Dummies: advantages, disadvantages & tips

What are the pros and cons of dummies?

Pros of dummy use

Sucking a dummy can help some babies settle. Sucking seems to have a soothing and settling effect on babies.
When babies have dummies for every sleep, dummies might reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Cons of dummy use

Not all babies like dummies.
If dummies are introduced in the first 4-6 weeks of life, their use might interfere with breastfeeding, milk supply and baby weight gain.
Dummy use is linked to higher rates of middle ear infections in babies over 10 months.
Prolonged dummy use, especially beyond 3-4 years of age, increases the chance of dental problems later in childhood – for example, the problem of a child’s teeth growing out of line.
If babies aren’t old enough to find their dummies and put them back in during the night, they might cry for help.
Babies and toddlers can end up needing their dummies to get to sleep.
Babies and toddlers can get very upset when dummies are lost or misplaced.
Dummies can affect communication because babies and toddlers have to take them out to speak.

Eventually, your child will have to part with the dummy. Children who’ve had their dummies for some time are likely to be very attached to them. Our article on letting go of the dummy has tips for weaning your baby off the dummy when you’re both ready.

How to choose dummies

Dummies come in different shapes. The best way to find one that’s right for your baby is to experiment. But make sure the dummy you choose complies with Australian Standard AS 2432:2015. You can get the details of AS 2432:2015 at Product Safety Australia – Baby dummies and dummy chains mandatory standard.

Tips to help you choose a dummy for your baby

Look for a one-piece model with a soft nipple. Dummies made in 2 pieces can break apart and become choking hazards.
Check you can easily grip the dummy’s ring or handle so you can pull it out quickly if it becomes lodged in your baby’s mouth.
Look for a firm shield with at least 2 air holes. Check the shield is more than 3.5 cm across so your baby can’t put the whole thing in their mouth.
Check that there are no gaps or holes that will allow fluid into the teat during washing.
If your baby is younger than 6 months old, choose a dummy that can be safely sterilised without damage.
Check the labelling to make sure you have the right size for your baby’s age. Most dummies are labelled for babies under or over 6 months.
If you’re bottle-feeding, consider choosing a dummy from the same brand as the bottle. The teats are often the same.

When to introduce dummies

If you’re breastfeeding, it’s best to introduce the dummy after breastfeeding is established – around 4-6 weeks.

If you’re bottle-feeding, you can offer a dummy from birth.

There’s no need to introduce dummies if your baby doesn’t seem interested. Babies who don’t use a dummy might suck their fingers or thumbs instead.

How to use dummies

Here are practical tips for everyday dummy use:

If you’re breastfeeding, offer the dummy only when you can be sure your baby isn’t hungry – for example, after or between feeds. This helps to ensure that dummy-sucking doesn’t interfere with breastfeeding.
Check the dummy regularly to see whether it’s worn or degraded. Replace the dummy if it’s broken or worn. Babies can choke on any loose bits.
Keep spare dummies handy. This can help if your baby drops or loses their dummy.
Don’t dip the dummy in sweet drinks or sweet food like jam or syrup. This can cause tooth decay.
Considering teaching dummy independence when your baby is 8 months or older. This can help if your baby loses their dummy during sleep.
If your child has oral thrush, discard their dummy and replace it with a new one each week. Even when dummies are carefully cleaned, they can retain fungal infections like oral thrush.

Dummy chains attach dummies to baby clothing. If you want to use a dummy chain, check that it meets Australian Standard AS 2432:2015. And make sure it’s less than 22 cm long, can’t tear or break, and has no parts that can fall off, like beads or decorations. Don’t use a homemade tie or chain to attach the dummy to your baby’s hand, neck or cot. This can help you avoid choking risks and strangulation risks for your baby.

How to look after dummies

Babies under 6 months should use dummies that have been sterilised. There are several ways to sterilise bottle-feeding equipment, which you can also use to sterilise dummies.

From about 6 months, your child will be more resistant to infections. This means you need only to wash the dummy with soap and water, rather than sterilising it.