Soother and Thumb Sucking

 

It is normal for babies to suck. It gets them food and helps them relax.

By the time your child is 2 or 3, he or she has less need to suck. If your child still likes to suck, a soother is better than sucking a thumb. Why? Because you can control when and how your child uses a soother. You can't control a thumb going into the mouth.

Never put sugar, honey or corn syrup on a soother. They can cause cavities.

It's best to get your child to stop sucking before permanent teeth come in, at about age 5. If a child keeps sucking a soother or thumb after the permanent teeth have come in, this could cause problems with how the jaw and teeth grow.