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
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
AGES 0-2
Pacifier or sock over the hand
Follow the natural, least invasive method as described above.
AGES 2-7
NIPIT Hand Stopper
AGES 8+
Dental Thumb Sucking Appliance
& Honest10
Schedule an appointment with your dentist, and buy the nail polish.