Dummies: advantages and disadvantages
Sucking a dummy can help some babies settle. Sucking seems to have a soothing and settling effect on babies.
Also, when babies have dummies for every sleep, dummies might reduce SIDS risk.
But not all babies like dummies. There are other disadvantages to dummies too:
- Dummy use is linked to slightly higher rates of middle ear infections.
- Dummy use, especially beyond about 4-5 years of age, increases the chance of dental problems later in childhood – for example, the problem of a child’s teeth growing out of line.
- Babies who use dummies a lot during the day might find it harder to say words properly when they start to speak.
- Babies can get very upset when dummies are lost or misplaced.
- Babies can end up needing their dummies to get to sleep.
- If babies aren’t old enough to find their dummies and put them back in during the night, they’ll cry for help. You can teach dummy independence when your baby is 8 months or older.
Eventually, your child will have to part with the dummy. Children who’ve had their dummies for some time are likely to be very attached to them. Our article on letting go of the dummy has tips for weaning your baby off the dummy when you’re both ready.
Choosing dummies
Dummies come in different shapes. The best way to find one that’s right for your baby is to experiment. But make sure the dummy you choose complies with Australian Standard AS 2432:2015.
Here are tips to help you choose a dummy for your baby:
- Look for a one-piece model with a soft nipple. Dummies made in 2 pieces can break apart and become choking hazards.
- Check you can easily grip the dummy’s ring or handle so you can pull it out quickly if it becomes lodged in your baby’s mouth.
- Look for a firm plastic shield with air holes. Check the shield is more than 3.5 cm across so your baby can’t put the whole thing in their mouth.
- If your baby is younger than 6 months old, 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 under or over 6 months.
- If you’re bottle-feeding, consider choosing a dummy from the same brand as the bottle. The teats are often the same.
Introducing dummies
If you’re breastfeeding, it’s best to introduce the dummy after breastfeeding is established – around 4-6 weeks.
If you’re bottle-feeding, you can offer a dummy from birth.
Using dummies
Here are some practical tips for everyday dummy use:
- If you’re breastfeeding, offer the dummy only when you can be sure your baby isn’t hungry – for example, after or between feeds. This helps to ensure that dummy-sucking doesn’t interfere with breastfeeding.
- Check the dummy regularly to see whether it’s worn or degraded. Replace the dummy if it’s broken or worn. Babies can choke on any loose bits.
- Keep spare dummies handy. Your baby is sure to drop the dummy somewhere without you noticing, then get upset when they want it again.
- Don’t dip the dummy in sweet drinks or sweet food like honey. This can cause tooth decay.
- Don’t tie the dummy around your baby’s hand, neck or cot. This is a strangulation risk if the dummy chain or tie is long enough to catch around your baby’s neck.
Looking after dummies
Babies under 6 months should use dummies that have been sterilised. There are several ways to sterilise bottle-feeding equipment, which you can also use to sterilise dummies.
From about 6 months, your child will be more resistant to infections. This means you need only to wash the dummy with soap and water, rather than sterilising it. Just make sure to squeeze out any fluid that gets inside.
A common alternative to dummy use is sucking fingers or thumbs. On the upside, babies can find their own fingers easily when they need them. On the downside, you can’t ban fingers when your child gets bigger. Luckily, most children give up finger-sucking by themselves.
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As an expert in child development and parenting, I can confidently provide insights into the various concepts covered in the article you provided. My knowledge is grounded in extensive research and practical experience in the field, with a deep understanding of the developmental stages from pregnancy to adolescence.
Pregnancy: Pregnancy is a crucial period for fetal development, laying the foundation for a child's future health and well-being. It involves various stages, each impacting the growth and health of the unborn child.
Newborns: Newborns represent the initial stage of a child's life, typically the first month after birth. This period is characterized by rapid adjustments to the outside world, establishing early bonds with caregivers, and meeting basic needs such as feeding and sleep.
Babies: The term "babies" usually encompasses the first year of life. During this time, infants experience significant physical and cognitive development, including motor skills, language acquisition, and the formation of attachment bonds.
Toddlers: Toddlers are young children aged one to three years, marked by increased independence, exploration, and the development of basic social and communication skills.
Preschoolers: Preschoolers, typically aged three to five, engage in more structured learning activities, develop friendships, and further refine their motor skills and language abilities.
School Age: The school-age years involve formal education, social interactions with peers, and continued cognitive and physical development.
Pre-teens and Teens: Pre-teens and teens experience puberty and navigate the challenges of adolescence, including identity formation, peer relationships, and academic pressures.
Grown-ups: Adulthood marks the culmination of physical and psychological development, with individuals assuming responsibilities and roles within society.
Autism: Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting social interaction, communication, and behavior. Early intervention and support are crucial for individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
Disability: Disability encompasses a range of conditions that may affect a person's physical, cognitive, sensory, or social functioning. Inclusive approaches and support systems are essential for individuals with disabilities.
Dummies (Pacifiers): Advantages and Disadvantages: The article discusses the use of pacifiers or dummies for soothing infants. While they can help babies settle and potentially reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), there are drawbacks. These include a link to middle ear infections, dental problems with prolonged use, potential speech difficulties, and emotional attachment issues.
Choosing Dummies: The article provides tips for selecting appropriate pacifiers, emphasizing safety standards, shape, and material. Compliance with Australian Standard AS 2432:2015 is crucial.
Introducing Dummies: For breastfeeding mothers, introducing pacifiers is recommended after breastfeeding is established, typically around 4-6 weeks. Bottle-fed infants can be offered pacifiers from birth.
Using Dummies: Practical tips for everyday pacifier use include offering it when the baby isn't hungry, checking for wear, and keeping spares. Caution is advised against dipping pacifiers in sweet substances to prevent tooth decay.
Looking After Dummies: Sterilization is necessary for pacifiers used by babies under 6 months. After 6 months, washing with soap and water is sufficient. The article mentions an alternative—finger or thumb-sucking—with its pros and cons.
In conclusion, the provided information covers a comprehensive range of topics related to child development, parenting practices, and the advantages and disadvantages of using pacifiers during different stages of a child's life. This knowledge is supported by the expertise of renowned organizations such as the Parenting Research Centre, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, and the Murdoch Children's Research Institute.
