FAQ
Payment Options
Using ThumbGuard
Questions Parents Have Asked Us
Reward Chart Tips
Terms & Conditions
Payment Options
There are several ways to pay for your ThumbGuard:-
Direct Deposit
Commonwealth Bank
ThumbGuard Australia
BSB: 063464
Account Number: 10335223
Credit Card
ThumbGuard Australia accepts VISA and Mastercard via our online payment system. We encrypt all transaction details before sending them across the internet, so the details of the message cannot be seen by anyone except SecurePay Payment Server.
SecurePay uses a 128-bit digital server certificate provided by VeriSign™. This level of encryption is currently considered realistically unbreakable.
Cheque/Money Order
PO Box 61, Chadstone Centre, Vic, Australia, 3148
Please make cheques payable to ThumbGuard Australia
Delivery
You should expect to receive your goods within 28 days from when your payment has cleared within Australia. International orders may take longer. Orders are sent via Australia Post and are Registered for tracking and security purposes. Please feel free to email our team at any time to find out the status of your order.
Using ThumbGuard
How do I know what size to order?
What does the thumb sucking treatment kit consist of?
What should I do if my child is able to pull his/her thumb from underneath the ThumbGuard?
What should I do if my child is able to remove his / her finger from underneath the FingerGuard?
What should I do if I find redness or other reactions in areas covered by the plastic tube?
If the tube extends further than the thumb, does that mean the ThumbGuard size is too large?
What should I do if my child is able to pull his/her thumb from underneath the ThumbGuard?
If the child is able to pull his / her thumb from underneath the appliance, then most likely the appliance has not been adjusted properly. This usually occurs regardless of the tightness in the bracelet, but rather, when the bracelet is inserted through the wrong openings in the extensions, or the size of the ThumbGuard itself.
Make sure the tube of the ThumbGuard sitting all the way dawn on the base of the child's thumb. If the device is tight and it does not sit the way it should, the child needs the next size up. Also, make sure you are threading the coloured bands immediately after the intersection of the two extensions.
Begin by locating the shortest extension (one of 3 branching out from the tube). It lies parallel to the thumb, which points down toward the wrist. On this extension, locate the openings through which the bracelet is inserted. You must use the next higher opening, the one closer to the ThumbGuard tube. When doing this, make sure the bracelet is slightly above the wrist area. Later, this extension will be pulled down so that the bracelet surrounds the thinnest area of the wrist (the part of the wrist with the smallest circumference).
Locate the two remaining extensions, both of which should be longer than the one mentioned above. Of the two, one is narrower than the other. Thread the narrower extension through the next slit that is higher (or closer to the tube) on the wider extension. This should make the intersection where the narrow extension passes through the wider extension sit slightly higher on the hand. Thread the bracelet through the first 2 available slits immediately after intersection in the two extensions.
With the bracelet now slightly above the wrist, pull firmly down on the extensions until the bracelet is wrapped around the thinnest part of the wrist. There is no need to fasten the bracelet tightly on the wrist, as the extensions create the necessary tension to prevent the child from removing his / her thumb from underneath.
If the appliance has been adjusted properly, the child should not be able to remove the appliance. The tube covering the thumb should sit firmly on the base of the child's hand, and when pulled, should not move. If your child can still remove the appliance, an additional step can be taken. If there is a reasonable amount of space/clearance between the thumb and tube, you can use a band aid or a piece of medical tape to roll several layers around the thumb knuckle to impede the child's ability to bend the thumb and remove the device.
If, after you have followed the instructions, the child is still able to remove the ThumbGuard, it might be that the child belongs to the small group of children who are able to remove the device regardless how well you adjust it.
What should I do if my child is able to remove his / her finger from underneath the FingerGuard?
The child is able to remove his / her finger from underneath the FingerGuard when the appliance has not been adjusted correctly. This occurs when the bracelet has been inserted through the row of slanted holes that is too low (or far from the tube).
To correct this problem, simply thread the bracelet through a row of slanted slits that is higher on the appliance (or closer to the tubes). Begin by locating the two extensions. Thread the bracelet through the row of slits that places the bracelet slightly above the wrist, near the base of the hand. Repeat on the other side. Pull down the appliance so that the bracelet surrounds the thinnest part of the wrist. When you fasten the bracelet, it is unnecessary to make it tight because the tension in the appliance depends on the row of slits chosen. An additional step can be taken to assure that the child is not able to remove the device. If there is a reasonable amount of space/clearance between the finger and tube, you can use a band aid or a piece of medical tape to roll several layers around the second joint (from the tip of the finger) to impede the child's ability to bend the finger and remove the device.
What should I do if I find redness or other reactions in areas covered by the plastic tube?
A very small percentage of younger children, due to higher skin sensitivity, develop a rash or redness in the areas that are covered by the plastic. Though the plastic is medical grade material with no toxicity and no harmful phthalates (a type of chemical), the reaction can be the result of condensation, saliva, and the accumulation of bacteria in a confined and warm environment. You should immediately stop using the device and take all steps to heal the skin. Usually, keeping the skin dry and / or using over the counter remedies, heal the skin rather quickly.
You may resume using the device, but take the following precautionary steps: Be sure that the skin is always dry and clean. You can accomplish this by removing the device more often than daily for cleaning and drying, or by simply using a hair dryer for drying the thumb / finger without removing the device. Applying a thin layer of any baby hydrophobic cream (nappy rash cream) before putting on the device creates a moisture barrier and can also be helpful.
What does the thumb sucking treatment kit consist of?
ThumbGuard - thumb sucking treatment kit consists of:
2 (two) ambidextrous ThumbGuard™ devices
60 (sixty) multicoloured bracelets, which are lockable (like hospital wrist bands)
1 (one) DVD
1 (one) printed instructional sheet
FingerGuard - finger sucking treatment kit consists of:
1 (one) FingerGuard device
50 (fifty) multicoloured bracelets, which are lockable (like hospital wrist bands)
1 (one) DVD
1 (one) printed instructional sheet
How do I know what size to order?
Size Selection Guidelines for ThumbGuard/FingerGuard
(Please read the guidelines and carefully consider your selection)
The ThumbGuard appliance comes in three sizes:
Small
Children below 4 years of age whose weight is below 14 kilograms.
Children who are taller than average but have small bone structure
Children over 4 years of age who are small for their age.
Medium
Children 5 to 6 years of age whose weight is between 14 and 25 kilograms.
Children under 5 years old whose physical development is above average
Children over 6 years old who are small for their age
Children over 6 years who are tall for their age but have small bone structure
Large
Children 7 years of age and older whose weight is above 25 kilograms.
Children 6 years old whose physical development is above average.
If you find that your child is between two sizes, we recommend you select the larger size, for the following reasons;
Choosing a larger size will guarantee better air flow inside the tube to prevent a seal that could be caused by suction
Improved ventilation inside the tube will reduce condensation and moisture that could cause skin irritation
We strongly advise not sharing ThumbGuard/ FingerGuard with other users. The material used cannot be sterilised and there is a risk of spreading infection or sickness if shared.
The proper size selection is extremely important and is based on child's age and the description of the child's physical development. In many situations, we recommend to use a larger size to allow more air circulation around the digit, thus reducing condensation and allowing accumulated moisture to dry faster. For example: if a child is 6 years old with the physical development of a 7 year old, we would recommend a large size ThumbGuard.
If the tube extends further than the thumb, does that mean the ThumbGuard size is too large?
No. The only important parameter concerning size is diameter; There should be a clearance between the thumb and appliance to allow a suction-breaking airflow. If you feel that the child would feel more comfortable with a shorter tube, you can trim it to expose the very tip of the child's thumb. If you have any further questions please feel free to email support@thumbguard.com.au.
Questions Parents Have Asked Us
Q. Will ThumbGuard work for my daughter?
A. There are only two requirements for a successful treatment: 1. Your child must have the desire to stop sucking her thumb. 2. Parental commitment to follow through with the treatment and provide support and encouragement.
Q. Hi, I bought the small ThumbGuard's from you recently for my four year old daughter. The problem is she pulls them off. I put the coloured strip through the hole closest to the fingers, put tape on her thumbs and also have the plastic things as tight as is comfortable around her wrist. Any other suggestions?
A. Is the tube of the ThumbGuard sitting all the way down on the base of your daughters thumb? If the device is tight and it does not sit the way it should, she needs the next size up. Also, make sure you are threading the coloured bands immediately after the intersection of the two extensions. It might be that your daughter belongs to the small group of children who are able to remove the device regardless how well you adjust it.
Q. Can you please tell me what the different sizes would suit. I have a 2 and 3 year old and don't know what size I would need.
A. Depending of the physical size of your children the small and medium would fit a 2 and 3 year old respectively. If they are bigger than the 'average', the next size up might be more appropriate. You can see more information about this at http://www.thumbguard.com.au/faq/index.cfm#Q6.
Q. How do I care for the ThumbGuard's?
A. ThumbGuard's and FingerGuard's are not designed to be washed via boiling or put in the dishwasher or any sterilising equipment. Any products subjected to this method of washing will deteriorate. Any products which deteriorate because of these washing methods will not be replaced or the purchase price refunded. To wash your product simply wash in warm soapy water and let air dry out of direct sunlight.
Reward Chart Tips
The Reward Chart is a fantastic way to engage children in a positive way and promote good behaviour. The chart enables a daily recording of good behaviour, aka no thumb/finger sucking. Children absolutely love being rewarded for their good behaviour and this is a simple yet effective way to help your child succeed at giving up sucking their thumb or finger.
Tips on getting the best out of the Reward Chart experience;
• Children respond best to praise rather than criticism.
• Most children are born collectors - they'll love collecting stickers on their charts.
• Introduce the child to the reward chart and explain how it's going to work.
• Make it absolutely clear what behaviour you're looking for.
• Don't nag, notice - notice when he/she doesn't suck the thumb for an amount of time and give verbal praise (and a sticker if you want to).
• Be consistent. If you show a loss of interest in the chart your child is likely to be less motivated.
• Be realistic. Make sure that you are not expecting too much as your child will get disheartened. Start off at a level where it is easy for your child to achieve rewards, then slowly increase the expectations.
1. Discuss with your child what you are wanting them to achieve and why. Explain to them the point of the chart is to help them end the thumb sucking habit and that every day/night they refrain from sucking their thumb/finger they will be rewarded with a sticker. At the end of the selected time period (when all the train carriages are filled) they will be rewarded with something agreed on by both of you.
It goes without saying that lots of hugs, cuddles and praise along the way are so important to boost your child's self-esteem and assure him or her of your unconditional love for them.
2. When the child displays the desired behaviour (not sucking their thumb), reward the child by giving them a sticker to be placed on the reward chart. Choose a train carriage and an animal to add, each day until all the carriages are filled up. There are 7 carriages but you can really add as many stickers to each as you want. The idea is towards the end of the treatment you only need to be adding stickers once a day.
3. Giving extra special attention and praise when the behaviour is good will encourage the child to repeat the positive behaviour. Never remove a sticker for negative behaviour.
4. Ensure all caregivers understand how the Reward Chart will work. You must be completely clear when the child is to be rewarded and what the desired behaviour is.
Reward Time!
Rewards don't need to be big. You may want to reward each day to begin with to entice momentum so you definitely don't want the rewards to be too big or lavish. Some ideas for rewards are:
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A trip to the park
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A special treat
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A play date
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A certificate
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Choosing a special meal
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Perhaps they could suggest a family outing
Decide with your child what the reward will be and then stick to it.
Terms & Conditions
By accessing this website and/or placing an order, you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions outlined by ThumbGuard. For the full Terms and Conditions, please visit our Terms and Conditions page.