The child's fondness for sucking fingers and toes before the age of one is not an unnecessary act, but a natural manifestation of the child's exploration of his body and perception of the world. At this stage, the baby is in the mouthSensitive period, by sucking on their fingers, toes, and even on their handsToysto feel and recognize what is around you. This behaviour has a positive impact on a child's development and can help them develop more fully sensory and cognitively.
In the perception of parents, some people are worried that their children's finger sucking will cause hygiene problems, and they think that the things that children suck are dirty. But in reality, as long as the child's surroundings are kept clean and the child's fingers and toes are washed in time, it is no problem for the child to suck freely. Conversely, if parents are too nervous about interfering with their child's sucking behavior, it may affect the child's emotional and free development.
1. Appearance
Babies before one year oldTeethIt hasn't grown yet, so letting your child suck their fingers freely won't affect themTeethForm and appearance. Conversely, if parents stop their children from sucking their fingers before they are one year old, it may lead to the child appearing when they grow upSensitive periodLag is a problem in which the child will make up for the fingers that were not sucked enough before, which may affect the problemTeethdevelopment, causedTeethuneven. Therefore, sucking fingers before the age of one has no adverse effect on the appearance.
2. Emotional processing
Inhaling fingers can make children feel happy and relaxed, helping to relieve anxiety. Before the age of one, if the child wants to suck his finger but is restricted, it may cause the child to be unable to find an outlet for catharsis when he is anxious, and his emotions are more likely to get out of control. On the contrary, children are able to suck their fingers freely before the age of one, which can help them be more emotionally stable, develop higher emotional intelligence, and are less prone to frequent tantrums.
3. Brain reaction speed
Before the age of one, the child integrates the sensations of the mouth and fingers into the brain by sucking the fingers, and this cross-channel cognition contributes to the child's sensory cognitive development. In the process of frequent finger inhalation, children's senses are sharper, their reactions are more flexible, and their overall cognitive ability will be stronger. Conversely, if the child is unable to suck his finger before the age of one, this cross-channel cognitive stimulation will be reduced, which is not conducive to brain development and may lead to slower reflexes in the child as they grow up.
After understanding the causes and effects of children's finger sucking, parents should take reasonable guidance methods to help children establish healthy Xi.
1. Create a safe and clean environment
Keep your surroundings clean and wash your child's fingers and toes regularly to make sure the sucking items are clean and safe to avoid bacterial infections. This allows the child to suck freely and explore the world around him with confidence.
2. Appropriate guidance and substitution
When your child has the urge to suck, you can try to provide them with suitable alternatives for sucking, such as:Pacifiers, safeInfantsToysetc., to meet the needs of children's oral stimulation. At the same time, by interacting with children, playing and other ways, distract their interest in finger sucking, so that they can gradually develop other hobbies.
3. Balance the needs of the family and children
Try not to interfere too much with your child's finger sucking behavior, and respect your child's developmental needs and Xi. It is necessary to make a judgment on a case-by-case basis, if the child sucks his fingers frequently and causes the impactDietand communication, you can moderately guide your child to quit the Xi, but also pay attention to the method and avoid too coercive or restrictive behavior.
Allowing children to suck their fingers freely until they are one year old is conducive to their physical and mental development. Inhaling fingers can help children perceive and explore the world, promote the development of oral sensations, as well as improve emotional regulation and cognitive abilities. Guiding children to suck their fingers, providing a safe and clean environment, and providing appropriate guidance and substitution can help children establish healthy Xi habits and cultivate well-rounded children. As a parent, you should give appropriate support and guidance according to your child's actual situation and needs, and do not interfere too much with your child's behavior, so that they can grow up happily.