About us

How I Stopped My Toddler Thumb Sucking

My name is Jo, I am a mother of three daughters. Thumbsie® was created from a real need that presented itself when Isabel, my third daughter, tried to give up thumb sucking.

We took Isabel’s dummy away at the age of 3 and thought that she would be fine and no longer need to suck, just as her sisters had done – but unfortunately she started to thumb suck instead and it became a real habit!

We had considered all the other products out there: nasty tasting nail polish, plasters and even the expensive thumb guards but none of them appealed.

I created a fabric thumb sucking glove  from some fabric that Isabel chose. This was the only thing that worked for Isabel and our lives have all been happier since.

Within three weeks she had managed to stop thumb sucking during the day and two weeks later was ready to go to bed without wearing them. Let’s hope that like Isabel, they help more children.

I felt that if I was having problems finding a kind, positive UK solution than maybe other parents were too so I launched Thumbsie® the only UK website dedicated to helping children to stop thumb and finger sucking in a positive way.

Isabel’s Story

You can read more about Isabel’s thumb sucking habit and find out how you can prevent the problems with thumb sucking on our website! Please take a look at our online shop for fabric thumb guards and finger guards to choose your size and materials.

And if your child has benefited from a Thumbsie®, why not submit your own Thumbsie review?

Thumbsie® gets recognised in National Awards

I was really proud when I was nominated for Families Online Homepreneur of the Year 2016. The online magazine got together with MyHermes to find the UK for the most inspiring homepreneurs; a busy parent AND a business owner.  And I reached the final 7, which was such great news. I really appreciated everyone who voted for me.

In 2017 I entered Thumbsie® into the Best Business Women Awards in two categories – Best Online Business and Best Retail/consumer Business. I am so chuffed to say that I was picked from hundreds of entries throughout the UK to be a finalist in both categories.

Debbie Gilbert, organiser of The Best Business Women Awards said ‘We were delighted with the number of entries this year, which came in from all over the UK. This is a tough competition judged by business experts. To be a finalist is a major achievement. Finalists have been selected for their business acumen, determination, creativity and tenacity. Over 80% of start-ups fail in the first 3 years and all our finalists are all shining examples of being successful entrepreneurs who have proved their success to our judges.’

One mum on Facebook wrote, “You totally deserve it! The difference you made to my daughter’s life, I’ll never forget it. x” and another “WOW well done, your product is amazing” these comments are so lovely to receive and make all the hard work worthwhile.

The gala awards dinner was held on 12th October 2017 at Tewin Bury Farm and I was delighted to receive my certificate for both categories.

In November 2017 Thumbsie Ltd was awarded “Highly Commended” in the 5 Star Business Awards for Best Online Business operating in the Aylesbury Vale.

In 2018 Thumbsie Ltd has reached the finals of the Small Awards which targets the whole UK small business sector. The winners will be announced on 17th May at an exclusive black-tie event in London. We will let you know how we get on.