I have a 2 year old daughter who is addicted to her left thumb. I just started using "Mavala Stop" which seems to be working during the day but in the middle of the night she still sucks her thumb while sleeping and I guess doesn't notice the bad taste while she sleeps. Someone told of a silicone "thumb cap" but I've looked every where on the net and can't find such a thing. Does anyone have any ideas/suggestions on this or any other solutions??? Please help!
There is a catalog called One Step Ahead. I think the website is www.onestepahead.com They sell those caps you are talking about.
My brother sucked two fingers for years and our mother tried everything she and anyone else could think of, but nothing worked. I have seen some of the most adorable photos of children sucking their thumbs. I believe it's just a way of comforting themselves. She will grow out of this habit, my brother did and he was a wonderful person and a great brother. Please don't torture your daughter by making her thumb sucking a unhappy experience.
Here you are!! Good luck! http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId...
My daughter is 16 months old and sucks both her middle and ring fingers at the same time. She would only do this when she would have her bear ("lovey"), which would be only at naps or bedtime (we won't let her have her bear unless she is in her crib) but just this weekend has started to do this without having her bear! Anyway, I guess I'll have to take care of this down the road...
At night, try dressing her in larger-sized clothing and tying a knot at the end of the long sleeve so she can't access her thumb while sleeping. Or you can sew up that sleeve (which is what I did since I didn't have extra long sleeve clothing around). That was recommended by my pediatrician since my daughter ended up with an infected thumb from sucking it so much. She stopped sucking her thumb in about 1 week. Good luck.
Hi C.,
I taught preschool in Manhattan for 15 years. Your daughter is younger than were my students, but we had a method which worked every time - at least with our 3-5 year olds: Whenever we noticed a child with their thumb in her/his mouth we would discreetly ask them to go and wash their hands - with soap. It's actually good if this interrupts an activity they are enjoying. We would explain why once - simply and clearly, "If you put your fingers in your mouth, you can catch germs and spread them and we don't want you or your friends/family to get sick". We would be friendly and matter of fact and were careful to avoid embarassment or a punative tone. "Oh, honey, you need to go wash your hands now." Usually within a few days - never more than a week, the habit and the comfort of it were interrupted so many times that consciously and unconsciously, the child found no "upside" to continuing with the behavior. This works for chronic nose picking, finger licking and other oral habits.
Good Luck!
Check the website www.onestepahead.com
I think they carry the thumb cap or something like it.
