Teething & Soothing

If your baby uses a dummy, you’ll soon become aware of how often it ends up being dropped on the floor and may be wondering "How do I keep my baby's dummy clean?”.  

Keeping a baby’s dummy clean is essential to protect them from illness. Young babies are very susceptible to germs and bacteria which can accumulate on dummies. So, it’s important to clean and sterilise their dummies regularly (even if the dummy looks clean to the naked eye).  

By following these simple guidelines, you can help make sure your child's dummy stays clean, safe and ready to soothe. 

The risks associated with dirty dummies 

Dirty dummies can make babies unwell, so it’s important to keep your baby’s soothers clean. Poor dummy hygiene could increase the risk of illnesses like:  

• Bacterial and viral infections: Dummies can pick up bacteria and viruses from surfaces they touch, such as floors, countertops, or even other children's mouths. These germs can lead to illnesses like colds and the flu, tummy bugs like diarrhoea, and ear or respiratory infections.  
• Thrush: Dirty dummies can contribute to the spread of thrush, a fungal infection caused by Candida albicans that can develop in the mouth and throat.  

How to keep your baby’s dummies clean and sterile 

You should clean and sterilise any new soothers you buy your baby before you use them for the first time, and again before every use.  

How to clean a dummy using dish soap and hot water 

1. Wash the dummy thoroughly with warm soapy water  
2. Rinse with clean water  
3. Remove any water that may have entered the teat by squeezing it  

How to sterilise a dummy using boiling water 

1. Remove the soother from its packaging 
2. Place it in a small pan of boiling water for 5 minutes 
3. Allow it to cool completely  
4. Then squeeze out any trapped water from the teat before giving it to your baby. 

How to sterilise a dummy in a steriliser 

You can buy small sterilisers that are specially designed for baby soothers, but if you have other items (like baby bottles, breast pumps, and teething rings) to clean, a larger steriliser will come in handy! 

Tommee Tippee sterilisers use UV light or 100% natural steam to kill viruses* and 99.9% of bacteria.  

*Tested against Coronavirus (tested to EN 16777) and Influenza H1N1.  

How to sterilise a dummy using a microwave steriliser pod 

All two-pack Tommee Tippee soothers come packaged in a reusable case for simple microwave sterilising, at home or on the go.  

Here’s how it works:  

1. Add 30ml of clean tap water to one half of the steriliser case and put one or two soothers in it with their teats submerged. 
2. Close the case securely with a locking click in each corner. 
3. Make sure your microwave’s heat plate is clean. 
4. Microwave on high power (750-1000w) for 4 minutes. 
5. After microwaving, let the case and contents cool completely before carefully removing and pouring out any remaining water.  
6. Check that the soothers are cool before giving them to your baby.  

You can also buy specially designed microwave sterilising bags for baby soothers which can be helpful when out and about.  

How and where to store your baby’s dummies  

When your baby isn't using their soother, it’s best to sterilise it, then keep it stored in a clean, dry, covered container. 

Sources 

• Advice on Using a Dummy with your Baby - How to use a dummy safely - Emma's Diary (emmasdiary.co.uk)  
• How to Clean Your Baby’s Pacifier (clevelandclinic.org) 
• How to sterilise equipment - Start for Life - NHS (www.nhs.uk)