We've all heard of babies and small children sucking on their thumb, but what should you do if you notice your baby sucking on their whole hand, fist or other fingers? And is it anything to be concerned about?
The good news is that this is usually not a cause for concern. It could mean that they're trying to communicate something with you though, so it's important to know what they might be trying to tell you.
“Infant hand-sucking is also referred to as ‘non-nutritive’ sucking," says Dr José Costa, Senior Paediatric Consultant at The Children's Allergy Clinic.
Dr José says there are many reasons your baby might be sucking on their hand, here are just a few below.
Teething
Perhaps one of the most obvious reasons your baby might be sucking on their hands and fingers as well as toys and teethers is that your baby is teething. "If your baby is between four and seven months, they might be teething, so chewing on their hands and fingers can help to ease gum pain and discomfort." Says Dr José. Most babies begin teething between 4 and 7 months old. Hurting gums can often be soothed by chewing or rubbing something against them, which is why they might be sucking on their hand more often as a teething remedy.
If the sucking is accompanied by a lot of drooling, flushed cheeks and your baby has been acting more irritable, you can probably assume teething is to blame.
Hunger
"Sucking hands and fingers can also be a sign of hunger so it’s worth checking if they are due for another feed." Advises Dr José. "If this is the case, the sucking is usually accompanied by rooting, crying, or generally being fussy." If your newborn is sucking on their hand, they may be trying to tell you they're hungry and want to be sucking on your nipple or bottle to feed.
Self-soothing
If you've already fed your baby and you know they're unlikely to be hungry yet, they may be sucking to soothe themselves. Sucking produces a calming sensation that relaxes babies and young children and is the reason so many little ones rely on a their favourite dummy or thumb sucking to get to sleep. “Being overstimulated due to lots of noise or movement around them can make some babies suck their hands and fingers to calm down, often leading to a nap." Explains Dr José.
Exploration
As your baby discovers their body and different sensations and abilities, they might want to get to know their hands a bit better. After all, they'll be very important tools in a few months time when it comes to playing and weaning. "Sucking on them is a natural part of discovering their bodies and how their hands work," Says Dr José.
Pain
"There is also a possibility that your baby’s hands are itchy or sore," explains Dr José, "so it is important to check for anything that might be bothering them, including rashes." He continues.
Under-stimulated
Another reason your baby may begin sucking on their hand is out of boredom. "Your baby might also be sucking their hand because they are bored and under-stimulated, especially as they pass the newborn stage and spend more time awake each day." Says Dr José.
How to deal with hand sucking
There's usually nothing to worry about when it comes to hand sucking, as long as your baby's hands are clean, and they aren't in any pain or discomfort. If you do want to discourage them from sucking on their hand, however, if it becomes excessive, it’s important to understand why and to address it appropriately says Dr José.
"You could perhaps give your baby age-appropriate teething toys or soothing remedies to relieve sore gums or read your baby a story if they are bored. Positive reinforcement is key - never criticise or reprehend. If you are concerned about anything, speak with your doctor.
"Bear in mind that most children stop sucking their fingers or hands between 2 and 4 years of age. If this does not happen, seek professional advice."
If your baby's hands are looking for things to explore, they might benefit from sensory toys such as rattles and crinkle books and if they need a little self-soothing, you might want to try a dummy.
When to worry
Like most things, your baby will most likely grow out of this phase of sucking their hand, and as their language develops and they find other things to occupy their minds, they won't feel the need to suck on their hand any more.
Generally, there's no need to worry about your child before the age of four. If you are concerned, however, you might want to talk to your child's GP.
Finger sucking and development
"One of the main risks that can be associated with finger sucking is the under-development of the finger they frequently suck on." Says Dr José.
Eczema
"It is also common to see saliva-related eczema covering the areas where the saliva comes into contact with the skin, which can get infected or bleed. If this happens, your baby might need to be seen by a paediatrician or dermatologist to treat their eczema." Dr José advises.
Oral thrush
Oral thrush can be caused by finger or hand sucking, which can lead to further sucking due to skin discomfort and irritation, making the issue worse. According to Dr José, "If you are worried, look inside your baby’s mouth and see if there are plaques (white patches), mainly covering the tongue. If you are concerned, seek the help of a healthcare professional."
Teeth, tongue and mouth issues
One of the most common reasons parents worry about hand and finger sucking is due to potential oral health issues further down the line, so it could be worth checking in with your dentist too. "A more significant problem can develop with tongue and mouth posture, where the tongue develops a weaker suck, an abnormal posture (position), or impaired bite - all of which can potentially lead to the development of a lisp, affecting speech and/or feeding. For babies that suck particularly hard, this can lead to damage associated with their milk teeth, so it’s important to seek advice from a dietitian if this is the case.” Suggests Dr José.
If your newborn seems to be sucking on their hand a lot, it may be a sign they're more hungry than they should be, in which case you should speak to your GP to make sure your baby is getting enough milk.
About the expert
Dr José Costa is a senior consultant paediatrician, specialising in the latest research, medical guidance and insight on childhood food allergies, Rhinitis (Hay Fever), Eczema, Asthma, and associated conditions.
Stephanie Spencer is the Hub Editor at Mother&Baby and auntie to four aged 8 to 6 months old. With a particular interest in health, she loves discovering products that make parent’s lives easier.