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Some parents don't use a dummy as part of their baby's routine and manage without one, while others do choose to use one to soothe their baby when they're unsettled or crying.
The choice to give a baby a dummy (also known as a pacifier or soother) is a very personal one for parents. When it comes down to it, the choice is entirely yours. Remember to trust your parental instincts and don't feel swayed or disheartened because of the judgement of others.
Some parents discover that while they were initially against using a dummy, they change their mind when their baby’s born, and that's ok!
To help you decide what’s best for you and your baby, let's run through when dummies can be introduced, some of the advantages and disadvantages of dummies, and how you can introduce a dummy safely.
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 welcome 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.
How to get a baby to take a dummy?
It’s best to introduce your baby to a dummy for the first time when you’re both feeling calm, relaxed and comfortable. Gently bring the dummy to their lips to encourage them to take it. It may help to offer them their dummy soon after they’ve finished a feed.
If your baby is bottle-fed, consider choosing a dummy from the same brand as the bottle (the teats are often the same shape and size).
If your baby spits their dummy out, this is usually a sign that they don’t want to accept it. Some babies accept a dummy straight away, others may take a little more time, and some never enjoy using a dummy.
When 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 baby could get confused between feeding and suckling, which may lead to feeding problems.
How many dummies do I need?
Baby pacifiers are small and can easily get dropped or lost, so it's a good idea to have a few at any one time so you always have spares ready to soothe. When you first get started, it might help to get a few different styles of dummy to find out which one your baby likes best.
- Explore the Range
- Baby Soothers
- How to use a dummy safely
- 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 are the disadvantages of using a dummy?
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 baby's dummies, and always keep a few spares handy to replace any dirty ones that end up on the floor.
When 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 baby for their first visit to the dentist once they start teething and their first tooth emerges.
Using a dummy for a prolonged amount of time may stop your baby from babbling and can potentially slow down the process of learning to talk.
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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.
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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 baby to accept their dummy.
If your baby 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.
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