Should I stop my one-and-a-half-year-old from sucking their hand while falling asleep?

Thumb-sucking during sleep should be discouraged at one and a half years of age.

Hands come into contact with many objects and can carry numerous bacteria and viruses. Prolonged thumb-sucking may introduce these pathogens into the mouth, leading to various infectious diseases such as tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, gingivitis, and glossitis, which are detrimental to overall health. It may also affect dental development, causing problems such as improper growth of front teeth, protruding lower jaw, misaligned teeth, and impaired chewing ability. Before bedtime, ensure the child is well-fed and free from hunger, which can help reduce the likelihood of finger-sucking. Although sucking fingers can have a soothing and calming effect, it's important to break this habit. Parents can accompany the child at bedtime, read bedtime stories, and provide extra affection and a sense of security, helping to prevent anxiety and crying, thereby improving this behavior.

Parents should patiently assist the child in overcoming this habit and avoid scolding, frightening, or physically punishing the child, as these methods may cause feelings of depression, distress, emotional tension, and loneliness, potentially worsening the behavior. In addition, frequent thumb-sucking at 18 months may also lead to skin infections on the hands.