Why do children suck a finger and how to deal with it?

One of the important reflexes of newborns -sucking It is very important that he be satisfied. If the mother suddenly noticed that the baby began to suck her finger, it means that you need to think about the fact that the baby sucks a little breast or pacifier.

Every child is different.Needs, of course, also all manifest themselves in different ways. One baby can suck on his breast for about 15 minutes, and this will be quite enough for him, while another will take at least half an hour. Gradually, such a need will decrease, but it is also unknown when exactly your baby will refuse to suck at all - perhaps by the year, or maybe a little later.

It is normal to consider the behavior when the baby sends fingers to the mouth before feeding. He is just hungry. But if the children suck a finger in between meals, you should think about it.

Babies that moms breastfeed rarelyreplace it with a cam. Currently, pediatricians recommend feeding at the request of the child, so the sucking reflex of the baby is completely satisfied. With artificial feeding, children suck their finger much more often. It is important to choose the right nipple, which is put on the bottle with the mixture. The hole in it should be such that the kid “produces” the liquid in droplets. First, otherwise the child may choke. Secondly, he will suck the bottle longer. Also in this case, no need to rush to reduce the number of feedings.

When babies suck their fingers, they should be offered.dummy. First, it is more hygienic. Secondly, her sucking is not so much affect the growing teeth of the baby. And the so-called "orthopedic" pacifiers contribute to the formation of a normal bite in an infant.

Very often, children suck their fingers in the period whenthey are teething. The gums are itchy, it really worries the baby, and he pulls everything in his mouth, including the hands. In order for this behavior to become the norm for the child, it is necessary to use special means. To relieve pain and itching medicinal gels "Kalgel" or "Kamistad" will help. You can also offer baby teething toys. Typically, these little things are filled with a special gel that can be cooled, which helps to remove discomfort.

But what if an older child sucksthumb? Why is this happening? As already mentioned, the baby’s need for sucking can fade away at different times. That is why now many people advise not to stop breastfeeding until such time as he himself refuses to do so.

If the baby is over a year old, then sucking for him- This is a kind of sedative. It doesn't matter what it is: a chest, a bottle or a pacifier. The finger becomes a substitute for them. He can send it to his mouth when he is tired or wants to fall asleep.

If your baby sucks a finger, do not stand on itbe angry. Maybe he just bored. Try to make his pastime more interesting and enjoyable. Remember that this habit passes by itself, but not overnight. Although you can take some measures too. For example, wrap a finger. Perhaps, in this form, the baby does not like it.