Stop thumb-sucking
There are many ways you can help your child stop thumb-sucking. However, some of these methods are very time-consuming and often take many years to (maybe) succeed.
In contrast, the DAUMENHELD offers a proven (>92% success rate), fast, and safe technique to stop thumb-sucking.
Basically, you can put the DAUMENHELD on your child and within 4 weeks they will have overcome thumb-sucking. However, we recommend actively involving the child in the process to make weaning as easy as possible.
Preparation
Discuss thumb-sucking with your child and why it’s time to stop. This can also be combined with a good book (e.g., Anna and Dedo – A Thumb Ventures Out or Philip and the Thumb King) and a visit to the dentist. Take your time with this step.
Motivate your child and offer them a reward, which is obtained together in advance, for successful weaning. Your child can put a sticker on a reward calendar for each successful day of weaning. When an agreed number of stickers have been placed, your child will receive the reward.
Choose a suitable time to start the weaning period. Ideally, your child is relaxed and balanced. If major changes are pending, it may be worth postponing weaning for a while.
Weaning phase
Explain to your child that they are getting extra help. For example, the DAUMENHELD can be a magical knight’s armor or superhero costume (as in the children’s book Anna and Dedo – A Thumb Ventures Out) for the thumb.
The first days
The first days are the most difficult in the weaning period. For your child and also for you as parents. Your child will miss the calming effect (and the associated hormone release) very much and may be upset and moody as a result. Falling asleep in particular is difficult for many children in the first nights of weaning, as they have often been falling asleep with thumb-sucking since birth. But we can reassure you, this will pass after a few days. During this time, remember what you can save your child from in the future with weaning.
Tip: Start weaning when your child and you as parents have a lot of time and patience. It is best to put the first days on a long weekend or vacation so that you can be there for your child.
Tip: Make a list in advance of the possible problems that your child will be spared if you accompany them during weaning now. Hang the list in the apartment and read it several times during the first days of weaning.
We recommend wearing the DAUMENHELD day and night for 4 weeks. Of course, you can briefly take off the DAUMENHELD to wash your hands or take a bath, but you should put it back on immediately afterwards.
After the first days
Once your child has gotten used to everyday life without thumb-sucking for a few days, everything will be easier. The child will be proud to stick on the stars and falling asleep will also get better every day. However, it is important not to be fooled by early successes. It takes 3-4 weeks for the new behavior to really be internalized. We therefore recommend wearing the DAUMENHELD for 4 weeks day and night.
End of therapy
If your child has not had the opportunity to suck their thumb for 4 weeks and does not put the DAUMENHELD in their mouth, you can be pretty sure that weaning has been successful.
But watch your child for a while. You as a parent can best assess whether the behavior has been completely overcome. Some children find it helpful to wear the
After the therapy
Congratulations, you did it. Celebrate with your child and be happy about this enormous development step. It is worth keeping the DAUMENHELD for a few more months. Relapses are rare, but in case of emergency it is good to have the product nearby. See also relapses.
Questions
You can find many other aids as well as the most frequently asked questions and answers about weaning and the Daumenheld under Help
Questions about thumb sucking or weaning?
Our mission is to help you and your child – whether you buy a DAUMENHELD or not. Just send us a message – we are happy to support you!
