Thumb, Finger, Pacifier Habit

After age 12 months, these habits can start to change the way the smile grows, but with positive reinforcement, most children can stop at home.  

At-home treatment options

1) Trim-back method for pacifiers: To begin, poke a hole at the tip of the pacifier so the suction feels slightly different.  Gradually enlarge the hole at the tip, day by day (or every couple days), until you need to actually trim it to keep making progress shortening the pacifier. Make sure you’ve gathered all the paci’s and do them all to the same length.  Please stay strong if the child notices it’s different.  At some point, the child will no longer find the paci satisfying and will give it up on their own. 

Note: please use high quality pacifiers (ex: Nuk) for this method so that the pacifier does not break into pieces.  Also if a child starts sucking their finger (not just feeling their mouth) after giving up the paci, give them a full paci back. It’s easier to do this method again in the future than to stop a finger habit. 

2) Athletic tape method: Put tape on your child’s finger, or thumb (whichever they favor to suck on) to help them understand it is time to give up this habit. The tape is moisture resistant and becomes a texture reminder that they want to stop.  This works especially well with the reward calendar (see below).

3) Reward calendar: When a child is old enough to understand, use a calendar and reward the child with a sticker for each day they don’t use the pacifier or suck their finger.  After a week of not doing the habit, reward the child with a small prize.  After a month of not doing the habit, reward the child with a special prize they’ve been wanting or a special outing with you!

Note: do not try to stop a habit during a stressful time for a child.  If your child is trying but not successful initially, stay positive and praise them for trying. Consider pausing trying for a bit and starting again next month or so.