What are dummies?

Dummies are usually made of plastic and have a silicone teat; they are used by many parents to calm their children and soothe them when they are feeling sleepy. Dummies are easy to clean and sterilise and they are safe for children to use because they have a plastic guard which prevents choking. Some babies don’t like having a dummy and will spit it out when their parents try to put it in their mouth; however, many others find having a dummy very comforting.

Why do parents use dummies?

Most parents use dummies as a means of comforting and soothing their baby; babies get used to having their dummy when they are upset or feeling tired and sucking on the dummy helps them to relax and feel calmer. It is very common for parents to use a dummy when their baby is still young but most parents try to wean their baby off their dummy by the age of 12-18 months.

What are the advantages of using a dummy?

The main benefit for parents is that the dummy calms their baby down; many parents will marvel at the difference a dummy can make, as their baby goes from screaming hysterically to perfectly quiet once the dummy has been given to them. Dummies can be a source of great comfort for babies, especially when they are young; dummies can also help to distract babies from feelings of pain and discomfort, for example when they have colic and ease them off to sleep. Dummies may also help premature babies to learn how to suckle on a bottle teat.

There is some evidence to suggest that using a dummy can help to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (commonly known as cot death); a studies have found that dummies decrease the risk of a baby dying from cot death and the Foundation for the Study of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome w advised parents to consider using a dummy to soothe their baby; dummies are not advised for newborn babies who are being breastfed.

The dummy is often a preferable alternative to the thumb; you can wean a baby off a dummy but they will always have their thumb so it is much harder to stop them sucking their thumb and this can cause orthodontic problems when they are older.

Using a dummy can also help children to sleep for longer, especially if they are a bit poorly and keep waking themselves up by coughing, for example. Children are soothed by having their dummy and will be more likely to go back to sleep, rather than staying awake.

What are the disadvantages of using a dummy?

One of the biggest concerns about using a dummy is the potential damage that can be done to the baby’s teeth; the British Dental Health Foundation advises parents to avoid using dummies, as they can affect the way the teeth develop and grow. Prolonged use of a dummy can change the shape of the mouth, which can affect the child’s bite; this may cause orthodontic problems in the future. If you want to use a dummy but don’t want to harm your baby’s dental health, make sure you limit the time your baby has their dummy; for example, use it when they are falling asleep and then take it out once they are in a deep sleep.

Getting used to giving your baby a dummy can also have negative effects, especially if you lose your child’s favourite dummy; many children get very attached to their dummies and being separated from it can cause them great distress and you may find that they scream the house down until you find it. It can also be very difficult to wean a child who is used to having a dummy for long periods of the day.

Using a dummy has also been linked to an increased risk of suffering from the following health problems:

  • Ear infections: sucking on a dummy can increase the risk of middle ear infections as bacteria may be transferred from the back of the mouth to the Eustachian tube, which connects the throat to the ear.
  • Dental health problems
  • Speech problems: speech problems may be a by-product of orthodontic problems, caused by using a dummy for prolonged periods of time.
  • Stomach problems
  • General illness and infection, including colic, diarrhoea and colds

There is also evidence to suggest that using a dummy can also cause problems for babies that are being breastfed; many experts believe that giving a baby a dummy when they are still very young can interfere with breastfeeding and it may cause the baby to have difficulty attaching to the nipple; organisations including UNICEF and the NHS recommend avoiding the use of a dummy while the baby is learning to feed.

Tips for using a dummy

If you do decide to give your child a dummy, there are some simple steps you should follow; these include:

  • Keep the dummy clean; if your baby drops it on the floor, make sure you clean it with sterile water.
  • Limit the amount of time your baby has their dummy; many parents only give their baby a dummy when they are going off to sleep.
  • Choose an orthodontic dummy, as this will help to reduce the risk of orthodontic problems in the future.
  • Replace dummies regularly
  • Try to wean your baby off their dummy before they reach the age of twelve months.
  • Don’t dip your child’s dummy in sugary drinks or foods, as this can increase the risk of tooth decay.
  • Try to address the source of the problem, rather than automatically giving your baby their dummy as soon as they become restless or start crying.

How should I wean my baby off their dummy?

Some children will naturally pay less attention to their dummies as they grow up, while others will be very reluctant to give up their dummy. Here are some tips for weaning your baby off their dummy:

  • Cut down on the time your baby uses their dummy; start to give them their dummy at bedtime only, for example.
  • Ensure you have help and support around you when you decide to get rid of the dummy; weekends may be better than weekdays because your partner or relatives are likely to be free to help out.
  • Try to encourage your child to swap their dummies for something else; for example, tell them they can swap them for birthday or Christmas presents or a new toy; the chances are they will be so distracted by the new toys that they won’t even think about having their dummy.
  • Encourage your child by telling them that it’s very grown up to give up their dummy; use older siblings or television characters as examples.
  • Be strong and don’t give in; your child may be very distressed at first but they will soon get used to living without their dummy.
  • Reward good behaviour: give your child stickers or small toys if they go without their dummy; don’t replace their dummy with sweets and cakes, as these can cause tooth decay. 

When should I wean my baby off their dummy?

It is advisable to try and wean your baby off their dummy before they reach their first birthday; by this age, they will probably have some teeth and they should have a settled sleeping routine by this point. You can start to wean your baby off their dummy at around the age of six months; gradually cut down the amount of time they have their dummy and then get rid of the dummy as soon as you feel they can cope well without it; every child is different and some may adapt to life without their dummy a lot better than others.

Caring for your newborn:

Mother, Baby and Beyond

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