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Why do children suck their thumbs?

Question

Why does my son sometimes suck his thumb? Why do children do it?
Anel, Margate

Answer

** Definitive **
Name: Richard, Orpington
Qualification: Dentist
Answer: When babies are in the womb, they develop suckling reflex to allow them to breastfeed as soon as they are born. When they are not suckling, they put their thumb in their mouth and that often carries on when breastfeeding stops through habit.

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