Dummies (also known as soothers) are one of those parenting tools that spark a lot of conversation and questions. Some babies love them. Some don’t. Some parents swear by them, others never use one.
Knowing how to use a dummy ensures that it is safe for your baby.
This guide covers the when, the why, and the what-if, so you can make a confident, informed decision that works best for you.
Top 5 soothing tips
- Babies suck for comfort, it offers reassurance between feeds, helps during unsettled moments and can support sleep.
- Wait to introduce a dummy if you’re breastfeeding, around 4–6 weeks, to reduce the risk of nipple confusion.
- Use dummies strategically at bedtime and nap times. They help babies relax and may extend sleep. Also there’s evidence that dummy use during sleep times may reduce SIDS risk.
- Avoid all-day dummy use. Best for comfort, not constant use.
- You don’t have to use a dummy. They’re optional. Some babies like them, some don’t. If you don’t, that’s fine too. What’s most important is what feels right for you and your baby.
Top tip
Dummies work best as a comfort tool once feeding’s settled, use them for soothing and sleep, not all day long.
What is a dummy?
A dummy (or pacifier) is a small, soft teat designed for babies to suck on. It’s not for feeding, but for comfort. The shape and feel mimic the soothing action of sucking, which is a natural reflex for newborns and young babies.
Why do babies like dummies?
Used at the right time, a dummy can help settle your baby, offer reassurance between feeds, and support sleep.
Sucking is more than just a way to feed. It’s a built-in self-soothing mechanism that helps babies feel calm, safe, and secure. A dummy gives them a way to satisfy that reflex when they’re not feeding, and that can be especially helpful during unsettled moments, car journeys, or nap transitions.
When should you introduce a dummy?
You know your baby best. Some babies never take to a dummy. Others find it instantly comforting. And some parents find it helps through tricky spells, while others choose to go without.
Whatever you decide, it should feel right for you. There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to comfort. It’s simply another option in your parenting toolkit. There when you need it, easy to skip if you don’t.
Some evidence suggests that giving a baby a dummy at bedtime dummy use at bedtime may reduce the risk of SIDS. That said, most experts recommend waiting until breastfeeding is established (if that’s how you’re feeding) and avoiding dummy use to delay or replace feeds.
Getting the timing right when introducing a dummy
If you’re breastfeeding, most health experts recommend that you avoid any soother (teat) or bottle (teat) for at least 6 weeks due to teat/nipple confusion if you are breastfeeding. Please remember that if your latch (when breastfeeding) is not quite established at 6 weeks (which can be common and nothing to be ashamed of) you should still refrain from using a soother. Introducing soothers and bottles before this can confuse your baby.
Bedtime and naptime use
Dummies can be especially helpful when used during naps and at bedtime. For some babies, the sucking motion helps them relax and fall asleep more easily, and stay asleep a little longer.
There’s even evidence that using a dummy at sleep times may reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), though the reasons aren’t fully understood.
What matters most is that it becomes part of a safe, calming sleep routine that works for your baby, and gives you both a bit more rest.
