Thumb sucking is a very common problem among children. Most of the babies suck their thumbs at some point of time in their infanthood. It is an instinctual behavior that denotes the child’s struggle for survival. Sucking becomes their means of consuming food.
Some children quit thumb sucking on their own once they are one or two years of age. Some continue their habit even when they are five. This habit can be brought to a stop if parents take the initiative.

• A parent should take proper care of their child’s emotional requirements.
• When ever the child cries due to hunger, feed them. Feed them at regular intervals of time.
• Give your baby the feeling of security.
• Discuss the problem of thumb sucking with your child and tell them how essential it is to stop the habit. 
• Don’t get angry with your child and do not use any forceful means to stop this practice. The effects might be adverse.
• While they are put to sleep, let them hold dolls or other toys to keep their hands busy.
• Try to create the habit of not sucking thumb in your child. Keep reminding them when ever you see them sucking their thumb.
• As your child conquers this habit, reward them for their accomplishments.
• Put an obstacle on the child’s hand or apply something that does not taste good, on the infants thumb.
• There are oral appliances available that makes it difficult for kids to suck their thumbs