Thumb sucking
Thumb sucking is perfectly normal and harmless for babies and very young children. Some children stop sucking their thumbs on their own as they get older. For others, however, weaning is very difficult.
Why and when to stop
Experts recommend that children stop sucking their thumbs at the very latest by the age of 3. Prolonged thumb sucking leads to a variety of changes in the child. In particular, it can lead to misalignment of the chin, teeth, and jaw. Thumb sucking is the cause of orthodontic treatment in 40% of cases in children and adolescents. Children who suck their thumbs also have a very high risk of abnormal swallowing behavior, speech disorders, and impaired breathing. Unfortunately, thumb sucking often leads to teasing and exclusion of children.
Why it is so difficult for some children to stop
Thumb sucking is not a simple habit, but is very deeply rooted in the child (more precisely, in the reward center). The children have become very accustomed to the feelings triggered by thumb sucking. Sucking reduces neurotransmitters and consequently triggers feelings of calm, comfort, and relaxation. Furthermore, enkephalins and endorphins are released, which further enhance the effect. Thumb sucking can therefore be compared more to an addiction than to a simple habit.
The good news is that the child’s brain can learn and relearn relatively well and quickly. Various studies show that just a few days (of abstinence) are enough to learn a new behavior. It typically takes a month to solidify the new behavior. However, the prerequisite is that the thumb never ends up in the mouth during the weaning period.
Positive reinforcement
Talking to the child and positive reinforcement are often recommended for weaning off thumb sucking. Unfortunately, this is usually not enough and is even counterproductive for some children. Positive reinforcement in combination with other aids (such as using a DAUMENHELD) are very helpful so that the child can stop thumb sucking quickly and with joy.
DAUMENHELD
DAUMENHELD very effectively prevents a suction effect from being built up with the thumb. This allows the habit to be overcome in a very short time. A clinical study has found a success rate of >92%.
The DAUMENHELD offers a proven, fast and safe method to successfully stop thumb sucking.
DAUMENHELD Standard convinces with a success rate of over 92%.
DAUMENHELD Premium even achieves a success rate of over 99% – including our money-back guarantee.
Order
The DAUMENHELD (large version) is currently sold out. The “small” version is available from stock.
If you are interested, send us your name and email address. We will let you know immediately as soon as the DAUMENHELD is available again.
Questions about thumb sucking or weaning?
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