Should Sucking Fingers Allow? Does it Has any Bad Results?

Baby sucking finger is a behavior found since the babies are in the mother's womb. Sucking or outing fingers in the mouth is a normal behavior found in babies from infant up to the first year of their life. After that, this behavior will gradually decrease and disappear. However, some children may do this before they go to sleep.

Why do baby like to suck on fingers?

• To explore their fingers.
• Itchy gum because of growing a new tooth.
• To feel comfort.
• The feel uncomfortable.
• To say that they are hungry.
• To soothe themselves to sleep.

Does finger sucking cause any bad effect?

1. During the infancy, a child starts to suck on a finger by accident. The baby will learn that, in doing so, he or she feels happy and comfortable and repeat the action from times to times.
2. For the baby at 4 months old, sucking on fingers or hand is considered normal in this age.

3. If a grown child cannot quit sucking fingers, some common behaviors such as attach to dolls, pillow, or blanket, are found.

4.  

   In children older than 4 years old who still like sucking on fingers, bone and teeth structures and might be found abnormal. There might be problems regarding dental occlusion and behaviors. If uncertain whether your baby sucking will cause a problem, you should consult with a doctor.

How to fix when the baby keeps sucking a finger?

1. If your baby sucks on a finger because they feel lonely or anxious, parents should show love by embracing them.
2. Distract the children from sucking fingers. Find other activities that require using hands or mouth for the children.
3. If your baby sucks on a finger before going to bed, you should sooth them to sleep by singing or telling stories.
4. Punishment makes children feel anxious and suck on fingers even more.