OHbaby! Forums : thumb sucking vs dummy https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/ Copyright (c) 2006-2013 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 06:31:19 +0000 Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:59:37 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 11.10 360 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=41750 <![CDATA[OHbaby! Forums]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/ <![CDATA[thumb sucking vs dummy : havnt read all the comments but...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41750&PID=5789958&title=thumb-sucking-vs-dummy#5789958 Author: Candkids
Subject: 41750
Posted: 26 March 2012 at 11:59am

havnt read all the comments but havning worked for a dentist for 8 yrs, dummys are alot better, they dont cause alot of damage to teeth and teeth can be fixed alot more easily than thumbs can, and also thumbs cause alot more damage to teeth than dummies.

most bad crooked teeth & space issues are actually caused by children breathing through there mouth during there sleep & genetics, during your sleep the tongue presses on the roof of your mouth which the pressure causes the pallate to expand and grow to make room for teeth etc, with mouth breathing the pressure isnt there so your children will be more likley to have space issues as they get older

both my 2 had dummies until they were about 18mths old]]> Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:59:37 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41750&PID=5789958&title=thumb-sucking-vs-dummy#5789958 <![CDATA[thumb sucking vs dummy : pumpkino - my parents never thought...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41750&PID=5788907&title=thumb-sucking-vs-dummy#5788907 Author: lisame
Subject: 41750
Posted: 21 March 2012 at 2:47pm

pumpkino - my parents never thought of sellotaping my thumb to my hand! I probably would have pulled it off in my sleep anyway. I had a plate for a while that was supposedly designed to stop me - but I'd just pull that out in my sleep and it would end up under my bed somewhere. ]]> Wed, 21 Mar 2012 14:47:20 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41750&PID=5788907&title=thumb-sucking-vs-dummy#5788907 <![CDATA[thumb sucking vs dummy : I think if your baby already sucks...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41750&PID=5788905&title=thumb-sucking-vs-dummy#5788905 Author: lisame
Subject: 41750
Posted: 21 March 2012 at 2:42pm

I think if your baby already sucks his thumb, you're going to struggle to get him to accept a dummy instead and chances are he will still suck his thumb if you try to restrict the dummy to bedtimes only.

I have to say that while thumb sucking doesn't always lead to bad teeth, and bad teeth aren't always a result of thumb sucking by any means, thumb sucking can lead to big teeth problems if it continues past when adult teeth come in. I am living proof of this having had to have braces twice as a kid and still sucked my thumb well into my teens.

My preference would be a dummy as you can take it off them; our little girl still has one when she goes to bed (at 18 mths) and she never wakes up wanting it back in. But on the other hand, if she does wake up for some other reason, giving her a dummy helps her to go back to sleep very quickly. So I'm a big fan, considering that and the trouble that I had with my thumb.

Having had a reason to read some research on this recently, a very high proportion of kids stop sucking their thumbs/fingers/dummies naturally by around 4 yrs - like 90-95%.

HTH. ]]> Wed, 21 Mar 2012 14:42:19 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41750&PID=5788905&title=thumb-sucking-vs-dummy#5788905 <![CDATA[thumb sucking vs dummy : DS had a dummy, it hasn&#039;t...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41750&PID=5788897&title=thumb-sucking-vs-dummy#5788897 Author: HuMum
Subject: 41750
Posted: 21 March 2012 at 2:02pm

DS had a dummy, it hasn't effected his ability to talk in anyway... He has talked nonstop since he was 1. We didn't get rid of the dummy till he was about 2.

DD wont have a bar of a dummy no matter how much I try. (it was useful with DS when we went on the plane!) she sucks her fingers though as soon as shes ready to sleep, from the moment she could work out how to put them in her mouth.

DS was a lousy sleeper, DD is awesome at it, so I'm just happy to roll with the finger sucking. ]]> Wed, 21 Mar 2012 14:02:17 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41750&PID=5788897&title=thumb-sucking-vs-dummy#5788897 <![CDATA[thumb sucking vs dummy : Thank you for all your feedback....]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41750&PID=5788844&title=thumb-sucking-vs-dummy#5788844 Author: Jax-Yogini
Subject: 41750
Posted: 21 March 2012 at 9:45am

Thank you for all your feedback. There are definitely pros and cons to both thumb sucking and dummy use. Our son sucks is thumb during playtime too, if not using his hands to play with objects; and given I don't want to use a dummy during playtime - wonder if getting it for nap time only will be a waste of time. If it falls out and he wakes he'll probably just stick his thumb back in anyway! LOL.There's an article on Ohbaby website that talks about weaning baby off dummy around 4 months if you don't want it become an established habit - I'm thinking - crumbs!]]> Wed, 21 Mar 2012 09:45:34 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41750&PID=5788844&title=thumb-sucking-vs-dummy#5788844 <![CDATA[thumb sucking vs dummy : nms197 - good point, I used to...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41750&PID=5788798&title=thumb-sucking-vs-dummy#5788798 Author: Casablanca
Subject: 41750
Posted: 20 March 2012 at 9:34pm

nms197 - good point, I used to get frustrated that DS would wake up every time the dummy fell out of his mouth when he was asleep. Since he started sucking his fingers he self soothes and I don't have to worry about it any more!]]> Tue, 20 Mar 2012 21:34:02 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41750&PID=5788798&title=thumb-sucking-vs-dummy#5788798 <![CDATA[thumb sucking vs dummy : Personally I would prefer thumb...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41750&PID=5788780&title=thumb-sucking-vs-dummy#5788780 Author: High9
Subject: 41750
Posted: 20 March 2012 at 8:31pm

Personally I would prefer thumb sucking. A few of our friends who use dummies tend to want the dummy in as soon as it falls out and then complain that their kids aren't talking. I guess it's personal preference but maybe limit how much if they do have a dummy so they get an opportunity to talk. ]]> Tue, 20 Mar 2012 20:31:53 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41750&PID=5788780&title=thumb-sucking-vs-dummy#5788780 <![CDATA[thumb sucking vs dummy : I sucked my thumb and didnt have...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41750&PID=5788711&title=thumb-sucking-vs-dummy#5788711 Author: nms197
Subject: 41750
Posted: 20 March 2012 at 3:31pm

I sucked my thumb and didnt have any dental issues from it. Having the ability to self soothe is not a bad thing, and they'll eventually stop, you can try swapping to a dummy but I'd be thankful you dont have to use one
my 2 yr old only used a dummy for a few months around 4 - 9mths old to get her to sleep, she eventually stopped on her own accord, but now I use one for the occasional sleep for my 5mths old, and now our 2yr old wants one.......]]> Tue, 20 Mar 2012 15:31:32 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41750&PID=5788711&title=thumb-sucking-vs-dummy#5788711 <![CDATA[thumb sucking vs dummy : Oh I forgot to say my friend at...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41750&PID=5788619&title=thumb-sucking-vs-dummy#5788619 Author: LateStarterLorna
Subject: 41750
Posted: 20 March 2012 at 9:28am

Oh I forgot to say my friend at 25 is still sucking her thumb!!!! her front teeth do stick out a little but so do 2 of her sisters and they werent suckers, thats the family look I guess ]]> Tue, 20 Mar 2012 09:28:50 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41750&PID=5788619&title=thumb-sucking-vs-dummy#5788619 <![CDATA[thumb sucking vs dummy : we have always ha a dummy with...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41750&PID=5788612&title=thumb-sucking-vs-dummy#5788612 Author: k1wimum
Subject: 41750
Posted: 20 March 2012 at 8:53am

we have always ha a dummy with both boys our eldest got rid of his at 2 1/2 and our youngest at 1 definately easier to get rid of dummy and when they start getting adventurous you dont have to worry so much about yucky thumbs going in their mouths ]]> Tue, 20 Mar 2012 08:53:33 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41750&PID=5788612&title=thumb-sucking-vs-dummy#5788612 <![CDATA[thumb sucking vs dummy : Dh and I have always been against...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41750&PID=5788571&title=thumb-sucking-vs-dummy#5788571 Author: kiwigal
Subject: 41750
Posted: 19 March 2012 at 10:02pm

Dh and I have always been against thumb sucking . DS had a dummy to he was over a year old and DD is 3.5 and only has a dummy at night it will be something we will slowly get rid off.

]]> Mon, 19 Mar 2012 22:02:58 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41750&PID=5788571&title=thumb-sucking-vs-dummy#5788571 <![CDATA[thumb sucking vs dummy : I&#039;m also one that sucked...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41750&PID=5788561&title=thumb-sucking-vs-dummy#5788561 Author: AandCsmum
Subject: 41750
Posted: 19 March 2012 at 9:37pm

I'm also one that sucked my finger til a later age, luckily no teeth problems but I figured a dummy was an easier thing to get rid of than a thumb.
]]> Mon, 19 Mar 2012 21:37:06 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41750&PID=5788561&title=thumb-sucking-vs-dummy#5788561 <![CDATA[thumb sucking vs dummy : I sucked my thumb till I was 12...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41750&PID=5788550&title=thumb-sucking-vs-dummy#5788550 Author: pumpkino
Subject: 41750
Posted: 19 March 2012 at 9:12pm

I sucked my thumb till I was 12 and it was a really difficult habit to break - I could restrain myself during the day but would always end up sucking it in my sleep. In the end I had to sellotape my thumb to the rest of my hand every night when I went to bed for ages. I'm very lucky that I lost my baby teeth really late and my grown up ones just grew in relatively straight so I didn't need braces or anything.

So my kids both have/had dummies!]]> Mon, 19 Mar 2012 21:12:20 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41750&PID=5788550&title=thumb-sucking-vs-dummy#5788550 <![CDATA[thumb sucking vs dummy : I would wonder if you swopped...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41750&PID=5788548&title=thumb-sucking-vs-dummy#5788548 Author: LateStarterLorna
Subject: 41750
Posted: 19 March 2012 at 9:08pm

I would wonder if you swopped to dummy then took it away later that he might just go back to sucking his thumb anyway? But I guess if that happened it was worth a try to start with

Sorry not much help from me, Im forever promising myself I'll get rid of the dummy but havent yet plucked up the courage ]]> Mon, 19 Mar 2012 21:08:01 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41750&PID=5788548&title=thumb-sucking-vs-dummy#5788548 <![CDATA[thumb sucking vs dummy : I&#039;ve taught teenagers who...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41750&PID=5788512&title=thumb-sucking-vs-dummy#5788512 Author: kandk
Subject: 41750
Posted: 19 March 2012 at 7:57pm

I've taught teenagers who still suck their thumbs - and I don't recall any teeth issues amongst them? So it may not be a problem.]]> Mon, 19 Mar 2012 19:57:21 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41750&PID=5788512&title=thumb-sucking-vs-dummy#5788512 <![CDATA[thumb sucking vs dummy : I used a dummy with DS which he...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41750&PID=5788487&title=thumb-sucking-vs-dummy#5788487 Author: Casablanca
Subject: 41750
Posted: 19 March 2012 at 6:49pm

I used a dummy with DS which he loved, but then at about 4 months he started sucking his fingers and refused the dummy. He still sucks his fingers all the time now, no idea how we will stop that! I would also prefer to use a dummy as they must be a lot easier to get rid of, but unfortunately DS won't have a bar of it - think we are stuck with finger sucking ]]> Mon, 19 Mar 2012 18:49:19 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41750&PID=5788487&title=thumb-sucking-vs-dummy#5788487 <![CDATA[thumb sucking vs dummy : DD1 used a dummy which she gave...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41750&PID=5788462&title=thumb-sucking-vs-dummy#5788462 Author: catisla
Subject: 41750
Posted: 19 March 2012 at 5:22pm

DD1 used a dummy which she gave up of her own accord at about 5 months old. Looking back though, she immediately used bottles instead as a comforter. It got to the stage that she was still on bottles at 2 1/2. I went cold turkey with them and got her off them within a week (bottle fairy worked a treat). It was a few days of a very upset girl but it was quickly over.

DD2 is now 11 months and still going strong on her dummy. In no hurry yet to get rid of it - will do the dummy fairy technique if/when the time comes.

I was a thumb sucker right up to the age of 9 or 10 . It ruined my teeth - back in those days there was nothing they could do orthadonitcally to sort them. They evened out a bit as i grew into adulthood but they will never be perfectly straight.

So I had no qualms about using dummies - as you say - much easier to get rid of when the time comes! ]]> Mon, 19 Mar 2012 17:22:38 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41750&PID=5788462&title=thumb-sucking-vs-dummy#5788462 <![CDATA[thumb sucking vs dummy : Our four month old is a frequent...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41750&PID=5788439&title=thumb-sucking-vs-dummy#5788439 Author: Jax-Yogini
Subject: 41750
Posted: 19 March 2012 at 4:05pm

Our four month old is a frequent thumbsucker - whether during play time or when tired and wanting to sleep. We are wondering whether we should move him to a dummy to avoid callused thumbs and teeth issues later on. (And a dummy can be given to the dummy fairy later on). Interested in your thoughts and experience.]]> Mon, 19 Mar 2012 16:05:08 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41750&PID=5788439&title=thumb-sucking-vs-dummy#5788439