THE WORLD'S #1 RESOURCE for THUMB SUCKING & NAIL BITING - since 2014

How To Stop Thumb and Finger Sucking

STS’s proven method to finally quit the habit

The StopThumbSucking.org process reliably and completely stops the thumbsucking habit. Depending on the age and severity of the habit, you can expect to be free of finger sucking in just a couple weeks (light to moderate habit) to a couple months (most severe cases).

Tip: Be sure to add a motivational reward system and daily tracker to boost confidence and results.

100% unsponsored user-posted success

Thank you for the great advice STS. My name is Bennie and after doing the wrong things for months, I learned how to make my son stop thumb sucking, and in just three weeks Michael is free of the thumb sucking habit.

Here’s a long overdue update. After studying the doctor’s recommendations, and following this program, my six year old daughter declared victory after two failed attempts and nearly giving up. Now her self-confidence is through the roof, and she suddenly is more busy playing!

Instructions on how to Stop Thumb Sucking

Select your child’s age

  • 1. Buy a pacifier.
  • 2. Introduce the pacifier. Use it as needed and then gradually take it away.
  • 3. If your child goes back to finger sucking, continue with the pacifier for longer.
  • A pacifier can later be taken away, while a finger can not.
  • 1. [AT NIGHT] Slip long socks over the hands up past the elbow. Pin the sock to the pajamas (if needed). Download our free Motivational Calendar & Award Chart (go to the Parent Toolkit menu above).
  • 2. [DAYTIME] Whenever you see your child sucking, remove the finger and redirect their behavior with positive reinforcement.
  • 3. Continue as long as needed..
  • It is too early for damage to occur. By stopping thumb sucking at night the daytime habit will ween. Your toddler is now old enough to stop on his/her own, and this is the most natural method.
  • 1. Buy the NIPIT Hand Stopper.
  • 2. Wear NIPIT for 21 consecutive nights, plus daytime as necessary. Use the Motivational Program included with NIPIT to track and reward success.
  • 3. After 21 days or after your child has completely stopped, continue wearing NIPIT every night for one more week
  • NIPIT is the most effective device for stopping thumb or finger sucking.
  • 1. Buy the bitter nail polish. Download our free Motivational Calendar & Award Chart (go to the Parent Toolkit menu above).
  • 2. Talk with your dentist about the “thumb sucking dental appliance.” Have your child listen to the dentist explain the consequences thumb sucking.
  • 3. Let your kid decide on a major reward for breaking the habit. Apply the bitter nail polish to the entire nail daily. Continue the routine for 30 days. If unsuccessful, ask your dentist to install the thumb sucking dental appliance.
  • Continued sucking at this age causes permanent damage, serious treatment is needed.

What to expect

Select Age. Follow instructions above.

Start Your child may not want the pacifier at first. It will take several attempts for your baby to get used to the pacifier.
Week 1 Your child finds the pacifier soothing as needed.
Weeks 2-3 No Change.
Weeks 4-8 If the pacifier turned into a habit, ween your child off and try a teether.
Weeks 8+
Thumb or finger sucking should never be reprimanded. The behavior is a source of comfort and security for your child, and it is difficult for them to give it up. Praise success and motivate.
Start Your toddler may react emotionally when trying to fall asleep with the fingers covered by the sock, and may have difficulty falling asleep.
Week 1 Your child searches for the thumb less, and is more agreeable without it.
Weeks 2-3 You child responds to the positive attention when not sucking, and does the habit less during the daytime.
Weeks 4-8 Same as above.
Weeks 8+ The habit is broken. In children this young it is normal to take 2-4 months.
Thumb or finger sucking should never be reprimanded. The behavior is a source of comfort and security for your child, and it is difficult for them to give it up. Praise success and motivate.
Start Expect your child to react emotionally to NIPIT. There may be complaining and difficulty falling asleep. After the initial emotional reaction, the habit will begin to change.
Week 1 The child has adjusted to wearing NIPIT, is motivated by the progress shown on their motivational calendar.
Weeks 2-3 The habit has changed significantly, confidence is high and he/she becomes more engaged in other fun activities.
Weeks 4-8 The habit is broken.
Weeks 8+
Thumb or finger sucking should never be reprimanded. The behavior is a source of comfort and security for your child, and it is difficult for them to give it up. Praise success and motivate.
Start Your child may ask for help in breaking the habit (after visiting the dentist). Your child will react strongly to the bitter nail polish and want to quit, and track progress on the motivational calendar daily.
Week 1 Your child will break the habit easily once they make the decision to quit; but they may not have the willpower to stop on their own. Praise any effort they make.
Weeks 2-3 Same as above.
Weeks 4-8 The habit is broken, or they give up on willpower and decide to rely on the thumb sucking appliance installed by the dentist.
Weeks 8+ Install the thumb sucking dental appliance at the dental office. The cost is $250-700.
Thumb or finger sucking should never be reprimanded. The behavior is a source of comfort and security for your child, and it is difficult for them to give it up. Praise success and motivate.

Get Started Now

The easy way for how to stop thumb sucking is by using the right method at the right age, and encouraging with positive reinforcement. Choose below to get started now

how to stop thumb sucking

AGES 0-2
Pacifier or sock over the hand

Follow the natural, least invasive method as described above.

thumb sucking prevention

AGES 2-7
NIPIT Hand Stopper

SEE AT NIPIT.COM

stop finger sucking

AGES 8+
Dental Thumb Sucking Appliance
& Honest10

Schedule an appointment with your dentist, and buy the nail polish.

FIND AT AMAZON

 

How to Stop Thumb Sucking?

For ages 3-7, NIPIT is the most effective device for stopping thumb or finger sucking. Bitter nail polish is not recommended because it does not work at night. For a personalized recommendation that is safe and effective see the proven method above.

What to Use to Stop Thumb Sucking?

Depending on your child's age use an elbow or thumb guard, bitter nail polish, a long sock or dental appliance. Always include a motivational program with positive reinforcement, and never punish. For best results follow the proven method.

How to Stop Baby from Sucking Thumb?

For babies up to 12 months a pacifier is best. Between 12 and 24 months, you can ween a child off the pacifier using a long sock at night, and positive reinforcement with the sock during the daytime. For children ages two and up the NIPIT Hand Stopper is recommended.