Thumbguard -V - Thudguard?

Trauma Columnist · Jan 28, 2008

Sorry but both get a zero in my book. Where are the parents for these children?? Both of my boys (now grown) have bumped their heads - they would have been mortified (as the child in the picture obviously is) if I had put a helmet on them.

EmmaG, RN · Jan 28, 2008

Aw, let 'em suck their thumbs :)

PurrRN · Jan 28, 2008

It's hard for me to rate the thumbguard from a personal viewpoint, as none of my three boys were thumbsuckers (or binky suckers for that matter, and believe you me I tried, since I thought that's what babies were supposed to do).

I already shared on the other thread about how my oldest was always hitting his head as a toddler, so the thud-guard gets a good 8 rating from me. Had I known about it I very probably would have tried it.

As to the thumb-guard, I guess I'd have to defer to those whose children are really stubborn about sucking their thumb AND who view that as a problem. I know my babysitter is trying to get her 2.5 yo to stop sucking his thumb without success, so maybe I'll advise her to go check it out.

mrsraisinkain · Jan 28, 2008

When my daughter was 3 I took her to the pediatrician for a checkup and asked him for advice on how to get her to stop sucking her thumb. He actually brought out a sample of the Thumbguard to show me. There is no way I could imagine putting that thing on my baby girl and leaving it there. It looked like a torture device to me. I just let it go and within a couple of months my girl stopped sucking her thumb on her own. As for the Thudguard... psht... no thanks. In my opinion, a parent that places either of these items on their child is asking for that child to be in therapy well into adulthood. Let kids be kids!!! :twocents:

Oh, yes, my rating. Thumbguard --- zilch Thudguard --- Nada

TazziRN, RN · Jan 28, 2008

children suck their thumbs for the same reasons that babies suck on binkies....they need the security. rather than trying to stop the thumb-sucking, i feel that the reasons need to be explored. you make the kid associate a comforting action with pain and what do you get? a neurotic kid who is afraid to trust.

just my humble opinion.

kukukajoo, LPN · Jan 28, 2008

I think thudguard is a good option in some cases, but thumbsucking will eventually stop so I have never thought about interfering in that little measure of comfort...

Is all this going overboard with protective devices a new UK trend? Both products are made in UK......

prmenrs, RN · Jan 29, 2008

Re: thumbguard: one of the 1st big decisions a parent needs to make is whether they want orthodonture or psychiatry. Babies need to suck (ok, not all of them, but ?98%), and young children need to be able to comfort themselves. Sucking is one way to do that. Sucking plus a "transition object" like a stuffed toy or blanket, even better. I prefer thumbs because they can't be lost/left somewhere, and, as the child gets to the 3 year mark, it's a little less cumbersome/embarrassing.

My son (developmentally delayed) sucked his thumb gradually less and less, completely done before age 5. I did nothing to discourage it, esp since I noticed he did it when he was very tired or had run into something scary--like a clown! :redlight: :eek: :smiley_aa

Re: the Thudguard. I can see it having a good use for a "cruiser" baby--most likely to fall and bash his/her head on the coffee table corner or the lovely ceramic tile floor. Once they're steady on their feet, done. So, @ the most, parents would use it for ~ 4 months, so don't know if the cost is worth it. (not sure how much that is in US$)

crissrn27, RN · Jan 29, 2008

That thumbgard does look like some kind of a torture device! I have a 3y/o dd that is a avid binky user. She would keep in her mouth 24/7 if we allowed it. Binky is reserved for night night only around here, but if she happens upon on, in the mouth it goes. Children have a physiological need to suck until they are around 4 years of age. Of course, babies mouths are meant to suck a human breast until they are 4, not a plastic binky, so you get the orthodontic issues. Gonna be he#@ when its time for binky to go.

The thudgard I like, and most defiantly would have used, especially with the boys. The always knocked their heads. When my first ds was about 10 months old he hit his forehead on the runner of a rocking chair. I swear the thing dented in 3 inches. Scared the heck outta me.

Cuddlebugs · Jan 30, 2008

On my last thread, a nurse predicted that the Thudguard baby bump hat (selling in the UK), would soon be picked up in the US - and surprise, surprise! Looks like someone is selling them on eBay in the US now! Well that didn't take long - very clever nurse!

http://search.ebay.co.uk/thudguard_W0QQ_trksidZm37QQfromZR40

happydays352 · Jan 30, 2008

Seriously you've got to be kidding me.

:icon_roll

Trauma Columnist · Jan 30, 2008

Just goes to show you that some people will buy anything! lol

These poor children are going to grow up and see these ridiculous pictures and be so embarassed. What's next? Shin guards, knee guards - heck why not encapsulate toddlers in bunting??? tee hee hee

I could make a mint...