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Hey Vivian!
Thumb sucking is usually not a problem for young children and doesn’t typically harm the thumb. Most kids naturally stop sucking their thumb between ages 2 and 4. However, the American Dental Association suggests starting to gently discourage thumb sucking after age 4 to prevent future dental issues, such as misaligned teeth or changes in the roof of the mouth that can occur when permanent teeth start coming in.
By around 7 months, babies can start to find comfort in a soft toy or a lovey. However, it’s best to avoid introducing any soft toys before 7 months due to the increased risk of SUDI (Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy).
Pacifiers are perfectly fine to continue using after 6 months and can be particularly handy during car rides.
Regarding signs of tiredness, yawning is usually an indicator of tiredness. You could try changing his activity to see if he perks up. If he continues to seem fussy or needs more interaction to stay content, it’s likely he’s tired. Like many things with little ones, figuring out what works can be a bit of trial and error.
I hope this makes things a bit clearer!
Emma