The sucking reflex in babies is a natural reflex. Find all our explanations to better understand this phenomenon and how to satisfy this need.
Sucking in babies: a natural reflex
Does your baby spend most of their time with their finger in their mouth and try to suck on anything they can get their hands on? That's perfectly normal! The sucking reflex is natural for babies. It helps them calm down and soothe themselves. But where does this sucking reflex come from? Thumb or pacifier? How can you tell if your baby is hungry or just needs reassurance ? This topic fascinates us, and we're excited to share everything we know at Biostime to help you every day! That's the #NewGenerationOrganic
What is the sucking reflex in babies and what is its purpose?
The sucking reflex is innate in babies. It appears as early as uterine life . In fact, from the 12th week of pregnancy, the fetus may already suck its thumb at certain times of the day. If you are pregnant, keep a close eye out during your next ultrasound; you might catch your future baby sucking its thumb!
From the first hours of life, a baby's first reflex will generally be to try to suckle for nourishment , just like any other small mammal. But it doesn't only serve a nutritional purpose. This is called "non-nutritive" sucking:
- It provides comfort, a sense of security and helps the toddler fall asleep ;
- It plays a pain-relieving role . Two hypotheses explain this effect. The first is that the act of suckling captures the newborn's attention and thus masks the sensation of pain. The second is that sucking activates self-regulation mechanisms in the baby and attenuates their pain response.
Generally, children lose this reflex as they grow . From the age of one, you can help your baby reduce their sucking habit . If thumb-sucking or pacifier use is stopped before the age of four, jaw deformities usually resolve themselves with growth and the eruption of new teeth .
Thumb, cuddly toy, pacifier: is one preferable to the other?
To satisfy their sucking reflex , some babies will suck their thumb, while others will only be soothed by breastfeeding, using a pacifier, or sucking on the ear of their favorite cuddly bunny. There's no one best solution ; it depends on the baby. If you see your baby looking for their thumb, you can help them find it. If you offer them a pacifier and they seem to enjoy it, then it's the right option for them.
If you are breastfeeding, it is advisable to avoid the pacifier while breastfeeding is being established to avoid nipple confusion. Once breastfeeding is well established, it is up to you to choose: to breastfeed even for non-nutritive comfort feeds or to offer the pacifier.
How can you tell if your baby is hungry or just having a sucking reflex?
A question is nagging at you: how can you tell if your baby is hungry or just needs to calm down? Don't panic! A hungry baby may exhibit some of the following behaviors :
- To touch one's mouth or face;
- To have sucking movements;
- Open your eyes wide;
- To wave one's arms and legs;
- Start crying if the need becomes very urgent!
In this case, simply offer him the breast or bottle when you cannot or do not wish to breastfeed . If he is hungry, he will suckle effectively and productively. If it is simply a sucking reflex, he will rarely swallow and will make a rapid sucking motion , seeking more comfort by "nibble" to soothe himself . In this case, a pacifier may be helpful.
Very often, after the nutritive feeding comes the " cuddle feeding " which helps to meet your baby's need for comfort, soothing and security.
And as with every stage of parenthood, have confidence in yourself and in your baby !
Share your stories!
Does your baby have a strong sucking reflex? Have you offered them a pacifier, or do they prefer to suck their thumb? Do you have any tips to share? Tell us about your experience and connect with other parents by emailing us at contact@biostime.fr or sending us a private message on Instagram @biostimefr . We look forward to hearing from you!
"Important notice: Breast milk is the ideal and natural food for every infant: it is best suited to their specific needs.
When using infant formula, if the mother cannot or does not wish to breastfeed, it is important to strictly follow the preparation and usage instructions and to consult a doctor.
References:
- Lecanuet JP, “Gusts and pauses: prenatal sucking”, Spirale, 2007/4 (n° 44): 21-32. DOI: 10.3917/spi.044.0021.
- AFPA. [Online] Your baby's reflexes at birth. Mpedia.fr. [Updated 09/16/2019, Accessed 09/08/2022]. Available: https://www.mpedia.fr/art-premiers-reflexes/
- AFPA. [Online] Thumb, pacifier: advantages and disadvantages. [Updated 27/02/2019, Accessed 08/09/2022] Available: https://www.mpedia.fr/art-pouce-tetine/
- Quebec National Institute of Public Health. [Online] Better Living with Our Child from Pregnancy to Two Years. [Accessed 08/09/2022] Available: https://www.inspq.qc.ca/mieux-vivre/alimentation/nourrir-notre-bebe/les-signes-de-faim#:~:text=Votre%20b%C3%A9b%C3%A9%20vous%20montre%20qu,b%C3%A9b%C3%A9%20est%20pr%C3%AAt%20%C3%A0%20boire.
