Dummies and pacifiers: pros, cons and safe use
Whether to offer a dummy is one of those questions that comes up early and often. Some babies take to them immediately; others spit them straight out. The good news is that both outcomes are fine. What matters most is understanding the potential benefits, the possible downsides, and how to use a dummy safely if you choose to offer one. This article draws on guidance from the NHS and the Lullaby Trust.
The potential benefits
The most significant benefit associated with dummy use is a possible reduction in the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The NHS advises parents to consider using a dummy to settle their baby to sleep, noting that some research suggests this may help lower the risk of SIDS. The Lullaby Trust similarly highlights good evidence pointing to a protective effect during sleep, though researchers do not yet fully understand the mechanism behind it.
Beyond the SIDS research, there are other reasons families find dummies helpful:
- Soothing between feeds. Babies have a natural urge to suck, and a dummy can satisfy that need at times when a feed is not appropriate or possible.
- Supporting sleep routines. When offered consistently at every sleep, a dummy can become a reliable sleep cue that helps babies settle.
- Medical contexts. Health professionals sometimes recommend dummies for premature babies to help them develop the facial muscles involved in sucking, or for babies on ventilators and those receiving CPAP support to help keep their mouths closed and maintain airway pressure.
The potential downsides
Like most parenting decisions, dummy use comes with considerations on the other side too:
- Breastfeeding establishment. If introduced too early, a dummy can interfere with learning to latch. The advice is to wait until breastfeeding is well established, typically around four weeks old, before offering one. Once nursing is going well, introducing a dummy should not make feeding more difficult.
- Teeth alignment. Extended use beyond the recommended window is associated with misaligned teeth. Phasing out the dummy between six and twelve months helps avoid this concern.
- Ear infections. Longer-term dummy use has also been linked to a higher likelihood of ear infections, which is another reason to start transitioning away from it within that six to twelve month window.
- Dependency on re-settling. Some babies who use dummies regularly may need it replaced when they stir in the night. Importantly, if the dummy falls out during sleep, you do not need to put it back in.
How to use a dummy safely
If you decide to offer a dummy, a few straightforward practices make it safer and more effective:
- Choose an orthodontic dummy. These are shaped to adapt to your baby's mouth rather than pushing against developing teeth and gum structures.
- Offer it for every sleep, not just some. If you are using a dummy as part of a sleep routine, consistency matters. Offering it at every sleep, day and night, helps establish the habit and ensures the potential protective effect is present whenever your baby is sleeping.
- Never attach it to a cord or clip. Neck cords and dummy attachments are strangulation hazards and should never be used, especially during sleep.
- Never coat it in anything sweet. Honey or other sweet substances must not be placed on a dummy. Honey in particular is not safe for babies under twelve months and can cause serious illness.
- Do not offer it during awake time. Reserve dummy use for settling your baby to sleep, not as a constant comfort throughout the day.
- Do not force it. If your baby pushes the dummy out or shows no interest, do not persist. Forcing a dummy can cause distress and the decision not to use one is completely valid.
Timing: when to start and when to stop
If you are breastfeeding, the general recommendation is to wait until feeding is established before introducing a dummy. For most parents this lands around four weeks after birth, but every feeding journey is different. If you need support getting breastfeeding going, ask your midwife or health visitor before introducing a dummy.
On the other end, the Lullaby Trust recommends gently phasing out the dummy between six and twelve months. There is no single right approach to stopping: some parents reduce use gradually, others choose a clean break. What matters is moving away from it within this window to reduce the risk of dental and ear complications later on.
There are situations where a health professional may advise introducing a dummy earlier than four weeks, particularly for premature babies or those with specific medical needs. In those cases, follow the advice of the team caring for your baby.
If your baby will not take a dummy
Not every baby will accept a dummy, and that is entirely normal. There is no need to worry or persist. The other elements of safer sleep practice, placing your baby on their back to sleep, keeping their sleep space clear and firm, maintaining a smoke-free environment, and sharing your room for the first six months, all work together to lower SIDS risk meaningfully. A dummy is one option within that picture, not an essential requirement.
Frequently asked questions
When is the right time to introduce a dummy?
If you are breastfeeding, it is generally recommended to wait until feeding is well established before introducing a dummy. This is usually around four weeks old, though the timing varies for every parent and baby. Once breastfeeding is going well, introducing a dummy should not make nursing more difficult. If a health professional advises using a dummy sooner, for example for a premature baby or one receiving CPAP ventilation, follow their guidance.
Can using a dummy lower the risk of SIDS?
Some research suggests that offering a dummy at sleep times could help reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The NHS advises parents to think about using a dummy to settle their baby to sleep, as this may have a protective effect. The exact reason is not yet fully understood. If you use a dummy, offer it for every sleep rather than occasionally.
What should I avoid when using a dummy?
Never attach a dummy to a cord or clip around your baby's neck, as this is a strangulation hazard. Do not put anything sweet on it, including honey. Do not offer the dummy while your baby is awake and playing, only at sleep time. If the dummy falls out during sleep, there is no need to put it back in.
When should I stop using a dummy?
The Lullaby Trust recommends gently phasing out dummy use between six and twelve months. Longer-term use is linked with potential concerns such as misaligned teeth and a higher chance of ear infections.
What if my baby refuses a dummy?
Not every baby will accept a dummy, and that is perfectly fine. Never force a baby to take one. Following other safer sleep practices, such as placing your baby on their back to sleep in their own sleep space in a smoke-free environment, provides a strong layer of protection against SIDS even without a dummy.
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