It is easy to feel uncertain or confused about the dummies’’ pros and cons, as it is hard to tell on which side of these theories the truth lies. But can we classify a dummy as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ for babies?
Like many other questions, there’s not a black or white answer to this one either. The use of a dummy can have a lot of benefits for your baby when used responsibly, following certain guidelines and the instructions for use.
If you’re about to make up your mind about whether to use a dummy or not, keep on reading! We have collated some science-based information and myth busters regarding the use of dummies. Additionally, you can learn how and when a dummy can help your little one and on which occasions you may want to consider holding the offering of a dummy.
A dummy can offer comfort when your baby is crying and/or agitated – Truth
Dummies can be very helpful to offer comfort to your little one during times of distress, as the action of suckling helps babies soothe themselves.1
Dummies can be given to a breastfed baby – Truth
Dummies can be given to a healthy baby from birth. 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.2 However, you may want to consider introducing the dummy when you and your baby are already comfortable with breastfeeding. It is important that a dummy shouldn’t be used to replace or delay feeding time.
Dummies may help reduce SIDS risk during napping and sleeping time – Truth
Scientific research has shown that the use of a dummy during sleep may offer protection against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).3 However, if your little one loses the dummy during sleep, there’s no need to put it back in the mouth.4
Dummy affects teeth – Myth
When used responsibly and within the recommended time limits, dummies should not cause problems with dentition or misaligned teeth. Expert literature recommends limiting the time of use of the dummies to a maximum of six hours per day.5 Every child’s mouth and teeth develop differently. The use of dummies for children older than 24 months should be a decision made by each parent, based on consultation with a medical or dental healthcare provider. The American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry recommends that weaning should start at the latest by three years of age.6 We recommend choosing a dummy shape that supports oral development, usually signalled by the word ‘orthodontic’.
Dummies can aid your baby with pain relief – Truth
Scientific evidence has shown that dummies can help babies better cope with distress and discomfort during minor painful events.1 When babies get a vaccine or blood taken, the act of suckling on a dummy can help them calm and soothe themselves. When teething, your little one might feel very uncomfortable and experience aches and soreness. The dummy can offer some relief to the discomfort. Just pay attention to the condition of the dummy and replace it if it begins to look worn out.
Dummies cause colic – Myth
The cause of colics is still unknown, but there are some theories such as an immature digestive system, lactose intolerance, allergies, or changes in the normal bacteria of the digestive system. Swallowing additional air during feeding can aggravate the situation.7 It is often difficult to calm babies during a colic episode, they cry intensely and long, often with clenched fists and curled-up legs. Symptoms usually start to improve around 10–12 weeks of life. One tip to help soothe your baby is to offer a dummy,8 as suckling can be soothing and help regulate your little one’s emotions.1
Weaning can be difficult – Myth and Truth
Some babies have no problem giving up their dummy while others need more time to say goodbye. As a dummy provides comfort, babies can become attached to it. Weaning will be learning and compromising the experience for you and your little one. But with love and some patience, you will manage to help your baby reach this life milestone. Find helpful tips and ideas about weaning in our Dummy guide for parents.
You now have a lot of useful information about dummies. If you feel that a dummy is a good option for your little one, start considering what the best one may be for your baby. There is a wide range of dummies available nowadays. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, such as a special size for newborns, one-piece dummies, 100% made of silicone, and dummies for day or night time. Check out our Dummy Selector and find the perfect match for your baby.
1 Vu-Ngoc H, Uyen NCM, Thinh OP, et al. Analgesic effect of non-nutritive sucking in term neonates: A randomized controlled trial. Pediatr Neonatol 2020; 61: 106– 113.
2 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.
3 Alm B et al. Breastfeeding and dummy use have a protective effect on sudden infant death syndrome. Acta Paediatri. 2016; 105(1):31-38.
4 Moon RY. SIDS and Other Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Evidence Base for 2016 Updated Recommendations for a Safe Infant Sleeping Environment. Pediatrics. 2016; 138(5):e20162940.
5 Proffit WR. On the aetiology of malocclusion. The Northcroft lecture, 1985 presented to the British Society for the Study of Orthodontics, Oxford, April 18, 1985. Br J Orthod. 1986; 13(1):1–11.
6 AAPD. Guideline on periodicity of examination, preventive dental services, anticipatory guidance/counseling, and oral treatment for infants, children, and adolescents. Latest revision 2018. In: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, editor. The reference manual of pediatric dentistry. 2019-2020. Chicago IL: AAPD; 2020. p. 209–19.
7 Johnson JD et al. Infantile Colic: Recognition and Treatment. American Family Physician. 2015; 92(7): 577–582.
8 Lam T.M.L. et al. Approach to infantile colic in primary care. Singapore Med J. Singapore Med J 2019; 60(1): 12-16
