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May 23, 2025 — For many parents, pacifiers and thumb-sucking are essential tools in the early days of raising a child, offering comfort and calm during fussy moments. But as children grow, the question of when—and how—to help them let go of these soothing habits becomes a hot topic of debate.
A recent national poll from the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital reveals that nearly half of parents report their child has used a pacifier, and one in four say their child has sucked their thumb or fingers. While these behaviors are considered normal and even beneficial in infancy, many parents worry about the potential downsides if they persist too long.
Benefits and Concerns
Experts stress that pacifiers and thumb-sucking serve a valuable purpose during a baby’s first months. The American Academy of Pediatrics even recommends pacifiers during sleep to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
“For newborns, sucking is a natural reflex that helps them feed and self-soothe,” explains Dr. Susan Woolford, pediatrician and co-director of the Mott Poll. “Pacifiers and thumb-sucking can be lifesaving by reducing the risk of SIDS, but their use should be short-lived. Prolonged use may impact dental health and possibly speech development.”
The poll found that these comfort behaviors are most common at bedtime, naptime, or when children feel overwhelmed. However, for some, the habit extends further: nearly one in 10 pacifier users and almost a quarter of thumb-suckers rely on these habits during screen time. Eighteen percent of parents said their child used a pacifier nearly all the time.
When to Say Goodbye
Most parents—over half—believe the best time to stop is before age two. While some children naturally outgrow pacifiers and thumb-sucking, others need a little help. Parents have tried a variety of creative strategies, from limiting pacifier use to bedtime, hiding it, or even snipping a hole in the nipple to make it less appealing. For thumb-sucking, some introduce a stuffed animal as a substitute, while others try deterrents like mittens or even a dab of hot sauce.
Success, experts say, depends on the child. Some respond to stories or videos about giving up the habit, while others are motivated by rewards like stickers or small prizes. For some, a gradual reduction works best; for others, a clean break—such as a visit from the “pacifier fairy”—does the trick.
“As children get older, parents should encourage them to develop other ways to self-soothe,” says Dr. Woolford. “It’s important to approach this transition with kindness and patience, recognizing that it can be an emotional process for children.”
No One-Size-Fits-All Solution
Ultimately, every child is different, and there’s no single right way to help them move on from pacifiers or thumb-sucking. The key is to watch for signs that these habits are interfering with development, such as speech or sleep issues, and to gently guide children toward new comfort strategies.
With patience and creativity, most children make the transition smoothly—and parents get another reminder of how quickly their little ones grow up.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For specific concerns about your child’s health or development, please consult your pediatrician or a qualified healthcare provider. The information is based on a report from the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and expert commentary, but individual circumstances may vary.
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