Dummies: pros and cons

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Why you might choose a dummy

Sucking seems to have a soothing and settling effect on babies. Sucking a dummy helps some babies settle.

There is no evidence that dummies cause serious health or developmental problems in infants. Dentists tend to be concerned about dummy use only when a child’s adult teeth are coming through.

There is an association between dummy use and early weaning. However, there is increasing evidence that dummies do not cause nipple confusion in breastfed babies and are not the cause of early weaning of babies. It seems more likely that mothers who are experiencing difficulties with breastfeeding use dummies as a weaning tool. If you are experiencing difficulties with breastfeeding, speak to your maternal and child health nurse or lactation consultant.

Dummies and SIDS

Some studies have reported a link between the use of dummies and a lowered risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). However, the reason for such a link is unknown and not all researchers believe that the research is conclusive. The best way to protect your baby against SIDS  is to put him to sleep on his back with his face uncovered.

Potential disadvantages

There are downsides to dummies, however. Not all babies will accept a dummy. It can be traumatic when dummies are lost or misplaced. A dummy can also be a disadvantage if your baby depends on it to get to sleep. If your baby is not old enough to find the dummy and put it back in by himself during the night, he will cry for you to help. Teaching dummy independence is a strategy you can use when your baby is eight months or older.

Eventually, your child will have to part with his dummy. If he has had it for some time, he is likely to have become very attached to it, so giving it up will not be easy for him or you. See Letting go of the dummy for tips on weaning your baby off the dummy when you are both ready.

Dummies and earache

There is a debate among researchers as to whether dummy use is associated with a higher incidence of middle ear infections. As yet, the evidence is not strong enough to recommend that parents do not use dummies for this reason alone.

The alternative: finger sucking

Sucking the thumb or fingers is normal and common. An advantage over dummies is that your baby can find his own fingers easily when he needs them. But you can’t ban fingers when your child gets bigger, and some parents prefer the idea of giving up a dummy than the prospect of a finger-sucking habit developing. Luckily, most kids give up finger sucking all by themselves.

Choosing a dummy

• Look for a one-piece model with a soft nipple. Dummies made in two pieces can break apart and become a choking hazard. 
• Look for a firm plastic shield with air holes. Check the shield is more than 3 cm across so your baby can’t put the whole thing in his mouth. 
• If your baby is younger than six months, choose a dummy that can go into the dishwasher or be boiled.
• Check the labelling to make sure you have the right size for your baby’s age – most dummies are labelled for babies either under or over six months.
• Dummies come in different shapes – experiment until you find one your baby prefers.
• Tying the dummy around your baby’s hand, neck or cot is dangerous, as he could strangle himself on the string or chain if it’s long enough to catch around his neck (see Teaching dummy independence for helping older babies manage their dummy during the night).

Using a dummy

To ensure that dummy sucking does not interfere with feeding, it's best to only offer it when you can be sure your baby is not hungry, such as after or between feeds.

Looking after the dummy

• Once your child is over six months, he’ll be resistant enough to infections to allow you to wash the dummy with soap and water (make sure to squeeze out any fluid that gets inside).
• Check the dummy regularly to see if it’s worn or degraded; if your baby bites into it he could choke on the loose bits.

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