Dummies - Pros & Cons
 Should my baby use a dummy? Many parents agonize over the use of dummies and wonder is it a good thing or is it bad? Will my baby suffer from nipple/teat confusion? Will it effect my child’s speech? Can dummies cause sleep problems? What if my baby won’t take a dummy? Ruth of Bubs.net.au helps answer these questions.
When babies are first born they have a very strong need to suck. This sucking allows them to gain nourishment but it also allows them to sooth themselves. Sucking in this early stage also aides in the development of your baby’s jaw which helps with the development of speech.
Your baby can satisfy his need to suck in many ways such as having extra time on the breast , sucking his fist or fingers or by using a dummy (pacifier).
Advantages of using a Dummy
* Allows your baby to satisfy his need to suck
* Can help sooth your baby’s distress
* Your baby can be encouraged to increase the space between feeds
Disadvantages of using a Dummy
* Some research suggests that the early use of a dummy can interfere with establishment of breast feeding.
* Sleep problems can arise (particularly in older babies) when the dummy falls out as your baby is unable to replace it without your assistance.
* If not properly sterilized, a dummy can be the source of mouth infections.
The bottom line is that the decision to use a dummy is up to you!
What is the best time to for my baby to give up the Dummy?
If you have chosen to give your baby a dummy, a good time to teach your baby to settle without it is no later than 12-18 months.
Babies who use a dummy beyond this age have a greater chance of experiencing difficulties with speech development. The greater time your baby spends sucking a dummy, the greater the chance of speech difficulties.
NB: Never put anything on the dummy to encourage your baby to suck. The use of honey, glycerin, vegemite etc can encourage a ’sweet’ or ’salty’ tooth and increases the risk of tooth decay.
Never put your baby’s dummy in your own mouth to clean as diseases such as meningococcal can be spread this way.
How do I stop my Baby using a Dummy?
There are two approaches to stopping a dummy:
Cold Turkey - The cold turkey approach involves removing the dummy at a given time and not using it again. This approach can bring about some loud protesting but within a few days your baby will adjust to the new rules.
Gradual - The gradual approach involves trying to settle your baby without the dummy and only using it as a last resort. This method can prolong the process and can become a little confusing for your baby.
This article is courtesy of Ruth Scott. |