Thumb or dummy?
Choosing between a thumb and a dummy is an important decision for parents. These two sucking methods have different implications for children’s development. While some families prefer the simplicity of a thumb, others opt for a dummy because it allows for parental control. We explain the advantages and disadvantages of each of these options to help you make an informed choice that reflects your child’s needs.
Why is sucking natural and essential?
Non-nutritive sucking is an innate reflex in infants. This reflex is fundamental for a number of reasons: it enables babies to feed themselves efficiently by sucking on the breast or bottle. But sucking is not limited to feeding. It also plays a crucial role in soothing babies and ensuring their well-being.
Babies calm down, fall asleep more easily and feel secure when they suck. This need to suck is particularly intense in the first few months of life, as it helps babies to cope with stress and discomfort. As the child grows, this need diminishes, but the desire to suck may persist, making the choice between thumb and dummy all the more important.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages and disadvantages of thumb-sucking
The thumb is always available to the child, allowing them to satisfy their need to suck at any time, without external help. This accessibility and autonomy can be particularly reassuring for toddlers, especially at times of stress and tiredness. What’s more, the thumb requires no special purchase or maintenance, making it an economical solution for parents.
Despite its apparent benefits, thumb-sucking also has significant disadvantages. The biggest drawback stems directly from its advantage: it’s impossible to lose! This makes the weaning process significantly more complicated.
As your baby grows, the need to suck naturally diminishes, but the urge to suck may remain, making it harder to stop. This prolonged sucking can lead to dental problems, such as jaw deformities or misaligned teeth. It can also affect the shape of the palate, which may require orthodontic treatment in the long term.
The advantages and disadvantages of using a dummy
A dummy offers a number of advantages over a thumb: it allows for stricter parental control, as adults can give it to their child or take it away as they wish. This control makes weaning easier, as it is possible to gradually reduce dummy use. What’s more, modern dummies are designed to minimise dental hazards, with special shapes that respect the natural development of the palate and teeth.
However, the dummy is not without its drawbacks: one of the main risks is addiction. Children can become very attached to their dummy, which can make weaning difficult and emotionally destabilising. A dummy can also interfere with learning to speak if the child uses it excessively, as it prevents them from exploring sounds and words with their mouth. What’s more, prolonged use of the dummy can disrupt sleep, particularly if it falls out frequently during the night.
Thumb or dummy: what do the experts say?
Paediatricians and dentists are divided on the choice between a thumb and a dummy. Some professionals recommend dummies because of the control they offer parents and the orthodontic shapes that they come in. Others point to the simplicity of the thumb and the fact that it requires no purchase.
However, everyone agrees on the importance of limiting sucking after the age of three to avoid problems with teeth and jaw development.
Studies have shown that prolonged sucking, whether of a thumb or a dummy, can lead to dental deformities and problems with tooth alignment. It is therefore crucial to monitor sucking of either a thumb or a dummy and to consult a health professional if any complications arise.
How do you choose between thumb-sucking or a dummy?
The choice between thumb and dummy depends on a number of factors, including the child’s age, family situation and preferences. Here are some considerations to bear in mind:
- Domestic context: some families prefer dummies for the parental control they offer, while others find it more practical to let their children suck their thumbs.
- The child’s preferences: everyone is unique and each child may have a natural preference for a thumb or a dummy. Observing your child and respecting their tastes can help you make the right choice.
- Child’s age: sucking needs vary depending on the child’s age. Infants may have more frequent needs, while older children may be ready to wean.
Finally, you’ll soon notice which your baby prefers. If they can find his thumb easily, that’s perfect! But if you find that your baby cries often and permanent breastfeeding isn’t a solution, try a dummy. They will decide whether they want it or not, but there’s no harm in trying.
It’s also worth noting that just because a baby sucks on a dummy from time to time to soothe themselves, it doesn’t mean they won’t be able to suck on their mother’s breast. This can happen to some babies, but it could also be a sign that the breastfeeding period is coming to an end. In all cases, don’t hesitate to speak to a midwife specialising in breastfeeding, who will be able to advise you. And above all, listen to your baby! Only they know what suits them best.
For some babies, the question doesn’t even arise because they simply need to suck less. They are able to soothe themselves in other ways and have no need for thumbs or dummies… which settles the issue of weaning.
Finally, whether it’s a dummy or a thumb, the objective is the same: it’s best to stop sucking before the age of three. If you feel it’s time for your child to stop using a dummy, it’s essential to discuss it with them. Don’t suddenly take the dummy away from them without any explanation. Explain to them that it’s not what children of their age do, that they’re growing up, and that even though it will be difficult at first, you believe in them and they’ll get through it without a hitch!
You can also use the Clipp weaning dummy to help you get through this stage gently! Take a look at our store!
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