Why do children suck their thumbs?
Why do children suck their thumbs? Sucking is an innate reflex in infants. Fetuses even suck their thumbs in the womb! Babies begin to understand the world by first exploring their own bodies. They often use their mouths to explore body parts like their hands and toes, which may be unconscious. They also suck their thumbs when hungry, using the sucking motion to soothe themselves. This behavior gradually evolves into thumb-sucking when they feel nervous, need comfort, or are bored. Thumb-sucking is a common habit among children, and the American Academy of Pediatrics estimates that about half of children suck their thumbs before age four. Since infants and toddlers usually suck their thumbs unconsciously or for self-soothing, parents don’t need to deliberately stop them or make fun of them. As children grow, they develop other ways to comfort themselves and become aware of others’ opinions. This habit typically disappears once they start school. However, if a child frequently sucks their thumb beyond age four or five, it may affect the shape of their jawbone and the alignment of their permanent teeth. After permanent teeth emerge, vigorous thumb-sucking or strong tongue thrusting can cause dental deformities, leading to malocclusion or buck teeth, which may affect appearance. If thumb-sucking becomes a frequent and persistent habit, the thumb may become red, and the skin may crack—especially around the nail—causing pain, sensitivity, or even sores that are vulnerable to infection or inflammation. In such cases, parents need to help their child reduce this behavior.
