The pacifier or the thumb???
Thumb sucking or pacifier sucking is normal behavior for children. The action of suckling is a need of the infant, he suckles after a good meal, to calm down, to fall asleep… But this habit can have consequences if it lasts too long.
Consequences :
- L’habitude de sucer son pouce ou une suce, peut nuire à la socialisation de l’enfant, car certains bébés très attachés à leur suce, ou pouce, vont avoir tendance à être plus timides et renfermés sur eux-mêmes. Même que dans certains cas, l’estime de soi est attaquée car ils sont traités de bébés, montrés du doigt ou se font ridiculiser par les autres enfants de leur âge.
- Il y a des changements très importants dans la façon d’avaler vers l’âge de 3 ans. Les mouvements utilisés lors de la succion sont remplacés progressivement par la mastication et par une déglutition, l’acte d’avaler, plus complexe dû à la présence et à l’action des nouvelles dents. Si le mouvement de succion perdure au delà de trois ans, on pourrait voir des troubles de la parole et de l’élocution, façon de prononcer les mots, ainsi que des problèmes reliés à la déglutition.
- La succion de la suce ou du pouce peut avoir, sur le long terme, des effets néfastes sur les dents, c’est-à-dire, leur malpositionnement, des problèmes de l’occlusion ou même entraîner une malformation de l’arcade dentaire du haut.
So-called “orthodontic” pacifiers
According to specialists, orthodontic pacifiers are just a marketing stunt. In the long term, all pacifiers have the same effects. On the other hand, we find some better than others, such as Orthopro by Playtex and Orthodontic Pacifier by Nuk.
At what age do you remove the pacifier?
It is difficult to give an exact age for weaning. The Canadian Pediatric Society recommends beginning weaning at 12 months of age, however, many pediatricians talk about the second year, to reduce the risk of dental problems and other disorders, especially that of language learning.
Tips for getting rid of the pacifier
Giving up the pacifier or the thumb is an important step for a child, a real little mourning. This is why it is essential to be there for him during this transition. Here are some tips to help her gradually give up her pacifier:
- Start weaning him during a quiet time of the year, such as holidays. Avoid difficult times, such as a divorce, toilet training, the birth of another child…
- Go gradually. At first, pacifiers were only allowed to be used at home. Then, we limit its use only when he is in his room or in bed. Thereafter, the period is further limited to nap time and falling asleep in the evening. During the day, when he asks for it, divert his attention and teach him to fill this need differently.
- Avoid punishing him. Do not compare it to other children who no longer need it and do not throw it in the trash in front of him. On the other hand, with the help of objectives established with your child, you can get him to throw it away himself, making sure that he is proud to get rid of it as he has grown up.
- Offer it, “Let’s throw it away?” Do we put it away? Shall we put it under the pillow for the tooth fairy to pick it up? »
- Reward him. Make a reward chart to highlight his progress. Congratulate him when he lets go of his pacifier, and tell him you’re proud to see him grow!
- Cut the end of the pacifier with a scissor, 1mm slices at a time, for a few weeks. Your child will then lose the pleasure of suckling and will get rid of it.
- Be firm. If your child asks for their pacifier back (and they probably will), don’t give in. Remind her that she’s “gone” and that he’s grown up now.
Stop thumb sucking
The abandonment of the thumb is more problematic than the pacifier, because it is more complicated to control its use. It is therefore necessary to “deprogram” it by regularly reminding it to leave its thumb alone.
Thumb sucking is usually done in special circumstances: when he is hurt, angry, insecure or even happy. It is still mandatory to intervene in order to avoid complications.
Prevention steps
- Recognize the times when your child tends to suck his thumb, you can then prevent the habit.
- Try to distract him: you can distract him by having him do activities during which he will have to use both hands.
- Explain to him the consequences of this bad habit.
- Accompany him patiently and set short-term goals. A motivational calendar with stickers can be helpful.
