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Thumb sucking and lip smacking
3 month baby girl, for past 10 days thumb sucking and lip smacking and pressing increased. When I put her down after she slept, she instantly searches for her thumb and sucks a alot. During playtime, it is quite easy to distract but at sleep, she gets frustrated and searches for thumb if I hold it. She starts crying. I am worried Whether she'll develop it as a sleeping behaviour or is she afraid? Her feeding and urine & motion output, weight gain are good
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Thumb sucking is very common
No need to worry
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It is common in young babies but as they grow they learn to use both hands for play and reaching. Still during sleep thumb sucking can happen. The best way to stop Thumb sucking in infancy is to use pacifier till the baby falls asleep. You have to use sterilised pacifier nipples every time and don’t reuse if it accidentally falls down. Till the baby learns to use hands Thumb sucking is not abnormal. On line White noise is good for putting babies to sleep.
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Observe for other growth and developmental milestones.
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Dr. Jay Gajjar
Pediatrician
6 yrs exp
Surat
Thumb sucking and lip smacking are common self-soothing behaviours in young infants, especially around sleep. If feeding, weight gain and activity are normal, there is usually no cause for concern. It does not mean your baby is afraid. No treatment is needed at this age.
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Dr. Bhatt Vivek Prafulchandra
Pediatrician
5 yrs exp
Rajkot
No need to afraid
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.