Dummies are available in two styles either latex of silicone.
Latex dummies are more supple and soft.
Silicone tends to be the more durable of the two types.
Whether you use a dummy or not is a very personal choice.
There are some that love dummies and think they are priceless and then there are others who are adamant that they never have, and never will, use a dummy for their child.
It is a very personal choice.
Not all babies will accept a dummy. Some just don’t take to having a dummy.
Having a dummy can be of some benefit as it can help a baby settle in some cases. This is as sucking can help to soothe and settle a baby.
There are obvious disadvantages to having a dummy such as the baby/child can become distressed if it is lost (& there is no immediate replacement for example out for a walk with only one dummy); or another example is a baby can become develop a sleep association with the dummy needing it to go to sleep and remain asleep, therefore if they loose it during their sleep it may wake them.
* Be aware that the standard does not include some types of dummy which are made for therapeutic use or for premature babies.
Never put anything on the dummy such as jam, honey or other sugary substances, as this will cause tooth decay, especially at night when there’s less saliva in a baby’s mouth.
Common dummy discussion points
- There is no real evidence has been able to be linked to nipple confusion with newborns.
- Babies who have dummies tend to wean easier and on average earlier.
- Four separate studies have shown they are linked to reducing the risk of SIDS by at least half. The reasoning is that a dummy is said to increase the production of baby endorphins, the hormones that promote happiness and reduce pain.
- In premature babies it has been shown to cut stress, lower the heart rate and pump up the amount of oxygen in their blood. Studies as far back as in Holland, in 1998 showed that babies may be up to 20 times less likely to suffer from cot death if they have a dummy. Other studies have also found a reduced risk for dummy users.
- For many babies it is a comfort and in turn then helps them sleep, relaxes them. It has been said to even make them less likely to smoke in later life or have addictive behaviours.
- Toddlers over 2 years old may have the added risk of damaging their teeth if still having a continual use of a dummy. This may also affect/interfere with their language experimentation and development and therefore the acquisition of speech.
- Those who have had a dummy as a baby are less likely to have addictive behaviours as adults such as smoking.
- There is no evidence that dummies can cause developmental delays. Having said that they have been linked to delays in speech (if used regularly from toddler +), and dentist’s are still concerned over teeth development and alignment.
- There are some that believe there is a link between dummies and more frequent middle ear infections.
- There was also the discussion that dummies could cause nipple confusion but there is increasing evidence that suggest this is not the case.
- There has also been positive links made and research between dummies and SIDS, however, the evidence about dummy use to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is inconclusive.
Can dummies disturb sleep?
While dummies are often helpful in getting a baby to sleep or helping them to stay asleep they are also attributed with causing a child to wake during the night.
This is due to primarily to a child’s sleep patterns.
When a child gets to the part in their sleep cycle where they partially wake, if they don’t have the dummy then they may wake fully and need assistance to put it back in the mouth.
It’s a good idea to try different sleep strategies if you find your baby has a sleep problem associated with a dummy.
There’s also some evidence that using a dummy for a long time can heighten the arch of a child’s palate, which could make them more susceptible to snoring.
What are the Australian Standards?
Consumer Goods (Babies’ Dummies and Dummy Chains) Safety Standard 2017(link is external) sets out the mandatory requirements for babies’ dummies and dummy chains.
Prior to the introduction of the 2017 Safety Standards being introduced all dummies had to adhere to the AS 2432:2015. It relates to the use, specific design and construction requirements and requires manufacturers to stipulate on the dummy packaging that children should never be left alone with a dummy, what they are to be made of, etc.
The Australian Standards requires manufacturers to stipulate on the dummy packaging that children should never be left alone with a dummy.
Given that this is often near impossible in the real world, for example babies often have dummies to sleep or at least use them to settle them to sleep (we don’t always stay with them as they drop of to sleep) it is important to take safety strategies.
It is a good idea to remain mindful of the warnings and constantly keep checking on your child if you do place them to sleep with one.
Dummy safety tips
- Regularly check your baby’s dummy. Check to see if it’s worn or damaged, sticky, crumbly or looks likely to tear, and if so replace it immediately.
- Replace dummies regularly.
- Never tie a dummy to the child or attach the dummy by one to the side of the cot.
- Dummies are forever at risk of being a source of infection. Regularly sterilize it.
- Before each sterilization, tug on the teat, ring or handle to make sure they’re secure.
- Never put anything on the dummy such as jam, honey or other sugary substances, as this will cause tooth decay, especially at night when there’s less saliva in a baby’s mouth.
- All dummies sold in Australia must meet Australian Standards which is to prevent choking and strangulation hazards.
- It is also important to note that babies/children under 3 years have not yet developed the reflex action to cough up objects that lodge in their throats so suffocation and choking are a potential threat.
- If a dummy is attached to a child with a cord/string it poses a higher risk of strangulation, not to mention a greater risk of germs.
- Babies can choke on a dummy if the shields are too small for your child and if they don’t have appropriate ventilation holes.
- Check dummies regularly to ensure that there is no wear and tear. Check that the teat is in good order and is securely attached to the rest of the dummy still.
- In September 2011 a permanent ban came into effect on dummies with decorations. There had been may that had come onto the market that had a bit of ‘bling’ but they are now permanently banned because of safety risks.
- Before each sterilization, tug on the teat, ring or handle to make sure they’re secure.
- Leaving a baby unattended with a dummy is not recommended.
Choosing a dummy
- Look for the size of the teat that allows for the baby to comfortably suck on it.
- Check the size of the shield. There is a minimum mandatory standard size of the shield and the ventilation holes for dummies but it is also recommended to see it is the appropriate size for your baby.
- Experiment which dummy is best suited to your baby/child. There are many different dummies on the market and since they come in many shapes and types it is best to try more than one. You may find that if you try one and they won’t take it they may take to another.
- Check the age recommendation for the dummy. Most dummies will have a recommended age which helps in choosing the right size for your baby too.
- Replace dummies regularly.
- Never tie a dummy to the child or attach the dummy by one to the side of the cot.
- Dummies are forever at risk of being a source of infection. Regularly sterilize it.
- Most dummies if used appropriately are safe.