Dummies and pacifiers: benefits, risks, and when to stop

Newborn · Care · Reviewed 20 June 2026 · All articles

Dummies (also called pacifiers, soothers, or binkies) are one of the most debated items in baby care. Some parents reach for one instinctively on day one; others worry about doing harm. The good news is that the research is clearer than the debate suggests. Dummies have real, evidence-backed benefits in the early months, a small set of genuine risks to be aware of, and a well-defined window during which they are most helpful. This guide covers what the evidence says and how to use a dummy safely if you choose to.

Why dummies can be a good idea in the early months

The most significant benefit of dummy use is a reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Multiple large studies have found that offering a dummy at the start of every sleep, day and night, is associated with a meaningful reduction in SIDS risk. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) now includes dummy use as part of its safe sleep recommendations for this reason. The exact mechanism is not fully understood. One theory is that a dummy slightly opens the airway; another is that it prevents babies from entering very deep sleep states. Either way, the epidemiological signal is consistent enough that it has been incorporated into mainstream safe-sleep guidance.

Beyond SIDS protection, dummies serve a genuine developmental function. Young babies have a strong non-nutritive sucking reflex. When a baby has already fed but is unsettled, sucking on a dummy activates the same calming pathways as feeding without adding more milk. This can be especially useful during the fussy period many families experience in the late afternoon and evening during the first few months. For babies who find it hard to settle, a dummy can be the difference between a manageable evening and an exhausting one.

Dummies also help babies practice self-soothing at an age when they have very few other tools available to them. The sucking motion is rhythmic and repetitive, which has a calming effect on the nervous system. Premature babies in neonatal units are often given dummies specifically to support oral development and to help them stay calm during procedures.

Dummies and breastfeeding: what the evidence actually says

This is the area where parents most often hear conflicting advice. Some studies suggest that introducing a dummy in the first few days of life is associated with shorter breastfeeding duration. Others find no significant effect. The concept behind the concern is "nipple confusion": the idea that sucking on a dummy teaches a baby a different mouth action than breastfeeding, making it harder for them to latch well.

The current evidence does not strongly support nipple confusion as a major clinical problem. Breastfeeding and dummy sucking do require slightly different oral mechanics, but most babies can manage both. However, the early weeks of breastfeeding are when supply is being established and when latch problems are most likely to occur. Introducing a dummy during this window could, in some cases, mask feeding cues (because a baby sucking a dummy looks settled even if hungry) and reduce the frequency of feeds that signal the body to produce more milk.

The practical consensus from midwives and lactation consultants is: if you want to breastfeed, wait until feeding is well established before introducing a dummy. Most sources put this at around three to four weeks, once your baby is feeding well, your milk supply feels settled, and you are both comfortable with the latch. If you are exclusively bottle-feeding from birth, there is no reason to delay.

If your baby refuses the dummy, do not force it. Some babies simply are not interested, and that is fine. A dummy is never obligatory.

Dental effects and long-term risks

Dummy use in the first year of life has not been shown to cause lasting dental problems. The teeth are not yet in a fixed position, and any temporary changes in gum shape correct themselves quickly once dummy use stops.

The picture changes after the age of two. Continued dummy use beyond this age is associated with an increased risk of changes to tooth alignment and jaw shape, including an open bite (a gap between the upper and lower front teeth when the mouth is closed) and a narrowed upper arch. These changes are usually reversible if dummy use stops before the permanent teeth come in, but that window closes as children get older.

By age three, the risks are more significant. Long-term dummy use past three years is associated with a higher likelihood of needing orthodontic treatment. This is why the general recommendation is to wean off by 12 to 18 months, and definitely before the third birthday.

Ear infections (acute otitis media) are also more common in children who use dummies beyond six months. The sucking action may affect the Eustachian tubes that connect the throat to the middle ear. Restricting dummy use to sleep times only after six months can help reduce this risk.

Safe dummy use: what to do and what to avoid

The first rule is never to dip a dummy in honey, sugar syrup, fruit juice, or any other sweet substance. Honey is unsafe for babies under 12 months because of the risk of infant botulism, a rare but serious illness. Sweetened dummies increase the risk of tooth decay and can encourage a preference for sweet tastes. A clean, plain dummy is all your baby needs.

Never attach a dummy to your baby with a cord or ribbon tied around the neck or clipped to clothing near the neck. Strangulation is a real risk. Purpose-made dummy clips with a short, breakaway attachment are fine for use during waking hours, but remove them for sleep.

Replace dummies regularly. Silicone dummies can degrade over time, and a cracked or sticky dummy can be a hygiene and choking risk. Check the dummy before each use by pulling on the teat firmly; if it stretches or shows any signs of wear, replace it. Most manufacturers recommend replacing every four to six weeks.

Sterilise dummies in the early months, especially while your baby's immune system is still maturing. Never clean a dummy by sucking on it yourself, as this transfers adult oral bacteria to your baby.

Choose the right size. Dummies are sized by age, and using a size appropriate for your baby's age reduces the risk of choking. The shield (the flat disc behind the teat) should always be large enough that it cannot fit entirely in your baby's mouth.

When and how to wean off the dummy

The ideal window to stop dummy use is around 12 months. At this age, babies are developmentally ready to begin settling without it, and stopping before the teeth are firmly established reduces dental risk. It is also easier to wean at 12 months than at 18 or 24 months, when dummy use tends to be more entrenched as part of a sleep routine.

If your baby is still using a dummy at 18 months, that is not a crisis, but it is a good time to start actively reducing use. Limit the dummy to sleep times only if you have not already done so. This makes it a sleep association rather than a constant comfort object, and makes weaning more straightforward.

Common approaches to weaning include going cold turkey (removing the dummy entirely and accepting a few difficult nights), gradual withdrawal (restricting use to nap and bedtime, then nap only, then stopping altogether), and the "dummy fairy" approach used with toddlers (turning it into a story where the dummy is given away). The right approach depends on your child's temperament and your own tolerance for disrupted nights.

Whatever approach you take, consistency matters more than the method. Mixed messages, where the dummy disappears for two nights then reappears, can make the process longer and harder.

Frequently asked questions

Do dummies reduce the risk of SIDS?

Yes. Multiple studies have found that offering a dummy at the start of sleep is associated with a reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The mechanism is not fully understood, but current evidence is strong enough that organisations like the American Academy of Pediatrics include dummy use in their safe sleep guidance.

Will a dummy affect my ability to breastfeed?

The evidence on this is mixed. Some studies suggest early dummy use may be linked to shorter breastfeeding duration, while others find no effect. The widely accepted practical advice is to wait until breastfeeding is well established, usually around three to four weeks, before introducing a dummy. This reduces the chance of interfering with latch and milk supply in the early weeks.

When should I stop using a dummy?

Most health organisations recommend weaning off the dummy by around 12 months, and ideally before 18 months, to reduce the risk of dental effects and ear infections. By age three, continued use is associated with a higher risk of changes in tooth and jaw alignment, so stopping well before that age is the general advice.

Is it safe to dip a dummy in honey or sugar to help my baby accept it?

No. You should never dip a dummy in honey, sugar, or any sweet substance. Honey is not safe for babies under 12 months due to the risk of infant botulism. Sugar on a dummy raises the risk of tooth decay and can contribute to a preference for sweet tastes. Always offer a clean, dry dummy.

Sources

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