Thumb or Pacifier?

from Minnesota Extension Service University of Minnesota

Babies need to suck, and sometimes feeding isn't enough to meet their sucking needs. Extra sucking on a finger, thumb, fist or pacifier can help a baby calm down when she is upset.

Finger sucking is natural. Some babies suck their thumbs even before they are born. Most children will stop sucking their thumb by themselves by the time they are five years old if no one draws too much attention to it.

Pacifiers can also calm babies. Babies may prefer a pacifier with a nipple just like a bottle. One-piece pacifiers are safer. NEVER tie a pacifier around a baby's neck.

Don't overuse the pacifier. Try other ways to comfort him first, like holding, rocking or singing.

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