Why Babies Like To Suck On A Dummy?

The appeal of sucking on a dummy for babies lies in its ability to provide non-nutritive sucking. This term refers to the act of sucking without actually consuming food or receiving calories. Some babies naturally have a strong inclination to suck, even when they’re not feeding.

This form of sucking triggers the release of endorphins in the baby’s brain, fostering feelings of relaxation, comfort, and security. It serves as a soothing mechanism that goes beyond mere nourishment, offering emotional and psychological benefits to the baby.

Can I give my baby dummy when breastfeeding?

When considering whether to give baby dummy while breastfeeding, parents often weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks. Research, such as the study “Dummy (pacifier) use and breastfeeding duration: A systematic review“ by Howard et al., examines the association between dummy use and breastfeeding duration in infants.

This study found that prolonged dummy use was associated with a shorter duration of breastfeeding, potentially leading to earlier weaning.

It suggests that introducing a dummy early on may lead to nipple confusion, complicating breastfeeding initiation.

However, it’s generally safe to start using a dummy after breastfeeding is well-established, which typically occurs around 3-4 weeks after birth. It’s recommended to use the dummy only for sleep and naps, and to try to remove it once the baby is asleep.

It’s important for parents to ensure that giving a dummy doesn’t replace feeding sessions, as missing feeds could affect the baby’s nutrition and growth.

Therefore, while giving baby dummy can be beneficial for soothing, comfort, and reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), it’s essential to use it judiciously and ensure it complements rather than replaces feeding sessions. 

Find more on breast-pumping, breastfeeding and sleep our blog here.

Reference:

Jaafar, Sharifah W., Zafar A. Jahanfar, and Mubashir Angolkar. “Dummy (pacifier) use and breastfeeding duration.” Journal of paediatrics and child health 49.5 (2013): 384-389. 

So What are Pros and Cons When it Comes to Giving my Baby Dummy?

Pros:

• Soothing and Comfort: Giving baby dummy can provide comfort and soothing, helping them to relax and settle during sleep.

• Reduced Risk of SIDS: Using a dummy during sleep has been associated with a reduced risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by 90% (SIDS), providing added peace of mind for parents.

• Sleep Aid: giving baby dummy can assist in helping them fall asleep and stay asleep, promoting better sleep patterns for both the baby and parents.

• Naptime Comfort: giving baby dummy for naps can help them self-soothe and nap more peacefully during the day.

Cons:

• Interference with Breastfeeding: Prolonged dummy use may interfere with establishing breastfeeding patterns and could lead to earlier weaning in some cases. However, this interference can be prevented if you introduce the dummy after breastfeeding is well-established.

• Potential Dental Issues: Extended dummy use could contribute to dental malocclusions and other dental problems in the long term. To prevent this, consider weaning your child off the dummy between 6 months to 1 year of age.

• Dependency: Babies may become dependent on dummies for soothing, posing challenges when trying to wean them off it. It’s essential to monitor dummy use and gradually introduce other comfort methods as the baby grows, giving baby dummy can lead to dependency if not used cautiously.

• Risk of Misplacement and night disturbances: Dummies can be misplaced during sleep, causing discomfort or disturbance to the baby if they wake up and cannot find it. This may result in parents having to wake up to replace the dummy during the night. Giving baby dummy can also result in frequent wake-ups for replacements.

Considering Introducing a Dummy for Your Baby?

After reviewing the studies and weighing the pros and cons, you may be considering giving your baby dummy to soothe them during sleep. Understanding the potential benefits and drawbacks is crucial for making an informed decision that aligns with your parenting preferences. Here’s what you need to know as you contemplate giving your baby dummy.

Safety Guidelines and Tips on Giving baby Dummy:

• Wait for Breastfeeding to be Established: It’s advisable to wait until breastfeeding is well established, typically after a few weeks, before giving your baby dummy. Breastfeeding offers numerous benefits for both you and your baby, so it’s important to prioritise it initially.

• Choose the Right Shape: Dummies come in various shapes, with orthodontic dummies sometimes recommended for premature babies to aid in establishing good sucking habits.

• Withdraw Dummy by 6-12 Months: To avoid potential long-term issues like ear infections or dental problems, gently withdraw the dummy between 6 and 12 months of age. However, these issues haven’t been observed below the age of one year.

• Offer Dummy for Sleep: Remember to offer the dummy to your baby during both daytime naps and nighttime sleep. It’s essential to establish a consistent routine and only give the dummy during sleep times. Avoid using it during wake time to prevent dependency.

• Avoid Sweeteners: Never put anything sweet, like honey on the dummy to encourage your baby to take it.

• Avoid Attachments: Ensure that the dummy doesn’t have any neck cords or other attachments, which can pose a safety hazard.

Tips for Introducing a Dummy:

• When offering the dummy, gently place it on top of your baby’s tongue and apply firm pressure in circular motions.

• Consider dipping the dummy in breastmilk or formula to make it more appealing to your baby.

• If your baby gets distracted by their hands during dummy introduction, swaddle them to help them focus.

• Offer the dummy when your baby is calm rather than upset and crying to increase acceptance.

• Experiment with different shapes and sizes of dummies to find the one your baby prefers.

What If Your Baby Refuses the Dummy?

• If your baby refuses the dummy, it’s essential to understand that it’s okay. Some babies simply won’t take a dummy, and that’s perfectly normal.

• Keep trying to offer it, but if they consistently refuse it by around 10 weeks, it may be time to accept that they won’t use one.

• Gagging when offered the dummy is a normal reflex for babies and not a sign of refusal.

Do I need to give my baby dummy every day?

According to recommendations from the Lullaby Trust, regular dummy use is advised for babies. This entails offering your baby dummy every time you put them down for sleep, whether it’s during the day or at night.

Establishing this routine can benefit both you and your baby, making it easier to maintain a regular sleep schedule. If the dummy happens to fall out of your baby’s mouth during sleep, there’s no need to rush to replace it, as this is a normal occurrence.

MEDICAL RECOMMENDATIONS AND BREASTFEEDING:

In some situations, medical professionals may recommend giving your baby dummy even before breastfeeding is fully established. This could be for comfort during procedures, to develop facial muscles in premature babies, or to assist with certain ventilation methods. In such cases, it’s essential to follow the advice of healthcare professionals.