A Guide to Soothing a Baby: The Pros & Cons of Dummies

Article By
Anna
Published On
07 Oct, 2024
Read Time
5 minutes

The choice to give a baby a dummy (also known as a pacifier or soother) is a very personal one. When it comes down to it, the choice is entirely yours.  

Some parents don't include a dummy in their baby's routine and manage without one. But others (around two-thirds) do choose to use a dummy to soothe their baby when they're unsettled or crying and find that a dummy satisfies their baby's natural non-nutritive sucking reflex when they're not feeding. 

Parents sometimes think they won’t use a dummy, but then change their mind when their baby arrives, and that's ok! Remember to trust your parental instincts and don't feel swayed or disheartened by the judgement of others.  

To help you decide, 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. 

The Pros and Cons of Dummies 

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 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. 

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Baby Soothers

Newborns and dummies 

When is the best time 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. That way, you both have time to settle into your feeding routine (whether you're breastfeeding or bottle feeding) and your baby has time to learn how to feed 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 such as nipple confusion.  

Are dummies safe for newborns?  

Modern dummies are safe for newborns to use. They can easily be sterilised, and the mouth shield stops babies from choking on or swallowing the teat. Dummies are safe for newborns, but if you’re breastfeeding, it’s best to wait until your feeding routine is established, before you introduce a dummy.  

How to get a baby to take a dummy?  

How to introduce a dummy  

It’s best to start introducing your baby to a dummy for the first time when you’re both 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). 

Some babies accept a dummy right away, others may take a little more time, and some never enjoy using a dummy. If your baby spits their dummy out, this is usually a sign that they don’t want to accept it.  

How many dummies should I buy?

Baby dummies 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 soother to find out which one your baby likes best. 

How to use a dummy safely

  1. Choose orthodontic, BPA-free soothers designed for your child's age.
  2. Never force your baby to take a dummy.
  3. Don't attach a neck cord to your baby's dummy.
  4. Never dip your baby's dummy in food or drink, this can lead to tooth decay.
  5. 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.
  6. Clean and sterilise your baby’s dummies regularly.
  7. 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.

Can my baby use a dummy while sleeping?

Yes, babies can have a dummy when sleeping. 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.  

Tommee Tippee Nighttime Soothers glow in the dark so they're easier to find in the middle of the night.  

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.