Finger Sucking

Finger sucking and thumb sucking can effect children’s teeth and palate. Read more about what three dental experts have to say about prolonged digit sucking why they recommend Thumbsies® thumb and finger guards.

Many babies and children suck on their fingers during the first few years of their lives. Digit sucking can provide them a sense of security and happiness; it can be a source of a comfort to them. Some kids suck their fingers, hands, or their entire fists in addition to, or instead of their thumbs.

Archie 4 wearing Finger gloves

Finger sucking is a completely natural instinct and generally harmless for a child. According to medical reports most children will stop sucking their fingers naturally. However if not stopped it can cause harm to the teeth. Persistent and aggressive finger sucking can cause problems, including dental issues (such as an overbite and cross bite), speech problems, misshapen and narrowing of the palate and finger infections.

Thumbsie® is not just for thumbs it can help finger suckers too. Jo Bates, founder of Thumbsie® had found that finger and thumb sucking is quite an emotive subject amongst parents and everyone has their own personal view. You must do what you think is right for your child. If you have been advised by your dentist or orthodontist that this habit is harming your child’s teeth then may be its time to get a Thumbsie® fabric finger guard to help them stop.

What can I do to encourage my child to stop finger sucking?

1. Use positive reinforcement –  Encourage your child with positive feedback to stop finger-sucking. Praise your child or offer small rewards, like an extra bedtime story or a trip to the park, when they avoid finger-sucking. Set achievable goals, such as no finger-sucking an hour before bed. You can also use stickers to mark successful days on a calendar.
2. Identify triggers – Figure out what prompts your child to suck their fingers. If stress is a trigger, find ways to comfort your child with a hug, kind words, or a stuffed animal to squeeze instead.
3. Offer gentle reminders – Use positive reinforcement with your child to stop finger-sucking. If your child does it unconsciously, remind them to stop without scolding or criticising them. You can also try distracting your child with a toy or activity to keep their hands busy.

Remember that every child is unique and may respond differently to different strategies. Be patient and consistent, and consult your child’s healthcare provider if you are concerned with the effects their finger sucking has and persists beyond age 4 or 5. Your child can successfully kick the finger sucking habit with your support and guidance!

Why Choose Thumbsie® Finger Guards

Finger guards fit over two fingers, either the middle and index fingers or the middle and ring finger. It is designed to remind the child not to suck their fingers, and for best results should be worn day and night. All guards are made from cotton or polycotton so are easily washable by hand or in the washing machine at a low temperature, and they are secured around the wrist by an adjustable Velcro® strap. We offer a wide range of different fabric prints and colours, so we hope that you are able to find the right one to suit your little finger sucker.

Our fabric finger guards are suitable for children aged between 3 – 14 who need extra support to help them to stop finger sucking. The fabric finger guards come in five different sizes, so make sure you take a look at our measuring guide before ordering to ensure you get the right fit.

Dinosaur Thumbsie® Finger Guard

£11.25

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How Many should you buy?

We recommend that you purchase three guards per hand that they suck, to ensure that you always have a clean one available to wear.

What is a Finger Sucking Bundle?

We have some great discounted Stop Finger Sucking Bundles for you where you can choose your own fabrics and we offer free UK delivery on these bundles. Our bundles can include:

• 3 or 6 fabric finger guards of your chose in any size
• A cotton bag
• Reward Chart
• Thumbsie up for Ted’s Thumbsie Book

Customer Success Stories

Fantastic product! My (almost) 7 year old had sucked his fingers since he was a baby. I ordered the pack with book, reward chart and finger guards. He really embraced wanting to stop his habit and after 5 weeks, he’s no longer sucking his fingers at all. Kelly Evans on Google

My daughter has sucked her index and middle fingers since she was born and I had no idea how to break the habit. We purchased both a Thumbsie and the book, and began reading the story most days. Before long my daughter was asking me if she could wear her Thumbsie. Even now she has given up she still occasionally asks to wear it. Thank you Thumbsie! Sarah Phillips on Google.

My 6 year old daughter sucked two fingers from about three weeks old. Her dentist told her she must stop! We ordered a set of three Thumsies (for fingers) in March and initially used them in the day time at times when the fingers would go in. They were lovely quality and the pretty fabric meant my daughter liked to choose which one to put on. After a couple of weeks using the Thumsies and the star chart she broke the day time habit. Night time was definitely harder and there were a few nights when the Thumsie had to come off. It got easier and after 6 weeks or so the Thumsie was really just there as a reminder. It’s now July and we are Thumsie and finger-sucking free! A great result! Claire Thompson on Google.

If you need your questions answered as to whether fabric guards work for the prevention of finger sucking you can read more on our FAQ page or our recent blog on success stories from Thumbsie .