I have a thumb-sucking baby!!!

So, just yesterday my DS has discovered he can suck his thumb. He slept this way. Is this a habit I should break early (he's only 7.5 weeks old). I know its a way of self-soothing. What do you think? Its no worse than a pacifier in my opinion, but I wanted to know what you all think

Re: I have a thumb-sucking baby!!!

I found Kristina at an early age sucking her thumb, and I switched her to being a binky sucker....

IMO it's worse to be a thumb sucker. My sister sucked her thumb til she was 15ish years old.... It was disgusting. I REFUSED to have that with Kristina.

So to answer your question... if you can get him off the thumb.... I DEF would.

Re: I have a thumb-sucking baby!!!

Another thing.... there is one thing that I always say....

You can throw away a binky... You CAN'T throw away a thumb.

Re: I have a thumb-sucking baby!!!

ok, my husband and brother where thumb suckers and def. did not suck their thumbs until 15. No offense, but that is not the norm.

You don't see it as a method of self-soothing being he is ONLY 7.5 weeks old??

Re: I have a thumb-sucking baby!!!

DS sucked his thumb in the womb and very early on. It eventually stopped (3-4 months maybe). He's discovering his body

Re: I have a thumb-sucking baby!!!

I was discussing the whole thumb sucking thing with my BFF's sister last night b/c she introduced a binkie to her NB son, and I said to her.... I never thought I would until I saw Kristina sucking her thumb....

She told me that she sucked her thumb til she was 10ish....

My BFF's daughter just turned 4 and is still sucking her thumb.

Don't be too surprised - while 15 is def not the norm.... it's IMO a lot easier to get rid of the binkie sucking than thumb sucking, KWIM?

Re: I have a thumb-sucking baby!!!

DS is a thumbsucker and I don't mind one bit.
He self soothes and 99% of the time is an excellent sleeper because of it.
It's also his signal to me that he's tired.

He doesn't have it jammed in his mouth all day, just when he's tired and wants to sleep.

I have absolutely no problem with it. I actually think it's cute.

I know he's not going to college sucking his thumb. What's the harm?
I think there are far worse habits.

Re: I have a thumb-sucking baby!!!

Re: I have a thumb-sucking baby!!!

Re: I have a thumb-sucking baby!!!

DD#1 is a finger sucker and SHE IS 8 She had a binky until she was one but she still sucked her fingers. It is a very hard habit to break, we have tried everything. She even wants to stop and can't!
DD#2 is a thumb sucker,(she is 10 months) I shoved that binky in her face from the time she was born and she had no interest. Believe me I tried. So it looks like I am in for it again.

Let me add the DD#1 is sick alot because of it, she picks up every stinkin germ going around school.

DD#1 never slept
DD#2 sleeps awesome, so in my case the sleeping had nothing to do with the finger sucking.

Message edited 3/11/2009 9:18:48 AM.

Re: I have a thumb-sucking baby!!!

My oldest was a thumb sucker. I loved when she sucked hr thumb, it was cute. She always had it on her, never had to hunt for it like I do the darn pacifiers with my other 2.

I have no problems having had a thumbsucker. She only did it for naps and bed or when she was veggin out. She stopped at 5.

eta: I just read chrisdee's post....
My oldest is my best sleeper (she's the thumbsucker) but she did get sick a lot with coxsacchi (sp) since she was in daycare and constanly touching toys and then sucking her thumb later on....

Chrisdee made a good point in which I forgot b/c she's been off the thumb for years now.

Message edited 3/11/2009 11:49:11 AM.

Re: I have a thumb-sucking baby!!!

I don't see the problem with your DS sucking his thumb. He's only a newborn. DS discovered his hands about a month ago and likes to suck on his fists. He'll still take the pacifier. However, since he spits that out constantly (yet still wants it), it's easier for me when he sucks on his hands, especially at night.

Re: I have a thumb-sucking baby!!!

I sucked my thumb until I was 7 and still remember the TORTURE of trying to stop/my mom trying to get me to stop.

Sadie started sucking her thumb like the frekkin minute that she was born. I am constantly sticking the bunky in her mouth and she is just now starting to take it a little more, but I still wake up and check on her and she is sucking her hands....