suck their thumb. Besides, there’s not a lot you can do to prevent a baby from engaging in this activity – at least not in a way that involves them in the process using gentle methods.
But if your older child needs a little guidance and support in this area, here are tried-and-true practices to help you.
Prep Your Child
The very first thing you want to do when working with your child to break their thumb sucking habit is to prepare them for what’s to come.
Your child needs to be ready to stop sucking their thumb. Forcing your child to do anything rarely works, and when you invite your child to be part of the process, you’ll find it usually works much better.
So follow your child’s lead. Talk to them about the downsides of thumb sucking listed above, and explain how you will work with them to help them stop sucking their thumb. Throughout the process, you’ll want to hold them accountable without pressuring or shaming them.
Introduce a Reward Chart
For some kids, simply discussing thumb sucking will be enough to encourage them to stop the habit. For others, a bit of creativity will be warranted.
When my children were working through stopping the thumb sucking habit, we introduced a rewards chart. We made cut-outs in the shape of a thumbs up and a thumbs down, and whenever they didn’t suck their thumb, they’d get a thumbs up. If they did suck their thumb, they’d get a thumbs down.
After getting thumbs up for a certain amount of days, they’d choose a reward that we’d all do as a family – one of my son’s wanted to go to an amusement park, and one wanted to go to a skate park.
But really, the reward choices are endless.
You can reward your child with stickers, extra time outside, their favorite breakfast, a special treat, or their favorite movie. The reward itself isn’t as important as the fact that it’s something your child wants and is willing to work for.
Sitting down with your child to talk about the reward they’d want for going a certain amount of days without sucking their thumb is a good strategy before beginning. The last thing you want is to try to convince your child to earn a reward they have no interest in.
Hold Your Child Accountable
After talking with your child about thumb sucking and agreeing to a reward that they’ll earn, it’s time to hold your child accountable in a loving, non-shaming way.
As with any habit, it can be hard to break the cycle. Your child may have triggers that cause them to suck their thumb without thought, like going to bed or even watching TV. If you see your child sucking their thumb, gently remind them of their reward.
In some cases, your child may revert back to sucking their thumb after earning their reward, which was the situation with one of my sons.
When he started sucking his thumb again, I didn’t shame him for his actions. I sat down to talk about it with him, and he told me he just really wanted to suck his thumb.
And you know what I did? I let him.
After about a week of continuing to track the behavior on the rewards chart, he eventually stopped.
Shaming or guilting your child isn’t worth it. Stay consistent with making your child aware of the habit when you see it, and remind them of why they started this process to begin with.
Other Ideas to Try
If a rewards chart doesn’t work for your child, or you’d like to try other ideas, here are a few.
- Special nail polish that makes the nails taste bitter. Simply apply it to the finger nails and let it do its work. My youngest actually asked for the nail polish one night to try to break the habit!
- Something to change the texture of the thumb – a thumb guard, sock, glove, or bandaid. Sometimes just having that change in texture is enough to bring awareness to the habit, and your child will stop on their own.
Remember that for some kids, this is a difficult habit to break, as it may also serve as a form of comfort and security. So take your time, follow your child’s lead, and don’t allow anxiety or stress to inform your decisions.
By guiding your child through the process in a gentle and loving way, they will learn how to break the habit without feeling guilt or shame.
I’d love to hear from you after trying some of these tips with your little one! Send me an email at lamis@one2sleep.com sharing how the process went!
There’s something magical about a beach holiday — the sound of waves, salty air, and the promise of slow days in the sun. But let’s be honest: traveling to the beach with a baby isn’t exactly a vacation unless sleep is part of the equation. Whether you're heading to a resort, renting a seaside villa, or visiting family by the coast, here’s how to set your baby up for restful sleep — so everyone gets to enjoy that ocean breeze. Step 1: Know That Sleep Needs Don’t Take a Holiday Babies are creatures of habit. Their little bodies thrive on rhythm and predictability — even on vacation. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun or go with the flow! It just means that your baby’s sleep needs are still there, and the better prepared you are, the easier it will be to keep things (mostly) on track. Step 2: Your Beach Baby Sleep Packing List Here’s your ultimate baby sleep packing list for a beach trip, broken down by category: Sleep Environment Essentials : Portable travel crib or bassinet – Choose one your baby is already familiar with if possible. Fitted sheets – Bring 2-3 just in case of sand, spills or spit-up. Also bring a gently used one to remind baby of home as he/she adjusts to the new sleep environment. Portable blackout blinds – Beach homes and rentals often have light, sheer curtains. White noise machine or app – Helps block out unfamiliar sounds like waves (yes, they can be loud!) or street noise. Baby monitor (if you’ll be in a larger space or stepping outside during naps). For more on the ideal sleep environment, have a read here . Comfort + Routine : Lovey or comfort object (if age-appropriate and safe for sleep). Sleep sack – Choose a breathable, summer-weight one. Favorite bedtime book – Familiarity brings comfort. Pacifiers – Always bring extras! Nightlight – A soft, warm one if needed for feeds or changes during the night. Weather + Climate Considerations : Lightweight, breathable pajamas – Think cotton or bamboo Fan – If your rental lacks good airflow or AC Bonus Tip: Have a “Nap-on-the-Go” Kit **For beach days that cut into nap time: Clip-on stroller fan Stroller or baby carrier your baby can sleep in Portable white noise machine Extra sun hats + baby-safe sunscreen (for after 6 months old) Step 3: Keep the Routine (Even on the Coast) Try to mirror your bedtime routine as closely as you can. If you usually do bath → PJs → book → feed → sleep, stick with it — even if it’s a quick version. Babies love the predictability, and it helps signal that it’s time to wind down, even in a new environment. Also, aim for naps in a darkened room when possible, especially after a stimulating beach outing. And if one nap has to happen in the stroller under a palm tree? That’s totally okay. Just go back to the routine as soon as you can. Getting There: Travel Day Tips Time your departure around naps if possible Use familiar sleep items (like the sleep sack or pacifier) during flights or drives Offer extra feeds — travel is dehydrating, especially in hot weather Keep expectations flexible – sleep may not be perfect, and that’s fine Beach trips with a baby can be full of joyful memories and restful nights — as long as you plan for sleep. With the right gear and mindset, your little one can stay well-rested and content, giving you more time to soak up the sun (or at least drink your coffee while it’s still warm!). And remember: sleep doesn’t have to fall apart just because you’re away from home. If you ever feel stuck or unsure about how to adjust things before, during, or after a trip, I’m here to help you build a personalized plan that fits your family’s travel style. Book your discovery call here .
October is SIDS Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It’s a time to educate parents and caregivers on safe sleep practices that can reduce the risk and help protect our little ones.. At Hushabye, safety is at the heart of our brand. Our focus is on providing parents with safe and high-quality baby sleepwear, such as sleep bags, that offer a safer alternative to traditional blankets. What is a baby sleep bag? A baby sleep bag, also known as a wearable blanket or sleep sack, is a specially designed garment for infants and young children to wear during sleep. The primary purpose of a sleep bag is to keep the baby warm and comfortable, but it also serves as a safe and convenient alternative to traditional blankets and quilts in a crib or cot.
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, sleep often takes a back seat to other priorities. Yet, the importance of sleep for mental health cannot be overstated, especially for parents and their children. From infancy through adulthood, sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining emotional stability, cognitive function, and overall well-being. Let’s delve into the intricate relationship between sleep and mental health, exploring its significance for both parents and kids. Understanding Sleep: The Foundation of Mental Health Sleep is not merely a passive state of rest; it's a dynamic process that facilitates vital functions for physical and mental health. During sleep, the brain consolidates memories, processes emotions, and regulates various physiological processes. For children, especially infants and toddlers, sleep is paramount for healthy growth and development. It's during sleep that their brains form crucial neural connections, essential for learning and behavior regulation. Sleep and Parental Mental Health For parents, particularly those with young children, sleep deprivation is often a common occurrence. The demands of caring for a newborn or attending to the needs of a growing child can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to chronic sleep deficits. This chronic sleep deprivation can take a toll on parental mental health in several ways: Increased Stress and Anxiety : Sleep-deprived parents often experience heightened stress levels and anxiety. The constant fatigue and inability to get adequate rest can exacerbate feelings of overwhelm and tension. Impaired Cognitive Function : Lack of sleep impairs cognitive function, making it difficult for parents to concentrate, make decisions, and problem-solve effectively. This can further contribute to feelings of inadequacy and frustration. Mood Disorders : Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to an increased risk of mood disorders such as depression and irritability. Parents may find themselves more prone to mood swings and emotional instability, impacting their ability to nurture a positive environment for their children. Strained Relationships : Sleep deprivation can strain relationships, leading to conflicts and communication breakdowns between partners. This can create additional stressors, further exacerbating mental health challenges. Sleep and Child Mental Health Just as sleep is crucial for parental well-being, it's equally essential for children's mental health and development. Adequate sleep is associated with numerous benefits for children, including: Emotional Regulation : Sufficient sleep plays a vital role in emotional regulation, helping children manage their feelings and behaviors effectively. Children who get enough sleep are often more resilient to stress and less prone to mood disturbances. Cognitive Development : Sleep is essential for cognitive development in children, as it supports learning, memory consolidation, and problem-solving skills. A well-rested child is better equipped to succeed academically and socially. Behavioral Health : Sleep disturbances in children are closely linked to behavioral problems such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, and aggression. Establishing healthy sleep habits early on can significantly reduce the risk of such issues. Reduced Risk of Mental Health Disorders : Research suggests that inadequate sleep during childhood is associated with an increased risk of mental health disorders later in life, including anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Strategies for Promoting Healthy Sleep Given the critical role of sleep in mental health for both parents and children, it's essential to prioritize sleep hygiene and establish healthy sleep habits. Here are some strategies to promote better sleep: Consistent Bedtime Routine: Establish a consistent bedtime routine for both parents and children. A calming bedtime routine signals to the body that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep. Create a Sleep-Conducive Environment: Ensure that the bedroom environment is conducive to sleep . This includes keeping the room dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature. Limit Screen Time: Minimize screen time, especially before bedtime, as exposure to screens can interfere with melatonin production and disrupt sleep patterns. Encourage Physical Activity: Regular physical activity during the day can promote better sleep at night. Encourage children to engage in active play and ensure that parents incorporate exercise into their daily routine as well. Healthy Sleep Associations: Help children develop healthy sleep associations by associating bedtime with soothing activities such as reading or gentle music. Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Teach children and parents relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises or guided imagery to promote relaxation and stress relief before bedtime. Seek Professional Help When Needed: If sleep problems persist despite implementing these strategies, seek guidance from a healthcare professional or sleep specialist. You can always schedule a discovery call with me to discuss whether working with me will help your little one get a better night sleep. For parents and children alike, prioritizing sleep is essential for maintaining emotional well-being, cognitive function, and overall health. By recognizing the importance of sleep and implementing strategies to promote healthy sleep habits, parents can nurture a positive sleep environment for themselves and their children, laying the foundation for a lifetime of mental wellness.