Weaning = Thumb-sucking. Please help!

[ATD_Mom]

My son, 30 months, hasn't had his "LoLo" in almost three weeks.

I did not intend to ever be the leader in the weaning department, but at about 19 weeks pregnant it really started to ... well, it just did not feel right. At that point he was only nursing to sleep, or some days not at all. One night I asked him if I could hold him before having his "wittle bit of wowo" instead of afterward, and to my surprise he fell to sleep without it. And he's been doing it ever since. He does ask when we first lie down, but only once, then he rolls over and curls up next to me.

In the three weeks since his last nap-time LoLo, he has gone from sticking his fingers on his mouth (we thought his teeth were bothering him, or he was just learning about playing with his tongue) to sucking on his fingers, to now sucking his thumb. It's becoming more frequent.

I realize he is looking for comfort, and he gets loads and loads of holding and hugging from me; I'm conscious of the fact that he needs it. But I'm wondering how I can help him not develop a thumb-sucking habit. He is very much at a bait-and-switch age right now, and when I ask if he can put his pinky in there instead, he will do it. But he will not take them out unless there's a damn good reason!

How can I help this to stop before it really gets started?

Would it be right to direct this sucking need to something else oral? I'm picturing maybe a baby Waldorf doll with the teething knots on the end, or something similar. I'd rather have him not need something to get to sleep beyond DH or I, but maybe this is what he needs?

And no, nursing again can't happen. I can't explain it without sounding really creepy, but no, we can't nurse any more.

Any help is so very appreciated.

[KempsMama]

I couldn't read and not give a hug, and say for 30 months of nursing!

That being said, I'm the mama of a very happy thumb sucker, since 4 months old, and I don't see any problem with it so not a good source of advice.

[boigrrrlwonder]

My just turned 3yo started sucking her fingers when I intiated weaning. Unfortunately, she's already had dental wrk, but it made it easy for me to explain why I want her to keep her fingers out of her mouth. Now, it's her hair all th time, which is gross, but I'm less concerned with long-term health effects.

[averlee]

My little niece who's 3 sucks her thumb, and her doctor said Don't Worry About It. It rarely becomes a habit that harms any aspect of the child's life. It is more sanitary and easier to keep clean than a chew/suck comfort-object like a stuffed animal or blanket. Evidence suggests it may or may not have any orthodontic consequences, and unlike extended bottle drinking, does not cause tooth decay or cavities.

[himalmom]

Have you tried "Thumbuddy To Love" to stop thumb sucking? Your child may be too young becuase I think it is recommended for 3 and older but my kids loved it! Google it!

[Katie T]

I also want to give you a pat on the back for nursing to 30m and to say I completely understand the strange feelings that over come you when nursing and pregnant.

dd2 sucked her thumb from 4 months till 14m when she abruptly quit on her own. I have been told by Drs that as long as when they are older they take it out (or it falls out) while they are sleeping there is no problem with it.

Other wise I have no idea's you could always try the waldorf doll and see if it helps. When my Ds gave up his binky on his own at 3 1/2 he started sleeping with a toy car and taking it everywhere with him. He doesn't put it in his mouth, but it is his comfort object all the same. So maybe just finding something he can cuddle or hold to keep his hands busy if the thumb sucking bothers you may work.

Good luck and congrats on your pregnancy!