If your baby has a habit of thumb sucking, it is not entirely bad, since its positive side is that it helps protect him better from allergies.
Non-nutritive sucking, better known as thumb sucking, is a behavior that originates in the little ones since they are in the womb. It is different from sucking for food (suckling) but, in a sense, it shares the function of calming a baby. But also, it fulfills an important function: to protect it from allergies.
Thumb sucking is considered somewhat inappropriate and unhygienic behavior, however, a study published in the journal Pediatrics indicates that doing so increases early exposure to allergens, leading to a lower risk of developing allergies.
According to researchers from the University of Otago, New Zealand), thumb sucking, as well as the habit of nail biting (something 41% of children between the ages of 3 and 7 do), increases microbial exposure and affects the immune system, protecting babies against the development of allergic reactions.
This study reinforces the so-called Theory of Hygiene, which shows that in the presence of microbes our bodies strengthen their defenses and immune system, so they get used to their presence in the air, liquids and food, but manage to change them to prevent severe illnesses.
Therefore, habits like thumb sucking, which seem unhygienic, can have a positive side. Obviously, it is not that from now on you will allow your little one to suck his finger if it is dirty or let it take anything to his mouth. Remember, hygiene is essential and. in any case, neither of them is extremely good.