As a new parent, you’re likely surrounded by advice and opinions on every topic, including whether to use a dummy for your baby. Whether you’re considering introducing a dummy to your newborn or thinking about when and how to wean your older child off it, it’s important to know the facts. Allow me to share the research with you and provide practical tips on using a dummy, specifically for sleep.
Benefits of Using a Dummy for Babies
For babies under six months, some studies suggest that using a dummy may reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Although this evidence isn’t definitive, it suggests that dummies might prevent babies from burying their faces too deeply into bedding, or from sleeping too deeply - therefore reducing their risk.
Sucking, whether through breastfeeding, finger-sucking, or dummy use, is known to have a calming effect on babies, helping them self-soothe and even reducing their response to pain.
Do’s and Don’ts of Using a Dummy for Sleep
If you decide to use a dummy for your baby, here is my guidance around how to use them:
Do:
Wait until breastfeeding is well established: This helps avoid any potential confusion between the dummy and the breast, encouraging a strong breastfeeding routine in the first few weeks first.
Make it part of your baby’s sleep routine: Introduce the dummy as part of a regular sleep routine so your baby associates it with settling down to sleep.
Choose an orthodontic dummy: These are designed to adapt to the shape of your baby’s mouth
Wean between 6–12 months: Gradually transition away from the dummy during this time to avoid long-term sleep associations.
Don’t:
Reinsert the dummy during sleep: If your baby spits it out while they are asleep, resist the urge to put it back in.
Coat the dummy with food or substances: Avoid dipping the dummy in anything to encourage your baby to take it
Attach cords or ribbons: This is not safe for your baby, especially when used for sleep
Force your baby to use it: If your baby doesn’t take to a dummy, that’s perfectly fine, your baby may find other ways of soothing themselves to sleep - for example sucking their fingers
Use it for general soothing: Save the dummy for bedtime or naptime only, rather than relying on it to calm your baby in every situation.
Special Circumstances
In certain cases, a medical professional may recommend a dummy even before breastfeeding is established, for example premature babies who may need extra support to develop sucking reflexes. Always follow their guidance in such situations.
When to Stop Using a Dummy
To avoid long-term dependency or dental issues, I recommend weaning your baby off the dummy between 6 and 12 months. At this stage, babies start forming habits and building stronger sleep associations, which can make breaking the dummy habit trickier later on.
The National Childbirth Trust (NCT) advises weaning off dummies before the age of two and discontinuing their use entirely before age three. Prolonged dummy use can affect how teeth develop, potentially leading to alignment issues like overbite or crossbite.
In conclusion
Dummies can be a helpful tool to support your baby’s sleep during their first 6 months, particularly once breastfeeding is established. If you choose to use one, opt for an orthodontic dummy and limit its use to bedtime and naps.
It’s important to note that not every baby takes to a dummy, and not every parent chooses to use one, and that’s completely fine! There are many gentle, responsive ways to help your baby sleep, whether or not a dummy is part of your approach.
Whatever path you choose, remember that every baby is different, and what works for someone else might not work for you.
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