You know those adorable habits little ones have like thumb-sucking and using pacifiers? Well, it turns out that these habits can actually be kind of helpful during the early stages of growing up. Continue reading to know the good side of these non-nutritive sucking habits and see how they play a positive role in a child's world:
Self-Soothing And Comfort
Did you ever notice how kids seem to find solace in sucking their thumbs or pacifiers? It's like their built-in comfort mechanism. When they're stressed or anxious these habits can help them feel better. Think of it as their way of hitting the relaxation button.
Sleep Aid
The rhythmic sucking motion of a thumb or pacifier can be like a lullaby for babies. It tends to put them in a peaceful state, making it easier for them to doze off and stay snoozing. And let's face it, when babies sleep well, parents do too.
Oral Development
You won't believe it, but these habits can actually be good for oral development in little ones. Sucking on thumbs or pacifiers works those facial muscles and gives the jaw a little workout. That workout might just lead to a well-aligned jaw and a sturdy palate. And that might lower the odds of oral issues down the road.
Transition Comfort
When the time comes for kids to switch from breastfeeding to bottles or cups, these habits can offer a bridge. They give children a familiar and comforting action to hang onto while they're getting used to changes in their feeding routine.
Biting Back Discomfort
For teething babies, sucking on a thumb or pacifier can be a source of temporary relief. Those little gums can get pretty sore. The gentle pressure and rhythm of sucking can be a soothing distraction from the discomfort. Visit our dentist to know all the benefits of non-nutritive sucking habits.
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You know those adorable habits little ones have like thumb-sucking and using pacifiers? Well, it turns out that these habits can actually be kind of helpful during the early stages of growing up. Continue reading to know the good side of these non-nutritive sucking habits and see how they play a positive role in a child's world: