When to start dummy weaning

Many parents offer their babies a soother or dummy when they’re distressed, and they can also help calm babies with colic or gas. But as your baby grows, there will come a time when you'll want to wean them off their dummy, before they become too reliant on the reassurance it gives. 

This transition can be challenging for parents, but it's important to remember that it's a normal part of a baby’s development. Fortunately, babies and toddlers are adaptable and usually adjust to the change with ease. Let’s cover some of our top tips to help make the process of weaning a baby off their soother a little simpler and less stressful for everyone involved. 

Why do you need to get rid of the dummy? 

Helping them to say goodbye to their dummy will support the development of their language skills and budding personality. Babies who continue to use a dummy and depend on it for comfort for too long into toddlerhood can experience issues with the growth of their teeth and their speech development.  

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. 

Babies are usually ready to start babbling their first few words around the time they turn one. If you want to start early, it's a good idea to begin weaning them off their beloved dummy by reducing the amount of time they use it, little by little. 

If your baby continues to use their dummy after their first birthday, the chances are that they will have formed a strong bond with it. It can be a good idea to let them know that they can't have their dummy forever. Talk to them about the time when they'll eventually say goodbye to it to help them prepare. 

You know your child best, so trust your parenting instincts and don't put pressure on them or yourself – every journey is unique.  

10 top tips for weaning off the dummy 

Try these tips and tricks to help your child make the move to a dummy-free life, whenever you feel that it’s the right time for you and your baby.  

1. Distract and offer alternatives 

You can give your baby a new cuddly toy or a soft blanket to help comfort them in place of their dummy. Talk to them and tell them that they can swap their dummy for a lovely new toy. 

2. Reward them 

As they get older, you can try to introduce a reward chart and give them a sticker for not using their dummy. Once their chart is full, offer them an extra special treat for doing so well.  

3. Say hi to the Dummy Fairy 

Toddlers love magical stories, so talking to them about the Dummy Fairy and how they're going to come and give their dummy to the baby fairies will build excitement. 

4. Go seasonal 

If the timing is right, you could hang their dummy on the Christmas tree for Santa to take back to the North Pole. Or leave it out for the Easter bunny to swap for a sweet treat. 

5. Encourage them to communicate and self-settle 

When you're trying to move away from the dummy, it's a good idea to consider why they're crying before instantly rushing to give them their soother. If you can teach them to communicate their needs and tune in to their emotions, they'll be more likely to self-soothe without reaching for their dummy. 

6. Time it right 

Try not to take your child’s dummy away from them during a time of change or when their routine is unsettled (if you're moving house, transitioning from cot to bed, welcoming a new baby into the family). Babies can build a strong bond with their dummies and use them to manage stress and self-soothe if they're upset or feeling unwell.  

7. Out of sight, out of mind 

Keep their dummy hidden and out of reach to help them avoid temptation. 

8. Set a limit 

You can try limiting dummy use to bedtime, nap times, and stressful situations (like a trip to the doctor’s office). 

9. Storytime  

Read them bedtime stories about saying bye-bye to the dummy. There are tons of children's books out there that are designed to support babies as they give up their dummies. 

10. Be patient and stay strong 

The process of moving on from their dummy can be difficult and stressful for babies and parents. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself (or them), be patient, and remember that you'll get there in the end.

Sources  

• Dummies: helping children give up dummies | Raising Children Network