When her first son was born, Jodi O'Neill found it adorable to watch him suck his thumb. "We did not discourage his thumbsucking in any way," says O'Neill, a mother of two in North Royalton, Ohio. "It was nice that he could comfort himself. He was a very happy baby."

While it can be heartwarming to see your baby content with his own thumb in his mouth, should you allow the habit to continue? Dental concerns and future embarrassment are common concerns for many parents. But is thumbsucking really something to be concerned about? Or, is it a natural part of child development?

Babies in utero have been observed on ultrasounds sucking their thumbs. Virtually all babies at one time or another will place a digit (thumb, finger, fist or pacifier) in their mouths to suck. In fact, all healthy newborns start life and sustain it with the urge to suck.

Experts say thumbsucking is a source of pleasure and comfort for infants. This calming and relaxing feeling is associated with the production of endorphins, which also reduce feelings of pain and discomfort. Feedings alone, whether breast or bottle, usually do not satisfy the urge to suck.

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