 |
 |
|
|
|
|
 Early
studies reported that 70 to 90 percent
of young children have some history
of non-nutritive sucking.
|
|
|
| |
|
Early studies reported that 70 to 90
percent of young children have some history of non-nutritive
sucking. Other studies report that almost 100 percent
of infants engage in non-nutritive sucking.[2]
As children become older, the prevalence
of non-nutritive sucking habits decreases, with most
children discontinuing these habits between the ages
of 2 and 4. One study reported that over 50 percent
of children in the study discontinued non-nutritive
sucking habits by ages 26-28 months, 71 percent discontinued
by age 36 months, and 90 percent discontinued by age
48 months.[2]
Children who suck pacifiers generally
discontinue the habit at an earlier age than children
who suck fingers or a thumb. Factors that have been
associated with prolonged sucking habits are older
maternal age, higher maternal education, and no older
siblings.[3] |
