Tips to help 20month old sleep after giving up thumb sucking!

[happy09]

Not sure where to post this but... my 20month old DS has stopped sucking his thumb due to an illness.  He was sucking his thumb since he was 4months (after we got rid of the pacifier).  He sucked his thumb to go to sleep for naps and bedtime.  He really loved his thumb and sucked it a lot during the day too.  We dont want  him to go back sucking it again as he is talking a lot lot more!

Now it takes him 40mins or more to go to sleep for his nap and at night it could take up to an hour.  He might even wake crying at 5:30 or 6:30am.  We really feed its all because he isnt sucking his thumb anymore and nothing else has changed in his routine, bedtime etc...

Anyone any advice or tips?
Thanks

[~Emma~]

 Nothing much anyone can say really hon. If he's choosing not to suck his thumb he just needs to find another way of soothing...and he will.

 Have you tried intro'ing a comfort object like a fave soft toy or blanket that he likes? Perhaps that'll help him feel a wee bit better.

 Other than that it could be a routine issue or teeth (classic EWs iver here are molars!).

[happy09]

Thanks, he still has his little teddy and a t-shirt in the cot with him.  He probably will settle as he has to learn how to fall asleep without his thumb-poor thing.  Just thought someone might have other tips that worked for them.  Will see how it goes over next few days.

[*Ali*]

I was going to suggest a blankie too.
I am going to move this to Toddler Sleep as your LO is over 12mo and so you should get some more relevant eyes on it over there.