What are the benefits of using a dummy?
Dummies can satisfy a baby���s natural sucking instincts when they���re not feeding, and many find sucking on a dummy very soothing when they're distressed or trying to fall asleep. They can also provide relief during times of stress, for example, if you���re attending a medical appointment.
Finally, although more research is needed in this area and the exact correlation is unclear, there���ve been studies suggesting that dummy use alongside breastfeeding may reduce the risk of cot death ��� also known as sudden infant death syndrome or SIDS.
What are the disadvantages of using a dummy?
The truth is, dummies get dropped on the floor regularly and can carry bacteria if they���re not kept thoroughly clean. This may lead to increased infections and tummy upsets, so be sure to regularly sterilise your little one���s dummies, and always keep a few spares handy to replace any dirty dummies that end up on the floor.
If they���re used for too long, dummies may affect how a baby���s teeth grow, which is why it���s best to always use orthodontic dummies and take your little one for their first visit to the dentist once their first tooth emerges.
Using a dummy for a prolonged amount of time may stop your baby from babbling and therefore slow the process of them learning to talk, so it���s best to stop using a dummy between the ages of six and 12 months if you can.
When is the best time to introduce a dummy?
If you decide that you���d like to give your baby a soother, it���s best to wait until around four weeks after birth to give you both time to settle into your feeding routine (whether you���re breastfeeding or bottle feeding) and to give your baby time to learn how to get milk from your nipple or the teat of a bottle.
If you introduce a dummy before they���re settled into a steady feeding routine, there���s a chance that your little one could get confused between feeding and suckling, which may lead to feeding problems.
How to use a dummy safely
- Never force your little one to take a dummy.
- Don���t attach a neck cord to your baby���s dummy.
- Never dip your baby���s dummy in food or drink, this can lead to tooth decay.
- Check your baby���s soothers regularly for cracks, splits, and holes, and replace their dummies every month or right away at the first signs of any damage or weakness.
- Clean and sterilise their dummies regularly.
- Aim to stop dummy use between the age of six and 12 months.
Can my baby use a dummy while sleeping?
Yes, they can. To help establish a regular sleep routine, you can offer your baby a dummy before you put them down to sleep (during the day or night) alongside following other safe sleep guidelines.
If their dummy falls out of your baby���s mouth while they���re asleep and they don���t wake up, there���s no need to put it back in. If they do wake up, they���ll soon let you know if they want it back again!
Our Breast-Like Nighttime Soothers glow in the dark so they���re easier to find in the middle of the night!
What should I do if my baby refuses to take their dummy?
It's important to note that not all babies will like a dummy and you should never force your little one to accept their dummy.
If your little one seems to be resisting their dummy, try offering it when they���re more relaxed or towards the end of a feed, but if they continue to refuse their dummy, don���t force them as this will only cause more distress for you both.
