Before we become parents, we all have a picture in our heads of what that will look like. Admit it: you went into this whole parenting thing with a few ideas about what you would and would not allow, long before you ever first peered into your baby’s eyes. On that list, perhaps you had it in your head that your baby would never use a pacifier or suck his or her thumb. Your baby wasn’t going to rely on a clutch.

Isn’t it funny how our pre-conceived ideas about parenthood tend to get thrown out the window once we’re actually in the midst of parenthood?

Okay, so maybe you didn’t care all that much about thumb sucking or pacifier use to begin with. Maybe neither was on your list of things to worry about. Or maybe you were just a little bit smug because your baby never seemed to show much interest in either. But now, your little one has found his or her thumb, and you are wondering when (or if) you should be concerned.

For now, rest assured, thumb sucking can be a completely normal habit for little ones, and it can even have some positive applications. After all, anytime a child gains the ability to self-soothe, it’s a good thing.

The thing about thumbs is, they are always there. So a child who self-soothes by sucking his or her thumb is a little one who won’t be calling out for you in the middle of the night to find a dropped toy or pacifier. Their thumb is always accessible to them. No matter what. Which makes thumb-sucking a really great way to calm themselves down or soothe themselves back to sleep.

Of course, the big concerns with thumb sucking are that it can push new teeth out and can eventually be seen as socially unacceptable. But the truth is, right now, neither should be a concern of yours. Before age 2 (and realistically, before age 4 in most cases) thumb sucking won’t likely cause any long-term damage to your child’s mouth. And no one is going to judge a baby for self-soothing with their own little thumb.

Most children stop thumb sucking on their own by age four, which is about the age when long-term damage can occur. And for those who don’t, there are various solutions you can employ to help them give up their thumb sucking habit. So for now, while your baby is still under the age of 1 especially, there is very little reason to try to curb this behavior. Which is good, because it can be difficult to keep that little thumb from finding its way to your baby’s mouth!

Written by Leah Campbell, infertility advocate, adoptive mama, writer and editor. Find me @sifinalaska on Twitter.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general informational basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

When it comes to baby care, you might get a lot of conflicting information. For example, you may have heard both sides of the pacifier debate. Keep in mind, like many things in life, there are pros and cons to using a binky.

You probably know babies have a natural need to suck and a pacifier may soothe your little one in-between feedings. If your baby is still fussy after nursing, burping and cuddling, a pacifier may help him settle down.

The same thing does for thumb sucking. Similar to a pacifier, thumb sucking can comfort your baby. Some parents prefer to substitute a pacifier for thumb sucking since it gives them a little more control. For example, with a pacifier, you can take it away when you’re trying to wean your child from using one. If your baby sucks his thumb, it’s always right there, which gives you less control when you are trying to break your little one of the habit.

One benefit of using a pacifier is the possible decreased risk of SIDS. The exact reason pacifier use appears to reduce SIDS is not clear. But since studies do show a link between pacifier use and decreased rates of SIDS, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends babies use a binky through the first year of life when they are sleeping. Keep in mind, if your baby does not want to take a pacifier, don’t force the issue.

Cons of Using a Pacifier

Research is mixed on whether introducing a pacifier too early interferes with breastfeeding. But it makes sense to wait until your baby gets the hang of nursing and you have good milk flow before using a pacifier.

Another possible negative to using a pacifier is your baby could become dependent on one. If your baby’s binky falls out at 2 a.m., it may mean you’re running into her room to put it back.

If you are concerned thumb sucking or using a pacifier may damage permanent teeth, talk to your pediatrician to make sure it won’t interfere with dental health. In most cases, if you break your baby of the binky habit by about age two, you probably don’t have anything to worry about.

Some studies also indicate pacifier use may increase the risk of middle ear infections. The risk of infections is lower in young infants. So giving your baby a binky until he is about six months old and then weaning him may be an option.

Pacifier Use Tips

If you do decide to use a binky, moderation is key. It may be best to avoid giving the pacifier after every whimper. Your baby can become overly dependent on it and you may have a battle on your hands when it comes time to give up the binky.

Also, never tie a pacifier around your baby’s neck with a ribbon or string. The string can become wrapped around her neck.

Don’t substitute a pacifier for parent provided comfort. Of course, there will be times when you need a few minutes before you can tend to your baby, such as when you’re driving or need to use the bathroom. Using a binky to buy a few minutes in those instances can be helpful.

Written by MaryAnn DePietro @ writerlady34

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.