Pacifier vs. Thumb
Pacifier?
After four months of searching, Braylin recently found her thumb. She seems to be a pretty big fan of that tiny finger, so I am trying to decide what to do about it.
We started giving her a pacifier when she was about two months old and the only time she really takes it is before she goes to sleep. In contrast, now that she has found her thumbs she is constantly sucking on them. She keeps them in her mouth so much that her little hands are chapped.
I have overheard other parents saying that they prefer for their children to have a pacifier because it is an easier habit to break. I completely agree with that, but I want to know if there are any other reasons to try and break Braylin’s thumb sucking habit now. I did some research on the subject and found the following information…
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry states that sucking on fingers, thumbs, and pacifiers, “is completely normal for babies and young children” and that most children stop before and “no harm is done to their teeth or jaws.” They also recommend that you “consider offering a pacifier at nap time and bedtime” to reduce your infant’s risk of SIDS.
I like pacifiers because we can take it away when we think she doesn’t need it anymore (I know it won’t be that easy, but you know what I mean). I like her thumb because I can’t forget it at home when we go somewhere.
or thumb?
For now, I think I will continue to give Braylin her pacifier during naps and at night and see where she goes with this thumb sucking thing. Regardless of which one she decides she wants to have, I just hope that she doesn’t develop a prolonged habit.
Do you prefer for your children to have a pacifier or their thumb?
You can guess where we stand on this one – we love pacifiers! Nathan used both his pacifier and his thumb, though, and it really was convenient that he could always find his thumb when he needed it. It wasn’t a hard habit for him to break, and especially at this young age, whatever helps keep them happy is awesome!
Braylin seems to be switching between the two like Nathan, it is quite convenient!