Ditching The Dummy
Dummy, pacifier, soother, binky, whatever word you like to use, can be a lifesaver!
As well as helping your baby sleep they can provide comfort when your baby is upset or unwell. Some studies have shown that in cases of premature babies a dummy can help establish a good sucking technique. There’s also some evidence to suggest that using a dummy when you put your baby down for a sleep can reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome)
All good until the day comes along that you decide it’s time to wave goodbye to the dummy. Perhaps it’s becoming more of a hindrance than a help. Having to replace the dummy for your little one regularly throughout the night isn’t fun for anyone! Experts suggest that ideally babies should stop using the dummy before the age of one. Using it beyond this age can lead to dental problems and speech delay. If your child is older and using a dummy then make it a golden rule that you will never talk to them with it in their mouth. Ask them to take it out before you’ll engage in chat!
You have two options in making the dummy a thing of the past. Firstly just go cold turkey or secondly take it slowly!
Cold Turkey
Quite simply just get rid of all the dummies! Well getting rid of is quite simple but I doubt your little one will be best pleased! Brace yourself for three to five rough nights. Replace the dummy with a comforter, like a small cuddly or a blanket. You may well find you need to use another method for your little one to settle to sleep, like patting or shushing, and then gradually wean them off that method.
Slowly, slowly….
Pick a time when all is on an even keel in your little one’s life.
Don’t start during illness or teething.
Ensure the dummy at this point is only being used at nap times and bedtime. If not, work on that first.
Start at nap time. Just as they’re falling asleep remove the dummy. Expect them to be upset at this so provide plenty of reassurance, pats and shushing. If they become very upset then try again the next day.
Once napping with a dummy is successful then move on to bedtime. Repeat process as nap time.
For an older verbal child you can prepare them in advance for the dummy going. Ideas to try,
involve them in gathering up all the dummies and putting in a bag for the fairy
give them a small gift in exchange for the dummies
have a sticker reward chart so they can see their progress
if you’re gradually weaning them off then have the dummy just for naps and bedtime, then just bedtime and then no more dummy!
Whatever route you go down you will be met with opposition and you will find it emotionally and physically draining. So stay calm, give your little one plenty of reassurance and with time you will get there.
The important message to remember as always is, ‘Be consistent’!
