By Gabi Falanga

To dummy or not to dummy? There are many opinions on when a baby should start or stop using a dummy or pacifier, and whether they should even be using one at all. We take a look at some of the pros and cons to keep in mind when making this decision. 

There’s no doubt that a dummy is a god-send to parents with babies who cry frequently and are difficult to settle. Babies are born with the instinct to suck and they do so for comfort. In some scans, babies can even be seen sucking their thumbs in the womb!

Another advantage to using a dummy is that it’s portable and can easily be used to temporarily settle your baby while you’re out and about, on a flight, or if they need to get an injection or have blood drawn. There is even some evidence suggesting that babies who suck a dummy while sleeping are less at risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). 

An important factor when deciding whether or not to use a dummy is if you’re breastfeeding your baby.  International non-profit organisation, La Leche League, recommends waiting until up to eight weeks after your baby is born before offering them a dummy to make sure that breastfeeding has been well established and the baby is gaining weight well. 

It warns that using a dummy for a breastfed baby could result in a drop in your milk supply, nipple confusion for the baby resulting it refusing the breast, a drop in the baby’s weight gain, and early weaning. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, there is an increased risk for ear infections in babies who regularly use dummies – especially after the age of six months. Children who use dummies beyond the first few years of life might have problems with the proper growth of their mouth and misalignment of their teeth. It can also cause changes in the roof of their mouth. The American Dental Association recommends making sure that your child no longer uses a dummy by the time they turn 4.