Dummies and Sleep
Dummies (or pacifiers) are an amazing little settling tool for newborn babies, generally once feeding has been established. For newborns, sucking on
dummy has its effects deep within the nervous system and triggers the calming reflex. This releases natural calming chemicals within the babies brain. Dummies are also great for babies with reflux as it aids in saliva production which helps to reduce acid.
Dummies are often recommended for premature babies to support the development of sucking skills for feeding.
However, dummies can also be problematic as baby grows and it becomes a prop for falling asleep. If your baby wakes easily when their dummy falls out, they are likely to be missing out on consolidated sleep, and you really need to consider if the dummy is helpful or has become detrimental to your babies sleep.
If your baby is around 4-5 months of age, it is a great time to ditch the dummy! I recommend cold turkey for this process.
If your little one is over 7 months, I don't recommend ditching the dummy until 2.5-3 years old and focus on teaching them to find and replace the dummy which can be done by placing multiple dummies in the cot, attaching one to a comforter if age appropriate and or to start practicing the find and replace technique!
Does your little one love their dummy?
dummy has its effects deep within the nervous system and triggers the calming reflex. This releases natural calming chemicals within the babies brain. Dummies are also great for babies with reflux as it aids in saliva production which helps to reduce acid.
Dummies are often recommended for premature babies to support the development of sucking skills for feeding.
However, dummies can also be problematic as baby grows and it becomes a prop for falling asleep. If your baby wakes easily when their dummy falls out, they are likely to be missing out on consolidated sleep, and you really need to consider if the dummy is helpful or has become detrimental to your babies sleep.
If your baby is around 4-5 months of age, it is a great time to ditch the dummy! I recommend cold turkey for this process.
If your little one is over 7 months, I don't recommend ditching the dummy until 2.5-3 years old and focus on teaching them to find and replace the dummy which can be done by placing multiple dummies in the cot, attaching one to a comforter if age appropriate and or to start practicing the find and replace technique!
Does your little one love their dummy?