Resist The Urge To Do This With Your Baby

[@EmmaHubbard]

Let me know if you've ever found yourself doing this! Also, don't forget to get your free 0 - 12 months old developmental milestone chart here: brightestbeginning.com/12monthmilestones/?lead_source=youtube_194

[@Celeste-vp9nj]

My my toddler (16mths) pinches her neck to self soothe. She has been doing this since she was little. At the start she would pinch whoever was holding her, but she stopped when I tried to redirect her to pinching her fluffy toy and now she just pinched herself when she is feeling tired. Should I stop her from doing this? Is there a risk that she won’t stop naturally?

[@domovoi_0]

Great video. One thing though, why would I be loading my baby with microplastics with a pacifier? Love and blessings!

[@oeeveemkittygfreak]

As someone who works in childcare, i care assure you that the kids who put EVERYTHING in their mouths, are the ones who get sick the least.

[@mangot589]

Agree. Let them, and let them pet the dog and cat. Give them a little peanut butter. Let them be on the grass. They need to have exposure to germs. I was raised in the 60’s. I raised my kids from the 80’s until 2016. 🙈 we never ever worried about all this stuff. None of my kids had life threatening allergies. I never met one kid that I knew of that had a peanut allergy. Maybe one did, but we all ate PB&J at lunch. We didn’t close the school down. Germs? For your babies? Sure, but only if their playmate was full of snot or had spots. They’re going to need orthodontics anyway lol, according to, well orthodontists🤷‍♀️. Now my youngest did need them. This top teeth were under his bottom ones. So… most of it is seriously for looks. Imo, all this is making allergies worse.

[@thefryinator7774]

​@@mangot589 I'm 32, raising an 18mo now and she's often with a different sitter every week. She's always around new people and while she doesn't put everything in her mouth so much anymore, as long as it was big enough to not fit her mouth or small enough, edible and we were paying attention, we let her put whatever she wanted in her mouth. I don't think we'll have to worry about allergies, I told sitters early on to let her eat whatever they eat within reason and we weren't worried about food allergies because we'd never had angle in our families that had them.

[@peterfeatherbone6268]

A friend asked me to ask my boss, an allergy and immunology professor, why more kids are sick nowadays and he replied "people are too clean".

[@Cartwrighter24]

It's so true. My son has a development delay and he wasn't a typical baby. He never liked anything in his mouth; no fingers, pacifiers, teethers, etc. He also doesn't like grass or dirt. He now has allergies and asthma and he's constantly getting sick through the school year. My 2 year old has no delay, used to love pacifiers and chewing on toys and she loves dead leaves and being out in the grass. So far, no allergies or asthma and when she gets sick, she recovers much faster.

[@alienafrost9470]

Now I know why I was never sick as a baby (and my kid too!!)

[@mael2039]

I think it's lovely that you kept saying "This is a valid concern" when addressing the other mum. I know that many people have these concerns, and there are many conflicting information out there on the internet. As a parent it's natural to want to do everything right. It can be very stressful to navigate.

[@dagmar9019]

I’m a hygienist and I’ve seen issues when kids aggressively suck their thumb and do it most of the day. Never saw an issue for a kid who sucked their fingers. It doesn’t create the same suction.

[@gypsygem9395]

I sucked my thumb until I was over 7 years old, I had no issues with my teeth whatsoever. Same goes for my children

[@stephs3098]

My second baby sucks his first two fingers and his thumb. It makes such an odd sound 😂 very audible from the other room

[@m.s.r.1795]

My husbands cousin still sucks her thumb and she’s nearly 40. Married with kids and everything. So yeah, that definitely made me afraid of letting my kids do it.

[@Trammiliin_nr2]

I was sucking my first two fingers until going to school and I have pretty good teeth. Now I think I did it that long because it turned out I have ADHD and it was replacing other fidgeting. I still chew stuff like pencils and hoodie strings to fidget and I'm 40. :D

[@butterflyforeve]

My daughter needed 9 hrs of oral surgery to fix her teeth. I let her suck her thumb for way longer than I should but she only sucked it when she was holding her favorite comfort bear. I did this because she has some special needs. When I finally took it away she was ok with it.

[@pipersisk3966]

We got really excited when our little one found her hands. Then a few weeks later she found her feet and now she mouths her toes all the time too.

[@30251]

I'm jealous of the flexibility! Hahaha

[@EmmaHubbard]

😂

[@pipersisk3966]

@@EmmaHubbard I don’t know if it’s something you’d recommend but she was getting really close to finding her feet when I tied helium balloons to her ankles. (supervised of course) From the moment the balloons came off she seemed to know exactly where her feet are ever since and they’re literally her favorite toy right now.

[@vell5052]

Yes it’s apart of their development

[@Flipper86]

@@pipersisk3966Just did this recently with my friend’s baby. He loves to kick his feet anyway, so he loved it.

[@Lucy-nx7bx]

Thank you so much for this. I've been so stressed out about my baby's finger sucking and I keep getting berated over it by every person I ever come across

[@EmmaHubbard]

No worries at all. Hopefully, you feel a little more at ease with it!

[@MV-qh4sr]

You are doing great.

[@gerryveenendaal796]

I think it matters where you live, i live in the Netherlands and i have three children and have never received this kind of comment. Here everyone ( or at least most of them?) Apparently thinks it's quite normal for babies to suck on their fingers

[@griffinmathers929]

That is so inappropriate. My Grandmother was this beautiful, always dressed to the nines lady, so when she would look at someone who was being obnoxious, and stated "MYOB" ? People always then chose to indeed Mind (their) Own Business! 😂😂. She also never yelled or told us to stop being naughty or bratty. She looked at the misbehaving kid and said "I wish you wouldn't do that". Disappointing her was awful, so it always worked.

[@xletragedyx]

My oldest sucked her fingers, but never sucked her thumb. She's 4 and her teeth and perfect for now, too

[@savannahjones299]

I also don't think we should be so paranoid until like you said at a concerning age. It'll be okay.

[@JudyWangariM]

This is very timely! Thank you for sharing. That explains why kids born in the streets rarely get sick despite all the dirt they are exposed to.

[@crystalo3550]

I had a neighbor who's kids were always filthy I mean filthy barefoot fingers in their mouth all the time they had lice I was a little girl at the time but they never were sick

[@britneywendel3305]

Timely for me too…I’m wondering if KZbin heard me telling others my four day old sucks on his fingers lots! I was already feeling it was a good habit because he’s my fourth kid and I may not always get to him as fast as he wants when he’s hungry so if he self-soothes for a minute that would be great! But I’m happy to know more benefits, as well as have my explanation ready for those questions at the park 😂

[@RubenLopez-vi8ng]

As a father to a two month old your videos are invaluable. Thank you so much Emma.

[@EmmaHubbard]

Glad you like them!

[@roystondsouza658]

We’re having all these conversations related to our 4-month old! Amazing

[@tgrady2570]

Us too!

[@griffinmathers929]

Probably because it's not amazing. It's normal.

[@roystondsouza658]

@@griffinmathers929not to others maybe, but everything related to my baby is amazing to me 😊

[@roystondsouza658]

@@griffinmathers929everything related to my baby is amazing to me 😊

[@teej.johnno]

Haha imagine going to the park and questioning “the” Emma Hubbard! ❤😂

[@EmmaHubbard]

That’s so sweet ❤️

[@israelcruz4946]

yikes. The audacity, I would simply moonwalk myself out of the park and pretend it never happened.

[@ernavill3261]

​@@israelcruz4946 yes, that is the far less embarrassing option 😂

[@macbranda]

😂

[@carau7237]

​@@israelcruz4946😂😂

[@LuciaBalsaPrados]

This has been very reassuring. I needed 10 years of dental treatment due to prolonged thumb sucking. My parents couldn't find a way to help me stop the habit until 6 years old and I had been worried that my baby was going down the same path. It's good to know that sucking on their hands at this stage is natural.

[@julianw2600]

I stopped sucking my thumb at age 11. I've never had any teeth problems at all.

[@nofilterbtxh5000]

Didn’t your parents know about the existence of spicy pepper?totally irresponsible

[@Tigertame4]

I sucked my thumb into my teens. My teeth were better than my oldest brother who never sucked thumb or pacifier. Neither of my kids sucked anything and BOTH had TONS of orthodontic work. It is genetic.

[@israelcruz4946]

Emma, new father to premie ( 2 months early), he’s just now reached 42 week gestation. Fan of your content and yourself. Keep up the good work.

[@EmmaHubbard]

Thanks so much! Also a huge congratulations on the arrival of your little one!

[@mungbean345]

Congratulations! Cheering you on in fatherhood, and wishing you some periods of restful sleep in there, too. :)🎉

[@israelcruz4946]

Mung bean & Emma : ​​⁠thank you all for the warm well wishes. I’ll say the most interesting parts is milestone markers with 33 week premie vs regular 2 month old. Needless to say he was born May 18 @ 3.12 and as of today he weights 10 pounds. Mommas milk must be incredible. Thank you

[@mungbean345]

@@israelcruz4946 High fives to Momma! 💪 Best wishes to all of you.

[@melmarinsaenz]

⁠​⁠congratulations! 33weeker mommy here! My baby is 9.5 months and doing great! ❤ Emma’s videos are really helpful

[@anthfer87]

Hi Emma, father of a 2yr boy with a little girl on the way and I'm a huge fan of your videos. Thanks so much for your work 😊

[@EmmaHubbard]

Thanks so much! Also I hope your little girl arrives safely. I bet her brother is excited!

[@griffinmathers929]

It is endlessly vexing to me that complete strangers feel the need to comment on other people's children or how we are raising our children. Keeping them away from every possible germ, as we know, messes up the immune system.

[@Okiegamer77]

Well let me ask you this. I’ve seen many, MANY women comment on videos or pictures on FB that show children in car seats. Their complaint is that they believe a child is improperly restrained. Whether they are right or not, do you think it’s okay for people to point out a potentially dangerous situation to other parents? If yes, then you contradict yourself on your own point. Meaning you do think it’s okay to comment at least SOMETIMES on the way people raise their children. If no, then at least you’re consistent.

[@zakosist]

I get interfering if there are cases of serious abuse/neglect/endangerment, but the nuances of how to raise and care for the kids should be left to the parents. For the vast majority people shouldnt interfere, and some of their advice may even be more harm than good

[@Okiegamer77]

@@zakosist I don’t think anything you said invalidates my point. In that circumstance I listed where kids were “improperly” restrained there is always debate in the comments on whether the commenters are correct or not. Heck, what if the kid is actually properly restrained and some rando on the internet makes that claim then misleads the person to ACTUALLY restrain their kid improperly? That is also potentially dangerous. My point is that yes sometimes it IS good to “comment” on what other people are doing as parents. Do you agree with spanking? Or yelling at your kids? There was a very popular mom influencer I used to follow on FB that justified and defended yelling at her kids. She was pretty reasonable and down to earth, but still thought yelling was okay. Should we be able to comment on spanking or yelling? We know that both of those things can be harmful at least to a child’s mental and emotional health, but people will defend one or both of those things tooth and nail. You said “serious abuse/neglect/endangerment” so here’s another hypothetical for you. What if you have a friend or family member who calls their kid a mean name on the regular and they justify it as just kidding/teasing? Personally I wouldn’t classify that as “serious abuse/neglect/endangerment” but it could be harmful emotionally, especially in the long run. Would you feel justified telling them it’s not okay to call their own kid mean names? My opinion on this is actually pretty in line with yours. I do think parents shouldn’t offer advice or their “two cents” unless asked first, but I do think there are exceptions. As parents though, we don’t always agree what those exceptions are.

[@-_-----]

No, that's a cowardly mindset. There's nothing wrong with discourse - it's how ideas spread and are debated throughout the mass of society. If you are doing things right, you educate the commenter - and if you're doing things wrong, you learn something.

[@Princessahmedasiyah]

I think it’s funny when u have a baby how everybody has “tips” on how to care for your baby .. I’m like “this is my 5th lol u only have 2”

[@NanaGagie]

I breastfed mine so I guess I soothed them❤ Happily! Idk back in the 70’s we all did! ❤❤❤

[@kathleenking47]

Babies can, until 4 years old

[@Koreleine]

I was always told babies discover everthing with their mouth. So to learn to use their fingers, they put them in their mouth. They get to know their feet by putting them in their mouth. Every toy will be explored with the mouth. And I have learned that 90% percent of the bacteria we know are harmless or even usefull for us. So I guess we shouldn‘t worry to much about bacteria. Keeping things clean but not sanitize everything should be a good way to go.

[@dimplesd8931]

Our youngest sucked her thumb until we started to gently dissuade her doing it during the day because she was starting day care. She could do it at home but not at school. Then it became, you can do it at night to help you fall asleep but not during the day. By 3 she had stopped altogether. She’s 18 now.

[@LuciaAndSaurav]

I mostly follow this channel to see how the Monstera Delicata is growing. Quite a fan of the plant!! 😂 And a small incidental bonus to get tips on handling our baby, but could do without that... The plant through, my, it's grown!!

[@EmmaHubbard]

😂 it’s huge now! Nearly too big for the background😂

[@babybluehashyo]

My first 2 babies didnt do this. My 3rd who is 6 weeks old ocasionally sucks his thumb and its incredibly cute. Breaking him of the habit is a future me problem, but before a year old, who cares! It's self soothing. They do it in the womb. It's easier to find than a clean pacifier. Knowing there are benefits is even better.

[@jimmyhylton9957]

My daughter was a thumb sucker and getting her to stop at age four wasn't too bad. that said she still will have her thumb in her mouth when I get her up in the morning but it doesn't look like she's been sucking hard and her teeth don't look like they've been affected.

[@katea74648]

This was the flack I got for my son whose never had a dummy (pacifier) he’s never wanted one and never needed one as he’s always been able to sooth himself without it. Most people when they hear he doesn’t have a dummy are amazed and think it’s great but I get those few that make out I’m a horrible Mum for not forcing a dummy on him saying if he starts to suck his thumb or fingers one day he’ll ruin his teeth and all this.. 😅 FYI he’s almost 1 and got 6 beautiful straight teeth. I’m not for or against dummy’s, I’m against people telling someone else how to raise their children. 👍🏼

[@gypsygem9395]

Agreed. My first child had a pacifier one can add water, including gripe water, to (she had colic and was constantly wanting to suckle). My other children spat them out when I tried with them before they chose to suck their thumbs instead. Both they and I sucked our thumbs until well over the age of 7 with no issues

[@irenealvarez8292]

Same boat here, all of my children never wanted the pacifier or to suck on their fingers. With my last child, the daycare workers were so happy to take care of her. Cause she didn't need anything to go to sleep. All of my babies just sleep wherever and whenever.

[@daftirishmarej1827]

My older brother sucked his thumb, I sucked my first 2 fingers (and plucked my blanket bare to tickle my top lip. My next brother sucked his middle 2 fingers and my youngest brother didn't have anything, although we said he should have sucked the last 2 fingers 😂

[@MrYaTruba]

@@daftirishmarej1827hahaha 👍

[@claretheworm]

Not all kids like pacifiers. I myself was a pacifier baby and kid 😂, my 2 daughters are not pacifier babies. I gave them the pacifier when they were newborns, but eventually they stopped wanting to suck on the pacifier on their own. That's so odd that other parents accuse others of not letting them have a pacifier 😂. If they don't like it, they don't like it right?

[@sandilyncabreiraakamerelou9424]

Thank you for this! I have 2 month old twins, and one of them lives to suck his hands and fingers! He even did it in the womb!

[@traceykoontz2868]

I never heard some of the reasons you gave for reasons to allow baby to suck fingers, and the gag reflex was just fine with my kids, and I was a long time follower of the late Dr.Brazelton and this doctor is and was a genius, look up what every baby knows.

[@sunshine4ndrainbows397]

Working in the dental field, I always recommend giving an orthodontic pacifier because it is easier to take away than fingers and it reduces the risk for SIDS. The jaw changes due to finger sucking that continues too long require surgical intervention to correct and often these surgeries will have relapse. Braces alone cannot it. Narrowing of the palate also contributes to sleep apnea and snoring.

[@NailsAndTowel]

I rather see my baby sucking her fingers than sucking her lips. It reached to a point where it was turning a bit blue, so i started putting her hand near her mouth so she can “bite” that instead of her lips. She’s 5 months and starting teething so I just assumed she used her hand as comfort. No, she does not like teething toys 😅 I’ve tried so many times.

[@paulsgirlACAB]

Lol but ouchie. I hope she found a way to soothe. It took my baby a long time to let me massage his gums he just didn't like it! No warm/cold cloth like everyone else recommends.

[@NailsAndTowel]

@@paulsgirlACAB not yet 🫠🥲 she still uses her fingers and i avoid as much as possible her sucking her lips.. one of the toys she liked more but still doesn’t use that much is a little ball with more little balls that looks like an actual covid 🤣🤣🤣 but in colors. Other ways are the littles popsicles I made for her with breastmilk 😊. We are holding on, it’s been tough days with her gummies 🥲

[@robertacolarette1594]

This woman is a gem. ❤

[@EmmaHubbard]

❤️

[@GodLovesUs.LoveOurGod]

1:14 When me and my brother were babies, we didn’t actually suck our fingers, we just didn’t! And we grew up needing braces anyways. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@zandilemazibuko6067]

Sometimes, it may be because you took time to take out a loose tooth letting another new tooth to grow behind the loose tooth. Sometimes is it genetics.

[@thec6family3601]

Pregnant with my fourth and a lot of this was new information for me! Two of my kids soothed themselves by using me as a pacifier, never had their hands or fingers in their mouths, and had a really difficult time transitioning to solid foods with very sensitive gag reflexes. They probably didn’t get as much early practice getting their gag reflexes to go back or for their tongue to move over. This is a lot of food for thought and reminders for my baby in the womb. Thank you!

[@EmmaHubbard]

Congrats! I'm so glad it was helpful :)

[@superultrabaconcat1755]

As someone who works in childcare this is really good to know as some of the kids at my workplace tend to do a lot of it but also gets told my some of my coworkers to stop and depending on their age we do sometimes have to stop them (due to what they are putting in their nought tho)

[@the808songbird]

I just learned SO MUCH about my own development from this video

[@okiemutegloria560]

This is so helpful! My 2-months old baby sucks her hands all the time

[@chunkysocks8121]

from about 1 month, my daughter started sucking her fingers and covering her eyes with her other hand when she’s sleepy. She sleeps through the night and is very calm. I’m proud of her for being so good at self-soothing.

[@tresboujay]

We had to use an appliance to help my daughter when she was 8 and she asked us after we’d had conversations with the dentist and her pediatrician. When she was a baby I didn’t mind it one bit. Great video. Wanted to add my daughter was born with blisters on her fingers from sucking them in utero. I thought they were moles until they fell off! 😂

[@betrix3000]

My sister must be an exception, then. My parents didn't stop her from sucking her thumb as a baby, and she still sucks her thumb to this day. But only when she's at home alone for comfort. She's in her 30's. I'm about 3 years younger, so they stopped me from sucking my fingers. I always figured if I had any kids, I'd stop them from sucking. But I like the idea that they can soothe themselves by sucking instead of relying on me to return their pacifier. Thanks for the info!

[@nomoretania9926]

I am a mother of a 2 month old boy and I love seeing him putting his hand in his mouth. I was worried about the pacifier until I saw your video. Literally, when we give him the pacifier, our little boy throws the pacifier when he doesn’t want it or no longer needs to sooth himself. My husband and I like your videos a lot. Thanks!

[@leavesongrass]

The world needs a little more of these kinds of videos!! Keep it up!

[@signs9587]

My daughter sucked her thumb when she was little often. I can't remember exactly when she stopped but it was before she entered kindergarten. She had her share of illnesses but not more than the average child. As a young teen she did get braces but so do plenty of kids who never mouthed their fingers.

[@alletassen]

How is it possible that I researched this one hour ago and just now you upload a video about it 😅

[@EmmaHubbard]

Great timing! Hopefully, this video answered the questions you had.

[@alletassen]

@@EmmaHubbard Yes definitely!

[@Alexrmacleod]

because google is watching you

[@israelcruz4946]

Emma has creepy powers, she answers what your searching for before you press search. Plus I dig the accent.shes a star in my book

[@LeddingGooo]

Big Brother always listens.

[@fighttheevilrobots3417]

I sucked my thumb from about age 5 until about my mid twenties. Yes, you heard that correctly. I sucked my thumb as a soothing mechanism for over 20 years of my life, with my security blanket if I could. Parents tried it all to stop me but it never worked long term because I had no mechanisms to regulate my emotions except that. I had a Bionator for an intense overbite. It was so incredible painful I just kept "losing" them until my parents didn't replace it. Horrific. I would never make my kiddo wear one of those. I always felt that my mom's obsession with my dental hygiene was really just her extension of her caring how I looked to other people and not how I felt.

[@user-qt5jc1qc6n]

@fighttheevilrobots My daughter sucked her middle and ring fingers from birth until 12 years old. I never discouraged her from it or shamed her in any way. She had gorgeous straight teeth, never needed braces. When she was 12 years old, she made a conscious decision on her own, to quit. She still sucked them, in her sleep, for maybe a year before stopping altogether. I never sucked my fingers, and had teeth that were so crooked, that my orthodontist actually invented a device to rotate my upper right eye tooth. My mother always made sure I didn't smile letting my teeth show for pictures. My teeth were beautiful after the braces came off, but to this day, I will do about anything to avoid having my pictures taken. Babies and children should be allowed to be what they are. The world is a cruel place. Let them be carefree, like every baby and child deserves to be. And I'm sorry that you went through that.💙

[@aquetzallijurado450]

Thank you for sharing

[@aquetzallijurado450]

Could you elaborare on how you stopped?

[@Fattpanda-uy2wz]

My fiance still sucks on his two fingers i never though it was weird really i didn't think it made him less manly either it was just the only way he was able to fall asleep we are in are twenties i tried helping him but it didnt work

[@baishalideb5565]

so this wasn't normal baby habit ...its was psychological

[@LaineyBug2020]

So I was eating dates while watching this. When you got to the part about learning to move your tongue to the side for solid food I realized, as I was doing the same thing, that I never even noticed I did that before you mentioned it!

[@testhepotato6184]

My baby girl basically came out of the womb sucking on her hands. One of her very first pictures is of her sticking her hands in her mouth.

[@sar5star]

Mine too! It was so cute

[@cindychau3616]

Thank you for this video! As a first time parent, I didn't mind when my LO discovered her hands & feet & putting them into her mouth. It allowed her to discover herself & self soothe. Unfortunately, the saliva caused her hand to become dry & cause an eczema flare up. So we constantly had to take her hands out of her mouth or give her a chew toy

[@mintibinti]

Thank you, that was exactly what we needed ❤ My daughter has been sucking her thumb and fingers almost since birth. We didn‘t give her the pacifier due to breastfeeding problems and when breastfeeding worked, she just didn't take it. I was so insecure because she was constantly being admonished for it by others, so I was worried that this behavior could become a problem. My gut feeling was that my daughter wouldn't intuitively do anything that would harm her. I mean, we're adults, we don't remember what it's like to be a baby. Can't we just stop trying to tell babies how to Baby? 😁

[@eshawalia3588]

Hi Emma I am a twin mom to 7 month old babies! This video is so very helpful 😊

[@EmmaHubbard]

I'm so glad you found it helpful!

[@israelcruz4946]

Congratulations, twice.

[@etvscandalfanpage2011]

@eshawalia3588 good luck with the double trouble😊, mine are 3 years old. They are partners in crime, never a dull moment with them

[@jonathandecker8004]

Mom said I always had two fingers in my mouth pushing my front teeth forward. I did have braces one year in 10th grade on the top. My biggest habit I created is a lifelong fingernail biter. I still do as a 41year old first time father to a 3 month old

[@kris_tyna_]

I’m a first time mom and your channel has been so helpful! Thank you ❤

[@luannfeld3983]

Nailed it! Thx for the refresher; I’m a geriatric PT and my children are in their 20’s, so I don’t use this info. However, it brought back memories of being in school and learning this info. And maybe someday there will be grandchildren, so this info will be helpful.😊

[@MyOver50]

Love this!! I'm 63 & a few months ago I unexpectedly became a Nana😂. She found out at the end of May, told me in June, & delivered 7 weeks early on 8/5. It's been a whirlwind & I'm still adjusting.😊

[@sharonstaggers-moss8176]

My daughter sucked her thumb until she was 8 years old. I tried to get her to stop, but realized for her it was how she comforted herself. I was afraid of her needing to have braces, but, her teeth are straight, her jaw line is fine. And now, at 28 years old, she has a beautiful smile.

[@emptysoul5057]

Sucking fingers as a baby is developmentally normal though that's how kids get an immune system by being dirty little hobbits 😅

[@EmmaHubbard]

Yep, definitely developmental normal and beneficial.

[@awildbecoming]

You had a lot of patience for this randomer in the park giving their opinion about what you should be doing as a mum!

[@KarlaMontgomery]

I ask questions like that out of curiosity, so hopefully people don't take it the wrong way! thanks for your videos

[@JP-ht5vgh]

Can’t wait to show this to my mom so she stops worrying about pacifiers and my baby’s teeth 😂 thank U Emma!

[@EmmaHubbard]

No worries! I hope it helps!

[@monika-1315]

Yes, my baby also puts her fingers (and everything else) in his mouth (now 1yo). I don't even know if it is possible to stop him😅 he definitely bites himself to soothe teething pain, too. But he has never actually sucked his thumb (nor pacifier), so I am the only soothie he accepts😂

[@EmmaHubbard]

😂

[@traceykoontz2868]

The thing I tend to think about is thrush. And I know what it is and it's everywhere so yeah it is something especially if it gets bad and it hurts your baby. And while I understand how you feel, maybe have a look at what thrush does as well.

[@AIQ88]

Hey thank you for the videos We are going to go get induced tonight Really excited

[@EmmaHubbard]

Oh wow! I am so excited for you too! I hope everything goes to plan. You will be amazing!

[@Tee-uc1bl]

Congratulations and best of luck

[@SilverHawk214]

How exciting! you guys got this!

[@happyhomeinholland]

Good luck and God bless!

[@Soniboy84]

Next time you meet that mum just point her to your video on this 😂 Best way to flex!

[@EmmaHubbard]

😂

[@CJ-im2uu]

Me: Looks at her kid, and ask: hhhmm, is it Ok if I judge how you're paying more attention to my kid and not yours?

[@GerryBarnumMusic]

Tummy Time Makes sense. Core strengthening.

[@amandaburnham8626]

My 10 week old is discoveries his fingers and is sometimes prefering them over a pacifier. He's been dealing with colic over the past month, so it's a small relief.

[@kiramortwilson7411]

Have you tried anti-colic bottles yet?

[@mackenzie011000]

Many kids need braces before of overcrowding of teeth - not because of any issue with sucking on their fingers when they are infants. Our son would never take a pacifier nor did he suck his thumb or fingers and he wore braces for almost 3 years!

[@florepy]

My baby sucked her finger in the womb, she gave us the cutest ultrasound images. She also did it immediately after birth but then stopped until 2 month old (i.e now). Thanks for the info!

[@pragyajain4497]

This was by far the most needed video for me.. thank you so much emma. I m relieved ❤

[@mangantasy289]

My sister did not allow her daughters to suck their fingers since they started it. She definitely pulled her fingers out of their mouthes. They had no pacifier either (which I agree on) I honestly found it heartbreaking to watch. I see the age thing. But as I said, they were (are) still so young. Only 4y and 19m. Honestly mostly watched this video to be confirmed in what I felt all along. I have no children, but I definitely want to be a good auntie.

[@perspectiveiseverything1694]

Good on you! Learn the basics of child dev't, then add to your knowledge bank as you go. Self soothing is BASIC. But most parents either get locked into their opinions based on limited info OR follow the catchiest marketing. 🤷

[@hellogoodbye3957]

My doc said pacifiers were fine, especially when they sleep, helps breathing reflex, and swallowing reflex so they can breathe better. Some babies died of something called sids, where they die in their sleep

[@mangantasy289]

@@hellogoodbye3957 I've not heard that before. It's more that I think it's better they learn soothe themselves. And the evitable drama when the binky may get lost. Of course baby would be inconsolable in that case Just a habit (and the distress of weaning of) that can be avoided. I don't think it's hurtful in babies. I'd also never blame parents who use a pacifier. For a similar reason, I think it's rather good to have several plushies they can choose from when they go to bad. In that case, if anything should happen to one of them, they would still and understandibly so be very upset, but still be able to calm down with another one.

[@chandimagunaratne8220]

Thank you Emma. You always bring out a video when I am concerned and curious about something related to my twins. God bless you and your beautiful family ❤

[@EmmaHubbard]

Thank you ❤️

[@89DoraH]

That question would have neeeeeever crossed my mind !!!

[@dannyse6]

Hay Emma Im a soon to be dad, love your channel, your content is the best ive come across.

[@LoantakaBrook]

2:00 other mom assumed baby’s going into child care

[@SarahBrown-f4r]

I worked in child care for years and my biggest concern would be what we all called fungers (fungus fingers) I’ve only ever come across two kids that this happened to and in both it was only the thumb in that crease and it had to be treated with antibiotic cream

[@conniea4594]

My daughter sucked her thumb until she was in high school. She has perfect teeth that are very white naturally and hardly any fillings. So don’t worry about it is my opinion.

[@charlie_says3841]

Those aren't the issues that are being discussed; sucking fingers or thumb doesn't cause discolouration, nor could it cause cavities. They're discussing how it may or may not affect a child's need for orthodontics due to the thumb sucking.

[@charlie_says3841]

And the germ/immune system issue.

[@petitemaam]

I'm going to be looking into a new dentist for my kids soon. She recommended restraints for my daughter to stop sucking her thumb. I'm like... she's 2... I'm not worried. The dentist was so extreme about it. And her pediatrician was shocked to hear what I was told. My son never sucked his thumb or a paci and his adult teeth are growing in all funky. So ... either way I'll be spending 20k on my kids teeth, I'm not quite ready for the hit, but I'm preparing. Lolcries

[@Jana_PalmTree]

Deficiency of vitamin A or zinc during pregnancy can cause palate and tooth malformations or misalignment. A lot of our health is preprogrammed during pregnancy. There’s an excellent book called Program Your Baby’s Health.

[@fvbbaby2792]

I sucked my thumb until I was 12 and it was actually my orthodontist who finally got me to stop... but I would've needed the braces (and the headgear) regardless. Sure, maybe the thumb sucking shifted some of the teeth a bit, but my two siblings who stopped thumb/paci at "normal" ages needed the same orthodontic work I needed ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@Lilaco_]

Another factor could be developing your babies/ toddlers jaw muscles by actually chewing food, rather than swallowing mush. Obviously, there's a time where all they can eat is mush when being first introduced to food, but as soon as you can it's a good idea to let them chew foods like banana, avacado, and I've even heard chicken on the bone. Developing their jaw muscles will widen their palate and allow teeth to fill in properly.

[@ankavoskuilen1725]

I did it far beyond the age of 4 and yes, it did have consequences. But as I said, I did it way too long.

[@DeadlyCyanide1]

I think in the beginning it's completely and totally innocent I would never tell somebody that it's something to worry about but as a parent who has three kids going on four and one of them is 10 years old and she is a consistent thumb sucker I don't know what to do about her teeth honestly there's no saving them at this point she has to get braces even though she has severe sensory issues. Please just introduced The pacifier it's really good for SIDS it's good for a bunch of stuff and it is especially good at avoiding this very crappy situation that I'm in. I have to get my daughter braces or at least probably Invisalign or something to that effect at some point because of the thumb sucking that's still going on at almost 11 years old. Now with my other kids I was capable of taking the pacifier away but she never took to the pacifier and completely rejected it. I did try giving it to her but it just didn't work. I don't see any reason for a baby to not suck their fingers or thumb but just don't let that become a habit. Did then the pacifier because when the time comes you can take that away you can't take away a thumb. I was a thumb sucker for many years and I really wish someone had stopped me sooner. Finger sucking and thumb sucking are so not the same thing.

[@Patricia-e7c]

Exercise of the tongue also helps withanguage development.

[@maquisbg]

I follow two channels that like a doctor I like it, this one is one of them. The information is acquired with the sciences and with the realty.

[@EmmaHubbard]

Thanks so much!

[@lostbbqproductions6263]

My 9 week old had her tongue tie released and the pediatric dentist told me not to let her suck her thumb for some reason.. but my instinct told me it was helping hed learn how to use her tongue more so I let it be.

[@Leaaaaah578]

I think this is just during healing so she doesn’t catch it, that’s what my midwife told us when we had our daughters done 😊

[@starvolcano2549]

Both I and my younger son sucked our thumb until age 10 and then just quit. Neither of us had any issues with our jaw and teeth. I have however seen very young kids have a problem even as young as 2,3,4. Im not so sure how it’s related- perhaps the way one suchs the fingers or thumb or even how soft their bones or being hypermobile… I’ve known more ppl who such their thumbs and had no issues than those who had issues. So much craziness over a child sucking their thumb- tiring really!

[@zakosist]

The two main things that cause crooked teeth are consistent mouth breathing (but that can be a symptom of nose airways being blocked, so dont try to force change before solving the cause) or eating nearly all soft food (I think in the period of transtitioning to between mothers milk and solid food that is perfectly okay), lack of chewing resistance causes jaws to degrade

[@breezykneezy7290]

My son sucked his fingers for comfort waaay longer than aged 2. (Of course he’s stopped now) He has sensory integration disorder. His teeth are not crooked or have any issues. His fingers are fine too. lol. He’s 20 yrs old now.

[@BiddyBiccy]

Dentist told me as long as the child stops sucking fingers before age 6 any deformities of palate will correct itself. They said the vast majority of palate deformities are genetic, not caused by finger sucking. My oldest child kept sucking her fingers until she was around 7 and her wonky front teeth completely corrected themselves without any need for orthodontic treatment. My second child was 5 when she stopped and her teeth also went back to normal after a while.

[@EmmaHubbard]

Thanks so much for sharing!

[@aurora6920]

I let my baby suck their fingers (as they rejected teething toys) and chose not to worry about germs too much for the same reason. He's a toddler now, he out grew the sucking and has a healthy immune system. I didn't realise teething gel is bad for them though 😔 that and teething powder are the only things that help him! He refused to chew on toys or frozen items etc hoping he will be okay

[@zakosist]

It's ridiculous that people think you have to correct what most babies do naturally. At that point they aren't meant to be disciplined, that comes a bit later, they are just meant to exist in their natural state and be taken care off and shown affection.

[@veronicababy7959]

Yeah. My kid sucked her fingers and I was chill about it. She deformed her dental arch and had to have an appliance at age five to fix it.

[@SigFigNewton]

Dang bro, I gotta get better at validating the concerns of others. Might achieve my first ever changing of someone’s mind

[@sonutresa]

Thanks for this video. Could you also tell us when is it okay to start discouraging them from putting their hand in mouth? Is it okay to do so once they have started taking solid food? What we see generally is that kids find it harder to shed the habit of sucking on their hands once they are older.

[@WitchOracle]

At older ages it's a good idea to think about replacing the behavior rather than just discouraging. If it is a need for self soothing, attempting to remove that skill without another soothing skill to develop could be fruitless or distressing.

[@er6730]

I didn't know all this about the tongue and all, but I figured that as long as they're teething, it's reasonable for those fingers to be in there. After the molars are in, I think it's time to stop. (So, like by 2, 2.5 yrs old) My son was a thumb sucker with his pillow, and so I said that the pillow needs to stay in his bed. And so I didn't tell him not to suck his thumb, but I reminded him that it was a sleepy time thing. I didn't bother him if he was in bed or in the car, but other times I'd gently stop him. I think if it's not the main go-to for every occasion, it's easier for them to drop it naturally. (He was done by 4, even at night. Although he still likes his little pillow)

[@cmwHisArtist]

It seems very wrong to me when toddlers walk around all day with a plastic pacifier in their mouths. It makes them wildly dependent on the object, and we miss half their smiles. When they use their fingers and then play with a toy, it gives their mouth a break. With the pacifier, it never ends.

[@charlie_says3841]

Totally agree. They're gross.

[@tessie7e777]

So, the natural behavior of a baby should be allowed. Sounds logical to me. So why all the angst about babies waking up at night? It doesn’t last forever either. First time watching this channel, so don’t know her stance on this. I’m done raising my babies, so don’t need advice - but I was curious about what folks were stopping their babies from doing nowadays, so I clicked. 😊

[@kiramortwilson7411]

It’s partly to keep the parents sane and partly to help baby learn a natural sleep pattern. Months and months of essentially endless night shifts followed by long days will take a toll on the strongest minds. And baby is better off breaking that pattern sooner than later. Partly because of the parents. XD

[@sxna0214]

Wow this make so much sense now! Thank you for the great video :) Our recently turned 1 year old had become fixated on putting her hands in her mouth and along came the gagging/spitting up but now I understand Thanks so much :)

[@EmmaHubbard]

You are so welcome!

[@maryjordan3178]

Teeth issues doesn’t always come from finger sucking. Plus by letting them do this helps make their immune system stronger. This is how babies learn not to gag themselves so when eating they won’t gag eating solid foods. People who are OVER PROTECTIVE may have problems later on. Our kids did all of this and my oldest is 47 and healthy as a horse. All my kids are very health and they let their kids do what I did as they grew up. Obviously use common SENCE but, don’t over protect, kids got to learn.

[@May-vb1pl]

Yeah, i never even thought for a second to stop my kid from sucking his fingers. He's almost 2 and he hardly does it anymore.

[@Cauchemar369]

I sucked my thumb until the age of 14 or so. I’m 20 now and luckily no longer have the habit. My immune system has always been very weak leaving me feeling sick and in pain growing up despite doing this, my jaws don’t line up though my teeth aren’t very crooked but some are, my gag reflex has always been terrible so it’s hard to even brush my teeth without throwing up even if I do it how the dentist shows me to, and also it was embarrassing to me past a certain age even if it was soothing but I couldn’t get myself to stop even when my parents did eventually try to get me to around 9-10 I’m not saying this to disprove anything you said, I’m just giving my experience bc my parents never tried to stop me doing it even past 4 years old and eventually I had to use my own willpower to break the habit which was extremely difficult This personal experience is why I’m hesitant to let my kid(s) if I ever have any start this, I’d rather just help them with using a pacifier and teething toys and let them use those instead

[@Cauchemar369]

Also, I still cried and screamed a lot as a child, I just learned how to do it with my fingers or thumb in my mouth But ofc, this is just my personal experience as a child who did it

[@nancy9478]

My oldest did this and she sucked her thumb till 4, she had no issues eating solids. Same with my second child, both had no issues talking either. I see too many toddlers and preschoolers with binkys and they try to talk with it in tge mouth. Just awful for speech development.

[@laurenturner3578]

I'm not sure why on earth someone would stop a tiny baby sucking on their fingers... Mine always quit around a year and the one who did stopped on her own when she was five. And as far as germs... Babies are going to put things in their mouths. Just are.

[@violetagira5128]

Oh my God. Perfect timing. My almost 3 months old is sucking on his finger and i was getting concerned. I will NOT stop by baby anymore. He's got a green pass 😊

[@amaravos]

Thank you for the information.

[@ltr27]

As a professional baby psychologist I would never allow my baby to suck on their fingers as it gives them a strong predilection for sausages and other highly processed foods

[@alley2023]

😂

[@EmmaHubbard]

😂

[@jaydee1987]

Lol i hope this is a joke

[@bodyofhope]

Baby Psychologist 😂

[@non_ye]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@alexandradanut853]

Really precious information here, thank you 🙏! I have a toddler who sucks the fingers at 3 y and 3 months old, together with a specific T-shirt. Do you have any tips how we can help her to get rid of this sucking? Thank you!

[@rhiannablumberg4803]

😮 ahhhh such great logical rational advice....so refreshing and rare in america!!!!! ty for posting!!!!!🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤

[@EmmaHubbard]

You are so welcome!

[@sallymenezes]

Our daughter sucked her thumb until she was older as it was difficult to stop her at that age. And she did have some stomach issues when she was younger. She a mother now, and has a lazy jaw.

[@sjwestmo]

Fascinating! Thank you

[@EmmaHubbard]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gk9546]

My sister was sucking her thumb until 12 years old (after 5-6 she did it unconsciously in her sleep). My parents tried really hard to help her grow out of it and it really affected her teeth. But here's what fascinated us as a family. After she stopped, her teeth literally started fixing on their own and by the age of 16 she had the best smile in the family (of course to me she has the prettiest smile in the whole world 😊). It was as if she had put braces. I've never heard of anything similar though. Has anyone experienced something like this?

[@B_Jennings]

The same happened with me! I sucked my thumb until 11/12 (stressful home life). But, I have gotten asked my whole life if I have had braces! lol

[@mecme8350]

My daughter is now 14. Sucked her thumb from birth, to cries of "OMG her teeth, give her a dummy!". She sucked enthusiastically until she was 10, and has perfectly even teeth. Is healthy, rarely gets sick and never had a dummy. A friends 6 year old throws a hissy fit every time he isn't allowed his dummy. We never had that problem.

[@ThirdLawPair]

I know a 9 year old who sucks her thumb and it has completely reshaped her palate. You got lucky.

[@msnirajagrawal]

I am 30 now and sucked my thumb upto 11 years of age. I feel so embarrassed now😅. But my teeth and jawline are perfect. People usually praise my teeth structure. I don't think sucking has anything to do with teeth structure. Or may be I was lucky.

[@worldtravelerxoxo1201]

Doc said the same thing to my mom “don’t worry she will stop on her own” lmfao and I sucked my thumb for 12 years 🤣 my lo will probably to the same and it is what it is … braces are expensive but it’s worth it 😊