What to know about thumbs and pacifiers

Your baby started sucking his thumb in the womb, even before he or she needed to know how to suck to get food. Once babies are born, they use that skill to drink breast milk or formula. Yet many babies also suck on their fingers or a pacifier. Here's what to know.

Thumb-sucking

In general, thumb-sucking isn't something to worry about. It's not a sign of emotional problems, and it does help some babies sleep. It won't make your child talk later, and it won't hurt her mouth or teeth if it stops by age 4 or 5. Most children give it up on their own long before that.

Pacifiers

Unlike thumb- or finger-sucking, which is your baby's choice, introducing a pacifier is your choice. Pacifiers do have some advantages: they can offer comfort and may help some babies sleep. On the other hand, babies who sleep with them might wake up if they lose it.

If you use a pacifier for your baby, make sure it is all one piece so it can't become a choking hazard. Never clip a pacifier to your baby's clothing, crib, playpen or stroller. Babies can be strangled by the cord.

Like thumb-sucking, a pacifier should not harm your baby's mouth or teeth if you stop using it before age 4 or 5.