Pacifiers, Thumb and Finger Habits

When a baby is born, they have a strong intuitive reflex to breastfeed and/or feed from a bottle. This sucking reflex is natural. Even when not feeding, babies (and parents) quickly discover that pacifiers, thumbs, or fingers are also very soothing. They mimic the sucking pattern of nursing and bottle feeling, hence are familiar and instinctive. They are a common and normal part of infancy.

As a baby grows in toddlerhood, we are often asked when to phase a child off their pacifier and when to worry about digit habits. The main factor is the habit’s effect on your child’s oral growth and development. Though genetics are a major factor, prolonged habits can lead to orthodontic problems: These include narrowing of their palate and an anterior open bite.

When stopped by the right time, these issues may self-correct and normal growth can continue. The longer a habit persists, the more likely orthodontic treatment will be needed in the future. When the permanent teeth start to erupt (usually around age 6), they can be affected too.

Generally speaking, pacifiers are much easier to manage than thumb and finger habits. When the time is right, your child can be weaned off within a couple of weeks and your child’s yearning for the pacifier fades. However, it is much harder to stop a thumb habit.