 Is Remarriage A Step in the Right Direction? Rekindle The Passion While Raising Your Kids Tired of Arguing With Your Kids? David Decides About Thumbsucking |  |
 | ||
|
David Decides About Thumbsucking Differences in Emotional Development Are there differences in emotional development between babies who suck and those who do not? Psychological research with babies six months to a year old suggest that children who suck their thumbs, fingers, or pacifiers actually may develop more self-confidence than those who do not. Nine-month-olds who have sucking habits crawl further from the mother, and seem to need to spend less time in close body contact with her. Mothers of these infants stay in frequent contact with their children, but are able to do so with words and smiles rather than needing to hold them physically. What can I do if my infant seems to want to suck beyond feedings? When infants seek extra sucking, some mothers offer additional time at the breast. Others encourage use of pacifiers. Some babies discover their fingers or their thumbs. Another option, especially for older infants, is a bottle of water at bedtime. The bottle can be sucked instead of thumbs, fingers, or pacifiers with less likelihood of leading to sucking habits. Bedtime bottles should contain only water. Sugar-flavored water, juice, or even milk can cause serious decay in baby teeth because the liquid coats the teeth for the night. Drinking extra fluids in the form of plain water, however, is excellent for babies' health. Should I encourage my infant to suck? If your infant is fussing, first try to check out the cause. It might be hunger, thirst, a wet diaper, a need to burp, a need for rocking to ease into sleep, or some other discomfort that is the source of distress. Once you have figured out why your baby is crying, rather than immediately offering a thumb or pacifier to stop the sounds of distress, you can respond to the specific need. Your baby may need feeding, burping, rocking, the reassurance of being held, or just a period of crying time to release the day's energy and fall off to sleep.
| ||||
 | ||||
