Newborn with dummy
Dummies, pros and cons: your dummy questions answered | Baby & toddler, Your baby’s health articles & support
Whether it’s to do with breastfeeding, teeth or SIDS, here are some things to consider when deciding whether to give your child a dummy.
Can dummies affect breastfeeding?
Sucking is a powerful reflex that babies have in the weeks after they’re born. Babies don’t just get nutrition from their mother’s milk when they breastfeed – breastfeeding also satisfies their sucking instinct.
Babies who are not able to breastfeed for whatever reason, might satisfy their sucking instincts by using dummies (Cinar, 2003). Yet any substitute for sucking the breast can put the relationship between the breast and the baby at risk. That’s especially true for a baby who has not yet mastered breastfeeding (La Leche League GB, 2019).
When can dummies be used for babies?
Research suggests that it’s best to avoid dummies in the first weeks after birth. That’s because they’re associated with shorter duration of exclusive breastfeeding (Adair, 2003; Kronborg and Vaeth, 2009). Some studies say this is caused by sucking confusion but other studies disagree with this idea (Newman, 1990; Howard et al, 1999).
After breastfeeding is established, dummies can be used. Evidence shows dummies used for healthy babies who are breastfed don’t significantly affect the proportion of babies who exclusively breastfeed at three months (Jaafar et al, 2011). So the use of dummies should be limited to soothing babies after breastfeeding is well established (Adair, 2003; Horne et al, 2014).
Does a dummy reduce the risk of SIDS?
Many studies have suggested dummy use and breastfeeding are important factors for preventing cot death (also known as SIDS [sudden infant death syndrome]) (Hauck et al, 2005; Alm et al, 2016).
It’s unclear how dummies might protect against SIDS or even if they do actually reduce the risk of SIDS at all (Horne et al, 2014; Blair et al, 2019).
Experts do not specifically recommend using dummies to protect babies from SIDS (Fleming et al, 1999).
That’s because even studies that reported a remarkable reduction of SIDS with dummy use still say that actually recommending dummies is open to debate (Mitchell et al, 2006). Any association between using dummies and reduced risk of SIDS could be down to lots of other factors, for example:
- Dummies might prevent babies from rolling onto their front.
- Sucking on a dummy may keep babies’ tongues forward.
- A baby that sucks on a dummy might be more still at night, so less likely to become covered by blankets.
- Parents may check on their baby more frequently if their baby has a dummy (Grocock, 2018; Ball, 2019).
What are the advantages of a dummy?
The main advantage of babies having dummies is that they can satisfy their sucking instincts if they’re not breastfed. Using dummies can calm babies and help them to fall asleep (Cinar, 2004). Dummies can also be used to sooth babies at other times, for example to help reduce pain during hospital procedures (Adair, 2003; Horne et al, 2014).
As discussed above, another advantage could be that dummies might protect against SIDS although more evidence is needed (Horne et al, 2014).
What are the disadvantages of using a dummy?
Using dummies can be helpful and convenient but there are some disadvantages. The most important concern is that use of dummies can decrease how often as well as how long babies are breastfed for (Adair 2003; Kronborg and Vaeth 2009; Horne et al 2014).
Another disadvantage of using dummies is that they might also transport bacteria and fungus, which can increase the rate of infections, particularly otitis media - middle ear infection (Uhari et al, 1996; Adair, 2003; Rovers et al, 2008). Mums whose babies used dummies reported more episodes of coughs, wheezing, earache, diarrhoea and gastroenteritis among babies up to six months old (North et al, 1999).
Dummies might also affect how baby teeth grow (Larsson, 1994).
Are dummies bad for baby teeth?
Some studies have found harmful effects on the way teeth grow if dummies are used for a long time (Larsson, 1994).
Effects of dummies on baby teeth include overbite, malocclusion, cross bite and open bite (Poyak, 2006).
Using an orthodontic or flat dummy is much better for your baby’s teeth, so that can help. These dummies are much better designed than dummies were in the past (Levrini et al, 2007).
It’s also suggested that parents wean their children off dummies by two years old and discontinue using them before they turn three (Poyak, 2006).
One mum, Helen, says: “My little boy had started sucking his thumb and I thought an orthodontic dummy has got to be better than that because at least one day I can take it away.”
Tips on how and when to stop your baby from using a dummy
If you think using a dummy is affecting breastfeeding (fewer daily feeds, weight gain affected, or difficulties in attaching to the breast) or if you want to wean a younger baby from a dummy, you could try the following:
- If the dummy is being used as a sleep cue, then introducing a different sleep cue can help.
- Give extra attention to your baby by cuddling or nursing instead.
- Try different ways to soothe your baby, such as carrying them in your arms or a sling, or increasing skin-to-skin contact with them. This helps them to feel better.
- You could restrict your baby’s dummy use to certain times only, such as in the car.
- Rewards might work better for an older child – your local children’s centre or health visitor can offer support with this. Some areas even have ’dummy fairies’ at Christmas.
- Try picking a good time to stop using a dummy – when your child is feeling well, things are stable and they’re happy.
- Have a go at hiding the dummy away so your child doesn’t see it.
(Cinhar, 2004; Huffington Post, 2015)
This page was last reviewed in July 2018.
Further information
Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700.
You might find attending one of NCT's Early Days groups helpful as they give you the opportunity to explore different approaches to important parenting issues with a qualified group leader and other new parents in your area.
Make friends with other parents-to-be and new parents in your local area for support and friendship by seeing what NCT activities are happening nearby.
References
Adair SM. (2003) Pacifier use in children: a review of recent literature. Pediatric Dentistry. 25(5):449-458.
Alm B, Wennergren G, Molborg P, Lagercrantz H. (2016) Breastfeeding and dummy use have a protective effect on sudden infant death syndrome. Acta Pardiatrica. 105: 31-38. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5049485/ [Accessed 19th September 2019]
Ball, H. (2019) Dummies, baby sleep info source.
University of Durham. Available at: https://www.basisonline.org.uk/hcp-dummies/[Accessed 19 September 2019]
Cinar ND. (2004) The advantages and disadvantages of pacifier use. Contemporary Nurse. 17:1-2, 109-112. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.5172/conu.17.1-2.109 [Accessed 19th September 2019]
La Leche League GB. (2019) Dummies and breastfeeding. Available at: https://www.laleche.org.uk/dummies-and-breastfeeding/ [Accessed 19th September 2019]
Fleming PJ, Blair PS, Pollard K, Platt W, Leach C, Smith I, et al. (1999) Pacifier use and sudden infant death syndrome: results from the CESDI/SUDI case control study. Arch Dis Child. 81(2):112-116. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1718026/ [Accessed 19th September 2019]
Grocock R, Robertson C, Brown N. (2018) Dummies: a review of the evidence; Journal of Health Visiting. 6(4). Available at: https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/full/10.12968/johv.2018.6.4.182 [Accessed 19th September 2019]
Hauck FR, Omojokun OO, Siadaty Ms.
Do pacifiers reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome? A meta-analysis. Paediatrics. 116(5):e716-e723. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16216900 [Accessed 19th September 2019]
Howard CR, Howard FM, Lanphear B, deBlieck EA, Eberly S, Lawrence RA. (1999) The effects of early pacifier use on breastfeeding duration. Pediatrics. 103(3):e33. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10049989 [Accessed 19th September 2019]
Horne RSC, Hauck FR, Moon RY, L’Hoir MP, blair PS. (2014) Dummy (pacifier) use and sudden infant death syndrome: Potential advantages and disadvantages. J Paediatrics Child Health. 50:170-174.
Huffington Post. (2015) 9 Ways to wean your baby off the dummy. Available at: https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/08/14/9-ways-to-wean-your-baby-off-the-dummy_n_7336610.html [Accessed 19th September 2019]
Jaafar SH, Jahanfar S, Angolkar M, Ho JJ. (2011) Pacifier use versus no pacifier use in breastfeeding term infants for increasing duration of breastfeeding.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. (3):CD007202. https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD007202.pub2/full [Accessed 19th September 2019]
Kronborg H, Vaeth M. (2009) How are effective breastfeeding technique and pacifier use related to breastfeeding problems and breastfeeding duration. BIRTH. 36:1. Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1523-536X.2008.00293.x [Accessed 19th September 2019]
Larsson E. (1994) Artificial sucking habits: etiology, prevalence and effect on occlusion. Int J Orofacial Myology. 20:10-21. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9055659 [Accessed 19th September 2019]
Levrini L, Merlo P, Paracchini L. (2007) Different geometric patterns of pacifiers compared on the basis of finite element analysis. European J Paediatric Dentistry. 8(4):173-178. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18163851 [Accessed 19th September 2019]
Mitchell EA, Blair PS, L’Hoir MP. (2006) Should pacifiers be recommended to prevent sudden infant death syndrome? Pediatrics.
117(5):1755-1758 Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16651334 [Accessed 19th September 2019]
Newman J. (1990) Breastfeeding problems associated with the early introduction of bottles and pacifiers. J Hum Lact. 6(2):59-63. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2346601 [Accessed 19th September 2019]
North K, Fleming P, Golding J. (1999) Pacifier use and morbidity in the first six months of life. Pediatrics. 103: E34. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10049990 [Accessed 19th September 2019]
Poyak J. (2006) Effects of pacifiers on early oral development. Int J Orthod Milwaukee. 17(4):13-6. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17256438 [Accessed 19th September 2019]
Rovers MM, Numans ME, Langenbach E, Grobbee DE, Verheij TJ, Schilder AG. (1999) Is pacifier use a risk factor for acute otitis media? A dynamic cohort study. Fam Pract. 2008 Aug;25(4):233-6. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18562333 [Accessed 19th September 2019]
Uhari M, Mantysaari K, Niemela.
(1996) A meta-analytic review of the risk factors for acute otitis media. Clin Infect Dis. 22(6): 1079-83. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8783714 [Accessed 19th September 2019]
When and how to introduce a dummy to a baby | Medela Baby
Only the best for your babies. To help you introduce a dummy in a healthy and positive way, we gathered useful advice and inputs.
When babies are agitated, showing signs of discomfort, it can be heartbreaking. As parents, you will move mountains to comfort our little ones. If simply cradling and rocking doesn’t seem to help, a dummy may be a soothing solution – whether he or she is a newborn, three months old, or even six months old.
Share this content
How do you introduce babies to a dummy? When should you give a newborn a dummy? These are questions that may concern you. You want only the best for your baby and to make the right choices for him or her.
To help you introduce a dummy to your baby in a healthy and positive way, we gathered some valuable advice that you may find helpful.
Keep reading to find out when to start giving your little one a dummy and the techniques to help your baby accept their dummy, and advice for encouraging calm and self-soothing with the assistance of a dummy.
When is the best time to start giving a dummy to your baby?
Dummies can be given from birth to any age, you can even start giving your little one a dummy if he or she is already three or six months old. With many shapes and designs, there are even dummies that are specially developed for newborns, like our NEWBORN dummy, shaped to accommodate their tiny mouths and to protect their sensitive skin.
If you are breastfeeding your newborn, you may choose to wait and introduce a dummy after your baby has learned to latch correctly and breastfeeding is well established between you two. Studies have shown that the use of a dummy in healthy breastfeeding babies, started from birth or after lactation is established, did not impact significantly the frequency or duration of exclusive and partial breastfeeding up to four months of age.
1
With that in mind, it is recommended to hold the use of the dummy when it is close to the feeding time and not to use the dummy as a mechanism to delay the feed. Instead, when your baby is giving you cues that they are hungry, enjoy this feeding moment to hold your little one in your arms and engage in the magical bond that unites the two of you.
Whatever timeline you prefer to follow, keep in mind that each baby is unique and may react and adapt differently to this new experience being introduced into their life.
So, how can I get my baby to take a dummy?
Every baby has their own preferences and rhythms, and introducing a dummy is no different. Try the following steps when helping your little one discover a dummy for the first time:
- Be sure to thoroughly clean and sterilise the dummy before it is introduced to your baby.
- Hold the dummy, and gently touch the skin around your baby’s lips and cheeks with the teat. Allow your little one to feel the dummy's material against their skin.
This will help trigger the rooting reflex and your baby will turn their face towards the stimulus. - Observe your baby’s behavior. If your little one opens the mouth, it means that they are searching for something to suckle on. Place the dummy gently on the lower lip or the front part of the tongue, and wait for the suckling reflex to start.
- If the first introduction is successful, your baby will eventually begin to explore and suckle on the dummy.
Of course, be gentle with your baby and don’t force the dummy as this may cause a negative response. If it seems as though your little one is rejecting the dummy at first, it’s instead often an indicator that he or she just needs more time to explore and discover. Give your baby plenty of time to learn, explore new feelings and sensations, and become familiar with their dummy on their own terms. You’ll know as your baby begins to enjoy suckling the dummy – for example, you’ll see it from their content expression and calm behavior.
Like all people, your baby has individual preferences and interests and you may even find that he or she doesn’t want a dummy. By carefully observing their reaction upon introduction, you can make the determination as to whether your baby is ready for a dummy – and he or she will likely let you know too.
Discovering the dummy is a learning experience. Your little one will learn all about it through their senses and by using their tongue, lips, and natural suckling instincts to explore with this brand-new object. In time, they will likely perceive and recognise their dummy as a pleasant object that allows them to suckle, relax, and perhaps even calm themselves.
References
1 Jaafar SH et al. Effect of restricted pacifier use in breastfeeding term infants for increasing duration of breastfeeding. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016; (8):CD007202. https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD007202.pub4/full
90,000 is a dummy for a newborn child Search Support iconKeywords for search for
- Video, Audio, connection
- Personal care
- All for the mother
- Home
- Light
- Health 9000
- Automobile products
- Accessories
- Promotions
Despite its small size, the pacifier plays an important role for the baby - it makes him feel more comfortable.
We have compiled this guide to help you understand how a pacifier helps your baby explore the world. nine0027 Motherhood is unconditional happiness. But sometimes situations arise when fatigue builds up, and mothers need a quick and simple remedy that will calm the child. It is such an "assistant" that a dummy is.
Favorite Philips Avent pacifiers:
good or bad
But some children's accessories cause a wary attitude of parents.
This happened with the dummy, the use of which is shrouded in various myths. Some mothers are categorically against them, explaining this by the fact that the pacifier forms the wrong bite. Others, on the contrary, believe that a pacifier is indispensable, and use it all the time. In our article, we will tell you why a pacifier is useful, how to choose it, and how to naturally wean a child from it as they grow up. nine0003
How do modern pediatricians respond to the opinion that a pacifier is a harmful accessory? They consider it perfectly safe and even useful in certain situations, but do not advise getting too carried away with it.
Why do I need a pacifier?
Its most important property is the calming effect it has. It is associated with the innate sucking reflex of the child. A newborn is born and already knows how to suck, although no one taught him this. This reflex ensures its survival, because thanks to it it can receive food. nine0003
There are two types of suckling: nutritive and non-nutritive.
Nutritional sucking is caused by the need to satisfy hunger - the baby sucks to eat. Non-nutritive sucking is sucking associated with the child's psychological need for a sense of security and comfort.
What gives a baby a sucking reflex?
As far as sucking during feeding is concerned, it is clear: it allows the baby to drink milk from a bottle or while breastfeeding. nine0003
However, the benefits for the baby are not limited to this. Listed below are the main benefits of the two types of sucking reflexes that you may not have known about before.
Satisfaction
Have you noticed that immediately after feeding the baby begins to fall asleep or that he calms down if you give him a pacifier? This is due to the fact that when sucking, the hormone cholecystokinin (CCK) is produced, thanks to which the baby feels full, calm and ready to go to bed.
nine0003
Improved digestion
Another effect of the CCK hormone is to aid in digestion. Breast milk is rich in proteins and fats, and the CCK hormone helps break them down. In addition, sucking improves intestinal motility, and the accumulated gases in the intestines are quickly excreted.
Improvement of coordination
Finally, non -asset sucking helps the baby coordinate movements: sucking, swallowing, breathing. These three steps will help your baby to breastfeed or bottle feed more effectively. nine0003
The development of the speech apparatus
Another beneficial effect that the pacifier has on the child is the training of the facial muscles, due to which the speech apparatus develops.
Therefore, in no case should sucking be considered a bad habit. However, in everything you need to adhere to a reasonable “golden mean” and not use a dummy all the time. It should play the role of an auxiliary element, and not the main means of calming.
This is especially true for the first month after birth, when a close relationship is established between the child and mother and the process of natural feeding is established. “Interrupting” the natural hunger and the child’s need for the closeness of the mother should not be done with a pacifier. Also, you don't have to use a pacifier every time the baby cries. Crying is the baby's only means of communicating needs that a caring mother won't want to ignore. nine0003
Now you know how the sucking reflex and the use of a pacifier help your baby develop.
Below are some more useful tips.
● Does a newborn need a pacifier while breastfeeding? If you are trying to breastfeed your baby, wait about a month before giving him a pacifier.
● Sucking makes the baby feel full and sleepy, so do not give him a pacifier before feeding. nine0003
● For the same reason, it is best to give a pacifier right before bedtime or after feeding, but only during the time your baby really needs it.
● As with everything, try not to rely too much on one particular principle. As your child matures, use different ways to soothe him, such as offering him toys or hugging him.
Would you like to know more about our pacifiers? Click here to view the range. nine0003
You may also come in handy for the following products of Philips Avent:
Learn more on the topic
-
Boots and sterilizers
Radio and video tanks
Read about
9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 choose the best pacifier for your babyRead about
You are leaving the Philips Healthcare (“Philips”) official website. Any links to third party websites that may be included on this site are provided solely as a convenience to you. Philips makes no warranties regarding any third party websites or the information they contain. nine0003
I understand
You are about to visit a Philips global content page
Continue
You are about to visit the Philips USA website.
I understand
Article | Does a baby need a pacifier?
Should I give my baby a pacifier or not? Not only parents, but also specialists cannot come to a consensus on this matter. Before offering a pacifier to a child, it is worth weighing all the pros and cons, figure out what needs it satisfies, when it benefits, and when it can harm. nine0166
75-80% of parents encourage the use of a pacifier, they are convinced that it is necessary. “Pacifiers are bought automatically,” explains psychologist Marina Romanenko.
“Moreover, parents are offered a million types of nipples: one at this age, another at this age. Therefore, adults believe that pacifiers are needed. Is it really?
The sucking reflex provides the baby with more than just food.
Man is born with instincts, the strongest of which is survival. It is directly related to nutrition, which ensures growth and development. A newborn has only one way to eat - to drink milk, extracting it from the mother's breast. Therefore, the first and one of the main unconditioned reflexes of an infant is sucking. nine0003
The sucking reflex gives the baby more than just food. Many babies suck on their thumb or diaper to calm themselves and feel safe.
Often, whenever a child cries, parents give the baby a pacifier, thinking that it will calm him down. The child calms down, but perhaps he needed the attention of an adult or the child experienced physical discomfort. Instead, he was given a pacifier. “The child gets a sense of security, but this is more a compromise than the satisfaction of a real need,” says Marina Romanenko.
nine0003
A pacifier should be the last resort if a baby is crying, experts say. First you need to figure out what kind of help the baby needs.
If you automatically use the pacifier every time you cry, it can become an addiction that will be difficult for a child to give up later on. This can lead to the emergence of bad habits: some children, when they grow up, bite their nails or pencils, suck their fingers, lips or hair.
Psychologist Marina Romanenko
If a child is satisfied, feels the warmth and attention of his parents, his life is interesting and varied, he, in addition to a crib, a stroller and a canopy over his head, sees living faces, hears sounds, then his need for a pacifier decreases. The child feels like an active participant in life, so he does not experience an acute need for security.
A pacifier reduces the risk of sudden infant death, but affects sleep and bite
The mechanism of sudden infant death syndrome is not fully understood, but studies show that children who sleep with a pacifier in their mouth wake up more easily on their own when breathing stops (apnea) ).
In addition, the pacifier prevents the tongue from sinking in and prevents the child from burying their nose in the mattress and suffocating. nine0003
At the same time, the nipple can make falling asleep easier, but if the baby suddenly loses it, he will wake up. You can deal with such an unexpected awakening as follows: if the child cannot fall asleep without a pacifier, try to carefully remove it immediately after the baby falls asleep. Gradually getting rid of the pacifier will help additional rituals for falling asleep: lullabies, a favorite toy.
Prolonged sucking on a pacifier can change the position of the baby's teeth: in this case, the upper teeth move forward, and the lower ones deviate. In the future, the child will probably need to correct the bite. nine0003
If the child does not leave the nipple after 2 years, he may have problems swallowing and pronouncing sounds. In addition, there is an opinion that the use of a pacifier adversely affects the functioning of the auditory system.
However, this theory has not yet been scientifically confirmed.
How the pacifier and type of feeding are related
Experts believe that the pacifier interferes with breastfeeding. Some babies may confuse the need to suckle with the feeling of hunger. If you do not adhere to on-demand feeding and offer a newborn a nipple at those moments when he cries, the baby will get used to it and will suck worse at the breast. This can lead to a decrease in the mother's milk production and affect breastfeeding in general. nine0003
The World Health Organization's 10 Keys to Successful Breastfeeding recommends "do not give breastfed babies artificial nipples or pacifiers."
True, there are babies who know how to combine a pacifier and mother's breast - they do not refuse breast milk and use all the advantages of a pacifier. But still, parents should not give a pacifier to a newborn in the first months of life in order to eliminate problems in establishing a natural breastfeeding mechanism.
