Thumb- and pacifier-sucking habits.

The prevalence of thumb- and pacifier-sucking children was studied in two "kibbutz" settlements and city nurseries. The variables considered were age, sex, duration of breast feeding, and family size. Data on 333 children were collected by interviewing the parents, and nurses (in kindegartens and nurseries). Differences in prevalence were found between the three groups. Among the city children, 95 per cent sucked and 89 per cent and 69 per cent of the kibbutz children had sucking habits. In Group A, from whom pacifiers were withheld, most children sucked their fingers. With the increase in age, the prevalence was lower in all groups. No difference was found between the sexes. A reverse association was found between finger and pacifier sucking. No association was found between the habit and the duration of breast feeding. The prevalence was highest in single children. It is suggested that the pacifier may be a substitute of choice for thumb sucking.