Babies start sucking their thumbs before birth—it’s a natural reflex that helps with feeding andsoothing. Pacifiers and thumb sucking are normal early on, but timing matters for healthy teethand jaws.
Pacifiers: Helpful but Temporary
Pacifiers can comfort babies and may even reduce SIDS risk during sleep. If breastfeeding, waituntil feeding is well established (about 3–4 weeks) before introducing one.The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD)—the nation’s leading authority onchildren’s oral health—recommends starting to wean around age 2 and stopping by 3 to preventproblems like open bites, crooked teeth, or changes in jaw growth.
Thumb Sucking: Natural but Watch the Timing
Most children stop thumb sucking between ages 2–4. If thehabit continues past 4—especially if it’s frequent or forceful—it can affecthow the teeth and jaws develop. Pacifiers are usually easier to phase out sinceparents can remove them, while thumbs are always there.
As babies grow, especially around 6 months when solids begin, chewing takes on a bigger role.Baby-led weaning, teething toys, and oral development tools like the Myomuncheehelp strengthen the jaw, improve tongue coordination, and encourage healthyswallowing—skills that naturally move children away from sucking habits.
When habits linger well beyond what’s expected, they cansometimes be a sign of oral motordysfunction. In those cases, it’s important to have your child evaluated byan orofacial myofunctional therapist (OMT). Some of our trusted colleaguesinclude Well Beyond Pediatric Therapy,OMT of York, and Berks MyoSpot.
Helping Kids Let Go
- Aim for: pacifier gone by age 3; thumbsucking by age 4.
- Stay positive: lots of praise for smallsteps.
- Notice patterns: if sucking happenswhen a child is tired or anxious, offer comfort in other ways like extrasnuggles or quiet time.
Safety First
- Replaceworn pacifiers and keep them clean.
- Neverdip them in sweeteners or tie them around the neck.
Every Child Is Different
Some let go quickly, others take longer—and that’s okay.What matters most is patience, positivity, and supporting natural oraldevelopment.
We’re always here to help guide your family and connect youwith the right resources if extra support is needed.
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