Babies and Dummies

Some young babies have a dummy to help them settle. Try to stop using a dummy by the time your baby is 10-12 months.

To prevent problems later:

• Give your child as much time without the dummy as possible.
• As your baby gets older, try to use the dummy for sleep times only.
• Don’t put anything on the dummy to encourage sucking.

Remember:

• Babies who use dummies have fewer chances to babble.
• Extended use of a dummy may contribute to dental and speech sound problems.
• It’s easier to wean a baby off a dummy than a toddler!

If your baby has a dummy:

• Try to use it as little as possible.
• Always take the dummy out when your baby is babbling or chatting.

How do you get rid of a dummy?

If your child is using their dummy all the time, or is not giving their dummy up as soon as you would like, try these ideas:

• Wean them off – gradually decrease the times when you let your child use their dummy.
• Restrict dummy use to key times during the day, such as bedtime or when your child is ill. Be firm.
• Point out older girls and boys, who don’t use dummies, to your child.  Pre-schoolers love being more grown-up!
• Encourage your child to give all their dummies away to a person who is important to them, such as a grandparent or pre-school key worker.
• Reward your child with fun activities, stickers or star charts – don’t give them sweets instead of their dummy.
• Remember your child will grow out of their reliance on their dummy.

Ideas that parents have tried: