Patient's question:
My baby is two months old. Recently, he has started to enjoy sucking his fingers. I've read in some books that babies around 3 to 4 months old have this habit, and I wonder if that's true.Additionally, my baby now likes to be held upright, but his head isn't very stable yet and keeps swaying left and right. I'm concerned about whether holding him upright for long periods might affect his cervical spine. Can I use a baby carrier for him now?
Doctor's answer:
Babies suck their fingers for the following reasons:(1) Sucking fingers is a sign of intellectual development: At around 2 to 3 months, as the cerebral cortex develops, babies learn two actions. One is to wave their small hands in front of their eyes while staring at them—it’s called the "looking-at-hands" game. The other is to suck their fingers. Since babies initially perceive the world through their tongues, some use this special way to recognize different parts of their bodies.
(2) Sucking fingers is a baby’s psychological comforter. Babies often suck their fingers when their needs are not met, such as when they are hungry but can’t get milk, or when they need their mother’s affection but don’t receive it. Sucking fingers serves as a comforter to stabilize their emotions.
Sucking fingers during this period does not need to be corrected.
At 3 or 4 months, babies can lift their heads well and enjoy being held upright. When taking babies out for a walk, you can alternate holding positions. When holding them upright, place one hand under their buttocks and the other under their back. This way, babies can more easily see the world around them.