OHbaby! Forums : Thumb vs Dummy - which is "better"? https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/ Copyright (c) 2006-2013 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Wed, 08 Apr 2026 12:32:06 +0000 Tue, 11 Mar 2008 20:49:35 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 12.05 360 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=15202 <![CDATA[OHbaby! Forums]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/ <![CDATA[Thumb vs Dummy - which is "better"? : My little man use to have a dummy...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=323074&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#323074 Author: NikkiB
Subject: 15202
Posted: 11 March 2008 at 8:49pm

My little man use to have a dummy (it certainly had its purpose and worked well). But I've just gone through the process of getting rid of his dummy as he kept of losing it during the night...to a stage where I was getting up almost every hour to put it back in

He has since learnt how to self settle again ]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2008 20:49:35 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=323074&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#323074 <![CDATA[Thumb vs Dummy - which is "better"? : Rhyley (well actually all my kids)...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=323024&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#323024 Author: AnnC
Subject: 15202
Posted: 11 March 2008 at 8:08pm

Rhyley (well actually all my kids) were comfort suckers - even the midwife at the home commented on that with Rhyley - hence the dummy.. and we sorted the losing dummy in the night by using a dummy holder so he could find it easy.

They have actually said that dummys can help with preventing sids due to them sucking all the time - sure this is probably the same with thumbs (but can't be sure)

I think this will be a life long debate and I think which ever one is best for the parent and what they are comfortable with. I had a friend who let her baby comfort suck on her finger (this is the parents finger) I was like OH my thats gonna be a hard one as they had 2 comforts - one the finger and 2 being held to sleep. But she is 2 and half and sleeps fine without the finger or the cuddles.]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2008 20:08:01 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=323024&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#323024 <![CDATA[Thumb vs Dummy - which is "better"? : My dd was a chronic thumb sucker....]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=323008&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#323008 Author: gemsmum
Subject: 15202
Posted: 11 March 2008 at 7:58pm

My dd was a chronic thumb sucker. At 4 we started telling her that big girls don't suck their thumbs during the day and she was only to suck it at bedtime. With a few nudges she got the daytime thing sorted and she self weaned herself off her nighttime sucking by the time she was 6 (before her adult teeth started coming in). Unlike friends whose children had dummies, Gem never lost her thumb in the night and was a fabulous sleeper. Oh, and we were doomed, she was sucking her thumb in her 20 week scan and found her thumb very early once born!!! ]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2008 19:58:09 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=323008&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#323008 <![CDATA[Thumb vs Dummy - which is "better"? : LOL my nana always gave my mum...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322992&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322992 Author: Maya
Subject: 15202
Posted: 11 March 2008 at 7:51pm

LOL my nana always gave my mum a hard time and reckoned she would end up with thumb suckers coz she wouldn't give us dummies. Mum always proved her wrong, none of us were thumb suckers - til my baby bro came along lol, and then nana never let her forget it!]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2008 19:51:39 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322992&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322992 <![CDATA[Thumb vs Dummy - which is "better"? : One thing I am getting from this...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322978&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322978 Author: AnnC
Subject: 15202
Posted: 11 March 2008 at 7:38pm

One thing I am getting from this thread is if your child is a thumb sucker be prepared for them to be sucking it alot longer than a dummy (not always in all cases of cause) but most admitted if they were a thumb sucker they were well past 5 - 6 years old - did someone say they did till adult hood and one got hypnitised to stop. Its very rare you see a 5 year old with a dummy and I have never seen a 10 year old or adult with a dummy. I am not judging and each to their own but all my kids have been dummy sucker and mostly only for bedtime and never had one past 2 years old. so I am very pro dummy and anti thumb (just my opinion)

You can take the dummy off a child - you can't the thumb

Edited by AnnC]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2008 19:38:21 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322978&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322978 <![CDATA[Thumb vs Dummy - which is "better"? : I was a thumb sucker till my adulthood...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322944&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322944 Author: 11111
Subject: 15202
Posted: 11 March 2008 at 6:59pm

I was a thumb sucker till my adulthood and my teeth are fine. Alan did find his for abotu 3 week's, but it wore off and he went back to his dummy I found the dummy a pain as we were up during the night if he lost it. How ever like other's have said far easier to get rind of. My Mikey is a thumb sucker has been scince day one I am not worrid he only does it when he is tired or not feeling very well.]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2008 18:59:12 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322944&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322944 <![CDATA[Thumb vs Dummy - which is "better"? : I&#039;ve heard the buck teeth...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322906&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322906 Author: busymum
Subject: 15202
Posted: 11 March 2008 at 5:53pm

I've heard the buck teeth argument against thumbs and against dummies

DD1 sucks her fingers, DD2 never sucked her fingers but had reflux so we got her a dummy at 2-3mos, was weaned at about 8mos from it though cause she insisted on eating it! She now doubles her tongue over and suckles that. DD3 suckles her fist.

I guess it doesn't really matter either way. I suspect it may be easier to break a dummy sucking habit at a young age (it's really not worth trying to break a finger/thumb sucking habit). But at least bubbas can find their fingers in the middle of the night!]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2008 17:53:05 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322906&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322906 <![CDATA[Thumb vs Dummy - which is "better"? : Maya wrote:They won&#039;t...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322858&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322858 Author: lilfatty
Subject: 15202
Posted: 11 March 2008 at 5:01pm

Originally posted by Maya Maya wrote:


They won't suck their thumb forever, eventually they'll realise that their friends think it's dumb!

Hehe .. good point!

It took us three different types of dummies before we found one Isabelle would accept (she is a sucker - but hasnt worked out how to hold her thumb/hand in her mouth long enough)

Oh and Nuk dummies rock! 

]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2008 17:01:21 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322858&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322858 <![CDATA[Thumb vs Dummy - which is "better"? : My brother sucked his thumb till...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322847&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322847 Author: Maya
Subject: 15202
Posted: 11 March 2008 at 4:53pm

My brother sucked his thumb till he was 11, and he has perfect teeth, none of the rest of us did and we all needed braces.

Dummies are easier to get rid of, but at the end of the day, does it matter? They won't suck their thumb forever, eventually they'll realise that their friends think it's dumb!]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2008 16:53:13 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322847&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322847 <![CDATA[Thumb vs Dummy - which is "better"? : Mine sucks on her tip of her tongue!...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322837&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322837 Author: Rackhell
Subject: 15202
Posted: 11 March 2008 at 4:46pm

Mine sucks on her tip of her tongue! yip, not thumb - tongue, and has an ulcer to prove it.

Any ideas on how to get her to take one of the acceptable pacifiers? ]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2008 16:46:50 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322837&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322837 <![CDATA[Thumb vs Dummy - which is "better"? : I was a thumb sucker until about...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322675&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322675 Author: EmDee
Subject: 15202
Posted: 11 March 2008 at 2:47pm

I was a thumb sucker until about 8 or 9 and I could do with braces! Ollie sucks his thumb too. We tried him with a dummy but he wasn't interested. I took him to the dentist a month or so back (just for a check-up) and she said not to worry too much at this point, its more when the adult teeth come in that it can do damage. In saying that my boy already has crooked teeth anyway as he has an extra tooth!]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2008 14:47:20 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322675&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322675 <![CDATA[Thumb vs Dummy - which is "better"? : I dont know that there is a definite...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322622&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322622 Author: peanut butter
Subject: 15202
Posted: 11 March 2008 at 2:02pm

I dont know that there is a definite link between thumb sucking and braces. Maybe for some but definately not all. I guess with a dummy you can throw it away. But as BS says, a thumb is easier to find as its always on their hand (unless The_stuarts have anything to do with it ).

Tom has a dummy and we only allow it for bed, the car and if he is out and really tired and I want to settle him. However...if the dummy is lying around and he finds it...pop! straight in the mouth!]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2008 14:02:45 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322622&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322622 <![CDATA[Thumb vs Dummy - which is "better"? : i hate the look of dummies...and...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322611&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322611 Author: Bombshell
Subject: 15202
Posted: 11 March 2008 at 1:58pm

i hate the look of dummies...and ella luckily is a thumb sucker...does it too self soothe and worked beautifully cause she could always find her own thumb - whereas a lot of dummy babies get upset at night etc when they lose it...

i sucked my thumb (and big toe!) and never needed braces...

we WILL be moving it out of mouth a lot if she still does it in public etc and not to self soothe in years to come...altho she doesnt have thumb in mouth unless tired etc usually so we hope it will be ok]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2008 13:58:08 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322611&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322611 <![CDATA[Thumb vs Dummy - which is "better"? : Well if you talk to my sons dentist...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322610&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322610 Author: .Mel
Subject: 15202
Posted: 11 March 2008 at 1:58pm

Well if you talk to my sons dentist she will tell you to get a dummy, at least you can throw that away.

Conor is going to have to have extensive dental work because he was a thumb sucker, and I let him do it because I thought it looked cute. I kick myself everyday. He's been having work on his teeth since last year and is still having work done. He hates it and it hurts and he is so self conscious about the way he looks.

So don't encourage the thumb if you can help it. ]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2008 13:58:02 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322610&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322610 <![CDATA[Thumb vs Dummy - which is "better"? : I sucked my thumb until I was...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322609&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322609 Author: kebakat
Subject: 15202
Posted: 11 March 2008 at 1:56pm

I sucked my thumb until I was 12 (yeah embarassing!!) and I needed braces because I created such an overbite with the pressing from my thumb.

Daniel doesn't take a dummy, he sucks his thumb on ocassions but not often anymore and so I don't worry about it. I'd rather he sucked his thumb than a dummy.]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2008 13:56:47 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322609&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322609 <![CDATA[Thumb vs Dummy - which is "better"? : IMO dummy is better. If your...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322604&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322604 Author: The_Stuarts
Subject: 15202
Posted: 11 March 2008 at 1:55pm

IMO dummy is better. If your kids a sucker (and most are) I'd try and get them to suck a dummy because when it's time to stop the habit it's easier (and less cruel) to get rid of your childs dummy than to get rid of their thumb ]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2008 13:55:41 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322604&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322604 <![CDATA[Thumb vs Dummy - which is "better"? : I sucked my thumb and really could...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322599&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322599 Author: BellaBoo
Subject: 15202
Posted: 11 March 2008 at 1:53pm

I sucked my thumb and really could do with braces.

Dummy or thumb? Which ever works best! Both have pros and cons]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2008 13:53:32 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322599&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322599 <![CDATA[Thumb vs Dummy - which is "better"? : i didnt suck my thumb and i had...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322590&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322590 Author: ElfsMum
Subject: 15202
Posted: 11 March 2008 at 1:48pm

i didnt suck my thumb and i had braces]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2008 13:48:19 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322590&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322590 <![CDATA[Thumb vs Dummy - which is "better"? : I sucked my thumb until I was...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322566&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322566 Author: DJ
Subject: 15202
Posted: 11 March 2008 at 1:29pm

I sucked my thumb until I was 11 and didn't need braces. I did have to be hypnotised to stop it though!]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2008 13:29:49 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322566&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322566 <![CDATA[Thumb vs Dummy - which is "better"? : I constantly hear that thumb sucking...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322565&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322565 Author: Bobbie
Subject: 15202
Posted: 11 March 2008 at 1:29pm

I constantly hear that thumb sucking is bad for teeth but I've never seen a study that proves it. Is it proven or just hearsay?

My DH had a dummy and sucked his thumb as a child and has straight teeth. I didn't have a dummy and didn't suck my thumb and my teeth are slightly forward.

This is a legitimate interested question - I'm not trying to be rude (it's so darn hard to convey with text alone)]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2008 13:29:11 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322565&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322565 <![CDATA[Thumb vs Dummy - which is "better"? : Ooh good question! Bella has found...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322559&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322559 Author: BellaBoo
Subject: 15202
Posted: 11 March 2008 at 1:26pm

Ooh good question! Bella has found her thumb too (sometimes both at the same time!). I am trying to encourage the dummy more as that is controlled by me and I can decide when she is too stop using it. Gosh I sound mean ]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2008 13:26:00 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322559&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322559 <![CDATA[Thumb vs Dummy - which is "better"? : Yeah, I was told the same thing...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322556&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322556 Author: CuriousG
Subject: 15202
Posted: 11 March 2008 at 1:23pm

Yeah, I was told the same thing that dummy's were better for their teeth. But in saying that, I sucked my thumb for years (till I was about 9!) and my teeth are as straight as a dime and I didn't have braces.]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2008 13:23:05 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322556&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322556 <![CDATA[Thumb vs Dummy - which is "better"? : i think(dont quote me) that thumbs...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322544&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322544 Author: ElfsMum
Subject: 15202
Posted: 11 March 2008 at 1:11pm

i think(dont quote me) that thumbs are worse for teeth but thats if it is done all the time...personally I'd rather a dummy but if he wont take it that is hard obviously.. :( Ethan sucks fingers and dummy atm:) lol]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2008 13:11:23 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322544&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322544 <![CDATA[Thumb vs Dummy - which is "better"? : Good question. Mac takes the dummy...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322538&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322538 Author: Peanut
Subject: 15202
Posted: 11 March 2008 at 1:03pm

Good question. Mac takes the dummy but has just found his thumb and am unsure which one i should be encouraging!]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2008 13:03:50 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322538&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322538 <![CDATA[Thumb vs Dummy - which is "better"? : There are arguements for an against...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322537&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322537 Author: myfullhouse
Subject: 15202
Posted: 11 March 2008 at 1:03pm

There are arguements for an against dummies and thumb sucking and I suppose it is what suits you best. Jack started sucking his thumb when he first 'found' it but stopped after awhile so Liam may grow out of it once the novelty wears off. And just because he sucks his thumb now doesn't necessarily mean he will suck it for as long as you did. You could try introducing a dummy, I tried with Jack and he couldn't get the hang of it.
Sorry I have just realised that this is probably not much help!]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2008 13:03:45 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322537&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322537 <![CDATA[Thumb vs Dummy - which is "better"? : In the last week Liam has found...]]> https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322518&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322518 Author: sally belly
Subject: 15202
Posted: 11 March 2008 at 12:36pm

In the last week Liam has found his thumb & loves nothing more than to suck, suck, suck - much to his Daddy's "horror" .

Is it ok for him to thumb suck or would he be better with a dummy? He doesn't take a dummy but I have only tried one kind with him. DH is concerned b/c I sucked my thumb until I was 8 or so & had to wear braces to correct my wonky teeth as a result. I hate to think what braces would cost these days...

Any thoughts/ideas most appreciated.]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:36:02 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15202&PID=322518&title=thumb-vs-dummy-which-is-better#322518