When babies are bored they can get fussy, think they want to eat, or go to sleep and keep a schedule that may be hard on parents. Babies Need to Suck The need to suck is very strong during Baby's first 4 months. Baby may quickly discover her own fingers and fists are good to suck. Sucking is not always a sign of hunger. Putting things in the mouth is the way your baby learns about her world.
Babies also use sucking to calm themselves when they are upset.
Studies by pediatric dentists indicate that both pacifiers and sucking on fingers and thumbs can cause dental damage. They each cause different problems. While a pacifier or finger is helpful now to satisfy the baby's urge to suck, she will outgrow this need. At that time, between the ages of 2 and 5, you can prepare her to find comfort in other ways. Try other ways to comfort a baby, without using a pacifier.