Why do babies suck their thumbs?
Babies have a natural urge to suck. This urge usually decreases after the age of 6 months. But many babies continue to suck their thumbs to soothe themselves. Thumb-sucking can become a habit in babies and young children who use it to comfort themselves when they feel hungry, afraid, restless, quiet, sleepy, or bored.
In rare cases, thumb-sucking after age 5 is in response to an emotional problem or other disorder, such as anxiety.
Is thumb-sucking normal?
Thumb-sucking is normal in babies and young children. Most babies and toddlers suck their thumbs. They may also suck on their fingers, hands, or items such as pacifiers.
Little by little, most children stop on their own at age 3 to 6 years. What to do if they don't stop on their own?
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