It’s no secret that thumb sucking can be a hard habit to break for young children. Did you know that prolonged thumb sucking can have negative consequences such as dental issues, speech problems, and social anxiety? Thankfully, there’s a simple solution to help your child kick the habit: thumb guards! This quick guide to choosing thumb guard sizes will help you navigate key factors to consider when choosing the perfect thumb guard for your little one.

What’s a Thumb Guard?

A thumb guard is a glove-type device that fits over a child’s thumb and is secured in place by a wristband. These devices are typically made of plastic (choose one that is BPA and phthalate free) and discourage thumb sucking in a variety of ways.

How Does a Thumb Guard Work?

The T-Guard removes the pleasurable sensation of suction from thumb-sucking. Without that trigger for pleasure, the child quickly loses interest in sucking their thumb. If they simply change hands or start sucking their fingers instead, an ambidextrous thumb guard or finger-sucking prevention device can deal with the switch.

The Role of Height and Weight in Sizing a Thumb Guard

The most relevant factor in choosing the right thumb guard size is the circumference of the thumb relative to the diameter of the tube encasing it. Height and weight play a role in determining a suitable thumb guard size. Look for a height and weight chart to help you determine the right size for your child.

Tall children tend to have thin thumbs. If the thumb guard size differs primarily by the width of the tube that covers the thumb, go down a size for tall children in between sizes. Short kids tend to have thick thumbs, so go up a size if they are between sizes on the weight chart. If you’re unable to find an exact thumb guard size based on your child’s weight, factor in their height.

Breaking the thumb sucking habit can save your child from the negative consequences of thumb sucking. Helping your child overcome this habit doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. Choosing the right thumb guard size sets your child up for success.