Gina Johnson
Whether or not to give a newborn a dummy is a personal decision, and while it is generally safe for babies to sleep with a dummy, there are some important factors to consider. Dummies can have a soothing effect on newborns, helping them fall asleep and potentially reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). However, introducing a dummy too early might interfere with breastfeeding, milk supply, and baby weight gain. Dummy use is also associated with higher rates of middle ear infections and dental problems later in childhood. If you choose to use a dummy, it is recommended to wait until breastfeeding is established, and to offer it consistently at the beginning of every sleep.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | It is safe for newborns to sleep with a dummy. |
| Sucking reflex | Sucking on a dummy can soothe a baby and help them fall asleep. |
| Sleep routine | It is recommended to offer the dummy for every sleep, day or night, not just occasionally. |
| Sleep disturbances | Pacifiers can lead to sleep disruptions if the baby wakes up when the dummy falls out. |
| Dental problems | Dummy use can lead to dental problems such as misaligned teeth. |
| Ear infections | Dummy use is linked to a higher rate of ear infections in babies. |
| Gastrointestinal infections | Dummy use has been associated with gastrointestinal infections. |
| Breastfeeding | It is recommended to establish breastfeeding before introducing a dummy to avoid nipple confusion. |
| Sterilisation | Dummies for babies under 6 months should be sterilised. |
| Dummy independence | Babies can be taught dummy independence from 8 months onwards. |
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What You'll Learn
Safety tips for newborns sleeping with dummies
If you're considering giving your newborn a dummy, it's important to follow some safety guidelines to ensure your baby's well-being. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
Establish Breastfeeding First:
Before introducing a dummy, it's recommended to wait until breastfeeding is well established. This is usually within the first 4 to 6 weeks after birth. Introducing a dummy too early can interfere with breastfeeding and may impact milk supply and baby weight gain.
Choose the Right Dummy:
Select a one-piece dummy with a soft nipple and a firm shield. Ensure it has at least two air holes in the shield, and the shield is more than 3.5 cm across to prevent your baby from putting the entire dummy in their mouth. Choose a size appropriate for your baby's age, and if you're bottle-feeding, consider using a dummy from the same brand as the bottles.
Sterilization and Hygiene:
For babies under 6 months, use dummies that can be safely sterilized. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for sterilization and washing. Replace dummies regularly, as they degrade over time, and discard them if they show any signs of damage or wear. If your baby has oral thrush, replace the dummy with a new one each week to prevent reinfection.
Safe Usage:
Avoid attaching the dummy to your baby's clothing or bedding with strings, neck cords, or dummy attachments. These can be dangerous if they come loose. Don't dip the dummy in sweet substances like honey, jam, or syrup, as this can cause tooth decay. Also, avoid offering the dummy during awake time to prevent prolonged use, which may affect speech development.
Sleep Considerations:
Offer the dummy consistently at the beginning of every sleep, both day and night. If the dummy falls out during sleep, there's no need to put it back in. Gradually reduce dummy usage after 6-12 months to prevent long-term issues such as dental problems and ear infections.
Remember, the decision to use a dummy is a personal one, and not all babies may take to it. Always consult with a healthcare professional or a newborn sleep specialist for personalized advice and guidance on safe dummy usage for your baby.
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When to introduce a dummy to a newborn
The decision of when to introduce a dummy to a newborn is a personal one and depends on various factors. Here are some considerations to help guide your decision:
Breastfeeding: It is generally recommended to introduce a dummy only after breastfeeding is well established, usually within the first 4 to 6 weeks after birth. Introducing a dummy too early could interfere with breastfeeding, milk supply, and baby weight gain due to a phenomenon known as "nipple confusion," where the baby satisfies their sucking instinct on the dummy instead of the breast.
Dental and health concerns: Prolonged dummy use, especially beyond 4-5 years of age, can increase the risk of dental problems, such as teeth growing out of line. Dummy use has also been associated with a higher incidence of middle ear infections, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal issues. Therefore, it is recommended to gently stop using the dummy between 6 and 12 months of age to avoid these potential issues.
Sleep disruptions: While dummies can help soothe and settle some babies, they can also lead to sleep disruptions if the baby frequently wakes up when the dummy falls out. Additionally, prolonged dummy use can lead to dependence, where the baby becomes reliant on the dummy to fall asleep and may struggle to self-soothe without it.
Safety considerations: When introducing a dummy, it is essential to prioritise safety. Choose a one-piece dummy to reduce the risk of choking hazards, and ensure it has a soft nipple, a firm shield with air holes, and is appropriately sized for your baby's age. Regularly replace the dummy, as they degrade over time, and avoid dipping it in sweet substances to prevent tooth decay.
Remember, not all babies will take to a dummy, and that's okay! If you decide to introduce a dummy, make it part of your baby's sleep routine, offering it consistently at the beginning of every sleep. If you have any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to consult a healthcare professional or a newborn sleep specialist.
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Dummy use and breastfeeding
The decision to use a dummy for your newborn is a personal one. If you are breastfeeding, it is recommended that you wait until breastfeeding is established before introducing a dummy. This usually takes around four to six weeks, but the time it takes differs for everyone. Introducing a dummy before breastfeeding is established may cause "nipple confusion", where your baby satisfies their sucking instinct on the dummy instead of the breast, making it difficult to establish breastfeeding.
If you are breastfeeding, only offer the dummy when you can be sure your baby isn't hungry, for example, after or between feeds. This helps ensure that dummy-sucking doesn't interfere with breastfeeding. It is also important to check the dummy regularly to see if it is worn or degraded, as babies can choke on any loose bits.
If you choose to use a dummy, make it part of your baby's sleep routine by offering it for every sleep, both day and night. If the dummy falls out during sleep, there is no need to put it back in. The sooner your baby learns not to use it as a sleep aid, the less likely they are to wake up looking for it.
Using a dummy has several advantages. It can help soothe and settle some babies, and it may reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). However, there are also some disadvantages to consider. Dummy use can lead to tummy upsets, dental problems, and middle ear infections. It can also be a hard habit to break.
When choosing a dummy, look for a one-piece model with a soft nipple. Dummies made in two pieces can break apart and become choking hazards. Check that 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. Choose a firm shield with at least two air holes, and make sure it 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 six months old, choose a dummy that can be safely sterilised without damage.
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Pros and cons of newborn dummy use
The decision to use a dummy for a newborn is a personal one, and there are several factors to consider. Dummy use has been linked to both advantages and disadvantages for newborns, and it is essential to weigh these before making a decision.
Pros of Newborn Dummy Use
Dummy use can help soothe and settle a newborn baby. The sucking action on a dummy has a calming effect on babies, aiding them in falling asleep. Furthermore, consistent dummy use at the beginning of every sleep has been associated with a reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), also known as cot death. This is supported by organisations such as The Lullaby Trust and the NHS, which include dummy use in their safer sleep guidelines.
Cons of Newborn Dummy Use
Introducing a dummy too early, especially within the first 4-6 weeks of life, can interfere with breastfeeding. This is due to a condition called "nipple confusion," where the baby becomes accustomed to an artificial teat and finds it challenging to switch back to the breast. This can negatively impact breastfeeding duration and milk supply. Dummy use has also been associated with an increased risk of tummy troubles, including vomiting, fever, and diarrhoea, possibly due to poor hygiene or viral infections.
Additionally, prolonged dummy use, especially beyond 4-5 years of age, can lead to dental problems, such as misaligned teeth, and a higher risk of middle ear infections. It can also hinder speech development as babies and toddlers need to remove the dummy to speak, and they may become overly dependent on it for sleep.
It is important to note that not all babies will take to a dummy, and it should not be forced. If used, dummies should be consistently offered at the beginning of every sleep and should not be dipped in sweet substances to avoid tooth decay.
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Dummy independence
To help your baby achieve dummy independence, each time you put the dummy back into their mouth, place your baby's hand on the dummy and guide it into their mouth, ensuring they keep a hand on it. It can take three to four nights or longer for babies to learn how to do this independently.
It is important to note that if you are still breastfeeding, it is recommended to wait until breastfeeding is established before introducing a dummy. This is because the use of a dummy in the first four to six weeks of life may interfere with breastfeeding and milk supply. Additionally, make sure to only offer the dummy for every sleep, day or night, rather than occasionally, to avoid your baby developing an attachment to it.
To ensure your baby's safety, do not use ribbons, strings, cords, or neck cords to attach the dummy to their clothing, hand, neck, or cot. These can pose a strangulation risk. Instead, consider using a dummy chain that meets the Australian Standard AS 2432:2015, is less than 22 cm long, cannot tear or break, and has no small parts that can fall off.
Remember, it is normal for babies to get upset when their dummies are lost or misplaced, and it may take some time for them to adjust to sleeping without it. Be patient and consistent in your efforts to teach dummy independence, and always prioritize your baby's safety.
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Frequently asked questions
It is safe for a newborn to sleep with a dummy. In fact, it is believed that sleeping with a dummy may even help reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). However, it is recommended that you only introduce a dummy once breastfeeding is established, which usually takes around 4-6 weeks.
It is recommended to look for a one-piece model with a soft nipple, as dummies made in two pieces can break apart and become a choking hazard. Check that you can easily grip the dummy's ring or handle so that you can quickly remove it if it becomes lodged in your baby's mouth. Choose a firm shield with at least two air holes, and make sure the shield is more than 3.5 cm across so that your baby cannot fit the whole thing in their mouth.
Sucking on a dummy has a soothing and calming effect on newborns, as they have a strong sucking reflex. Using a dummy can also help reduce the risk of SIDS and manage reflux symptoms.
If dummies are introduced in the first 4-6 weeks of life, they might interfere with breastfeeding and affect weight gain. Dummy use is also linked to higher rates of ear infections and dental problems later in childhood. Additionally, babies may become dependent on the dummy to fall asleep, leading to frequent waking if the dummy falls out during sleep.
