When to Introduce a Dummy to Your Baby
Deciding whether to give your newborn a dummy can be a common question for new parents. For some, dummies (also known as pacifiers or soothers) offer a simple way to soothe their baby, while others may be concerned about how they might impact feeding or development. If you’re wondering ‘Should I give my newborn a dummy’? or when the best time is to introduce one, it’s helpful to understand the guidelines around newborns and dummies. From timing to safety tips, here’s what you need to know about giving a newborn a dummy, and how to introduce a dummy to your baby in a way that supports their needs and comfort.
Do Babies Need Dummies?
Deciding whether to give your baby a dummy is a personal choice that depends on your baby’s needs and preferences, as well as your parenting style. If you’re wondering about the pros and cons of dummies for newborns, and whether you should give a newborn a dummy, you’ll be reassured to know that using a dummy can actually offer many benefits for little ones. These benefits may include:
Helping to soothe and comfort. Babies are born with the rooting and sucking reflex that some use to soothe themselves. Your baby may even be sucking their thumb while still in the uterus. Sucking on a dummy can help calm your baby if they’re fussy or even colicky, providing them with a sense of security and relaxation.
Acting as a sleep aid. Dummies may help your baby fall asleep faster and encourage them to self-soothe when they wake up during the night.
Providing a temporary distraction. Dummies may offer a temporary distraction during times of discomfort, such as doctor visits, or when travelling.
May reduce the risk of SIDS. Some studies have shown that giving your baby a dummy at nap time and bedtime may reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). However, the reasons for this are still unclear and not all experts agree on the use of dummies. You can check out our Safe Sleeping Guide for some ways to promote safe sleep for your baby.
The Benefits of Not Using Dummies for Newborns and Babies
It's normal to consider both the positive and negative outcomes when deciding whether to give your little one a dummy. Ultimately, the choice is yours. Some potential drawbacks of using dummies may include:
Leading to dependency. As your child grows, they may come to depend on their dummy for comfort. If you give them a dummy every time they cry, it could lead to increased reliance on it. This dependency might make it more challenging to take the dummy away when the time comes.
Causing dental problems later on. Using and sucking strongly on a dummy after the age of 2 may lead to a change in the shape of the mouth or the way the teeth are lining up.
Increasing the risk of ear infections. Dummy use may increase the risk of middle ear infections in babies and toddlers.
Impacting speech and language development. If a baby frequently has a dummy in their mouth, it reduces their opportunities to babble and make sounds. This may result in delays or issues with their speech development.
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When to Introduce a Dummy to Your Baby
If you’ve just welcomed a new baby into the world, you may be wondering, ‘Should I give my newborn a dummy, and when’? and ‘When to introduce a dummy when breastfeeding’? Newborns can use dummies at any time; however, if you’re breastfeeding, it’s recommended to wait until breastfeeding is well established, typically around 4 weeks (though this varies from baby to baby), before introducing a dummy.
Dummies for Breastfed Newborns
As mentioned above, it’s recommended to wait until you and your newborn have settled into your nursing routine before introducing a dummy to a breastfed baby. Introducing a dummy too early might interfere with your baby’s ability to latch properly, potentially impacting milk supply and breastfeeding success.
If you have any questions about breastfeeding and when to introduce a dummy, check in with your baby’s health visitor or with a lactation consultant for personalised guidance.
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Safety Tips and How to Introduce a Dummy
If you plan to offer your baby a dummy, you may want to consider the following points and suggestions:
Use during sleep. Offering a dummy during naps or nighttime may help soothe your baby. However, if it falls out once they’re asleep, you don’t need to put it back in.
Notice your baby’s cues. If your baby doesn’t like or take the dummy, or they can’t keep it in their mouth, that’s OK. What’s important is respecting your baby’s needs and noticing their cues. Not all babies will take to dummies, and some may prefer other soothing methods.
Clean regularly. Ensure the dummy is cleaned and sterilized frequently, especially for babies under six months, as their immune systems are still developing.
Avoid coating with sweet substances. Never dip the dummy in sweet substances like honey, which can cause tooth decay and, in infants under one year, carries a risk of botulism. Botulism is a serious illness caused by botulism spores (bacteria) found in contaminated soil or food. Infants under the age of one haven’t yet developed defences to fight against these spores that may enter their system.
Check for wear and tear. Regularly inspect the dummy for any damage, like cracks or tears, which could pose a choking hazard.
Use a dummy sparingly. Avoid letting your baby use the dummy for long periods as it may affect their dental development over time.
Avoid using a neck cord. Don’t attach your baby’s dummy to a string, cord or ribbon.
Can Babies and Newborns Sleep With a Dummy?
Babies and newborns can safely sleep with a dummy; in fact, having a dummy at nap time or bedtime may soothe your little one and help them fall asleep. Some experts also believe that dummies may help reduce the risk of SIDS, but more evidence is needed to confirm why and how.
If your baby sleeps with a dummy, they may wake in the night if it falls out. If they’re not old enough to put it back in their mouth themselves, you may need to help them, but only if they cry out for you.
When to Stop Using a Dummy
How long should babies use dummies? Experts suggest gently weaning babies off dummies between 6 and 12 months and avoiding their use entirely after 18 months. This is because dummy effectiveness tends to decline after 6 months of age. As babies grow older, the risks associated with prolonged dummy use, such as dental issues and middle ear infections, increase.
If your little one is having difficulty letting go of their dummy, gradually reduce the frequency and duration of dummy use to help your baby transition away from it. Perhaps limit it to sleep time or when your little one needs comfort, or try introducing different soothing methods for your baby.
If your child is older, you could use positive reinforcement, such as praise or small incentives to encourage them to give up the dummy. Creating a supportive environment can help during the transition process.
Remember, every child is different, and you should consider your child's individual needs, and consult with their GP or health visitor if you need guidance.
FAQS AT A GLANCE
If you decide to give your newborn a dummy, you can do so at any time; however, if you’re breastfeeding, it’s best to wait until your baby is about 4 weeks old to allow breastfeeding to become established first.
Babies have a natural instinct to suck, and offering a dummy between feedings or during sleep can help soothe them and satisfy this need.
The Bottom Line
Offering a dummy to your baby can provide comfort and soothing benefits. Before offering your newborn a dummy, it’s best to establish your breastfeeding routine. It's also wise to consider your little one’s preferences, prioritise safety and start to wean your child off dummy use between 6 and 12 months to reduce the risk of potential dental issues.
Remember that every child is unique, and it’s essential to adapt your approach to suit their individual needs. Consulting with your GP or health visitor can offer personalised advice and guidance throughout this process.
How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the National Health Service (NHS). You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.
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