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It's common for babies and toddlers to have a favourite object that helps them feel safe at nap and bedtime. But what are the benefits of using comfort items? And are there any potential drawbacks to using them?
This post explores the topic of dummies and other baby comforters and sleep to help you learn more and make informed choices for your family.
Is it safe for babies to use a soother to sleep?
Sucking is a natural way for babies to self-soothe. While soothers can't replace the importance of cuddles, they can be beneficial for calming and relaxing babies.
If your baby enjoys sucking, offering a soother at naptime and bedtime can help them sleep better.
Bottle-fed babies can use a soother from birth. If you're breastfeeding, it's generally recommended to wait until your baby is around 6 weeks old and has established a good breastfeeding routine before introducing a soother.
The benefits of sleeping with a soother
A soother can be a useful tool for helping your baby calm down and fall asleep. But you might find yourself being woken up to find a lost soother in the night. To avoid nighttime searches, try a glow-in-the-dark soother.
Some studies show that giving your baby a soother when putting them down to sleep might reduce the chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Research has also found that if a baby used to a dummy, is not given one on a particular occasion, the degree of protection may be less than during sleep periods when a dummy is given. So, if your baby uses a dummy as part of their general routine, you should aim to offer them their dummy each time you put them down for sleep, day or night.
Whether you do or don’t give your baby a dummy at bedtime, you should always follow safe sleep guidance (such as not smoking and placing your baby on their back to sleep) to significantly lower the chance of SIDS.
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- Safety tips when using soothers
- Choose a dummy that complies with Australian Standard AS 2432:2015.
- Choose BPA-free dummies designed for your child's age.
- Never force your baby 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.
- Prolonged soother use after the age of 24 months may interfere with dental development. We recommend stopping soother use entirely when your child is older than 36 months.
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What is a comfort item?
Soft comforters and cuddly toys can also provide a sense of security when they're away from you. These items are often called transitional objects because they help your child transition from one state to another (like waking to sleeping) and offer comfort and security when they're away from familiar people and places.
Comfort items can be very helpful for older babies and toddlers in settling down and falling asleep, and since these comforters help your child feel safe, calm, and happy, you shouldn't discourage them. They're a sign that your child is developing skills to become more independent.
Comfort object safety
If your child uses a soft comforter or toy to help them sleep, it's important to ensure it's safe.
Babies under 12 months old should not sleep with blankets.
Follow safe sleep guidelines and remove the comfort item from their sleeping area once they're asleep. Never leave your baby unattended with anything that has a cord or ribbon or any toy with detachable parts that could be a choking hazard.
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When do babies pick their comforter?
Most babies and toddlers will develop a favourite comfort item around 6 months old. They often choose something soft and familiar, like a favourite toy or a small comforter with a cute character.
If your child doesn't choose one on their own, there's no need to force it, but a comfort object might be helpful if they're having trouble sleeping.
While babies and toddlers often choose their comfort item early, you may notice they need it more between 18 months and 2 ½ years old.
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Won't my baby become too attached to a comfort item or soother?
Some parents worry that their child might become too attached to a comforter and struggle without it.
Losing a favourite toy or comforter can be stressful. If your child is particularly attached to a comfort item, it's a good idea to have a backup. Alternate them regularly so both comforters are equally worn and smell similar.
Most children will gradually stop using their comfort objects as they become more independent.
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