Why do children suck a finger and how to deal with it?

One of the important reflexes of the newborn is sucking. It is very important that he is satisfied. If the mother suddenly noticed that the baby began to suck a finger, then it is necessary to think about the fact that the baby does not suck a little breast or pacifier.

Every child is different. Needs, of course, too, all manifest themselves in different ways. One kid can suck a breast for 15 minutes, and it will be quite enough for him, while for another it will take at least half an hour. Gradually, this need will decrease, but it's also unknown when your child will refuse to suck at all - perhaps by the year, and maybe a little later.

Normal behavior can be considered when the baby sends fingers to the mouth before feeding. He's just hungry. But if children suck a finger in between meals, you should think about it.

Babies, which mothers breastfeed, rarely replace her with a fist. Currently, pediatricians recommend feeding at the request of the child, so the sucking reflex of the baby is completely satisfied. With artificial feeding, children suck a finger much more often. It is important to choose the right nipple, which is put on a bottle with a mixture. The hole in it should be such that the liquid baby "extracted" by droplets. Firstly, otherwise the child may be drowned. Secondly, so he will suck the bottle longer. Also, in this case, you do not need to hurry to reduce the number of feedings.

When children suck a finger, you should offer them a pacifier. This, first, is more hygienic. Secondly, her sucking does not affect the baby's growing teeth so much. And the so-called "orthopedic" pacifiers contribute to the formation of a normal bite in a baby.

Very often children suck a finger in the period when they have teeth cut. Gums itch, it is very worried about the baby, and he pulls everything in his mouth, including pens. That such behavior does not become a norm for the child, it is necessary to use special means. To remove the pain and itching, the medicinal gels "Kalgel" or "Kamistad" will help. Also it is possible to offer the child toys-teethers. Usually such things are filled with a special gel, which can be cooled, which helps to remove discomfort.

But what if a more adult child sucks a thumb? Why is this happening? As already mentioned, the baby's need for sucking can fade at different times. That is why now many people advise not to stop breastfeeding the baby until the time when he himself refuses.

If the baby is already over a year, then sucking for it is a kind of sedative. It does not matter what it is: breasts, bottles or pacifiers. The finger becomes a sort of their substitute. He can send it to his mouth when he is tired or wants to fall asleep.

If your child is sucking a finger, do not be angry with him. Maybe he's just bored. Try to make his pastime more interesting and pleasant. Remember, this habit goes by itself, but not overnight. Although some measures you can take too. For example, to bandage a finger. Perhaps in this form, he does not like the baby.