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One of the most controversial decisions to make as a new parent is whether or not to introduce a dummy, or as it’s often called outside of the UK, a pacifier.

There can be a confusing array of baby-soothing tools on the market, with products with names like 'newborn pacifiers' making claims that they’re great for calming babies.

To look beyond the marketing and explain the potential benefits and risks of dummies so that you can make the right choice for you and your baby, Tiny Happy People has spoken to health visitor Kerry Bennett from Better Start Bradford.

What is a dummy or pacifier?

Dummies are designed to mimic a nipple. Kerry explains, "A dummy is usually a silicone teat with a mouth guard and a handle. It's intended for a baby to suck."

They give babies something to suck on, which engages their natural reflex for comfort.

What are dummies' roles in soothing or calming babies?

“Babies want to suck, it's about that self-soothing,” says Kerry, “It's an absolutely natural reflex that a baby is born with.”

Often dummies are used when a baby is struggling to settle down for a nap or when they're feeling overstimulated.

What are the benefits of using dummies?

In some instances, dummies can be useful for calming a baby or helping them settle into sleep. Some parents find that a dummy can be especially helpful during car rides, naps, or at bedtime.

According to the NHS, it is possible that dummy use at the start of a sleep may reduce the risk of SIDS, but that the evidence is not strong and not all experts agree.

What are the potential risks or doubts associated with using dummies?

Dummies are not for every baby - or every parent.

"Never force a baby to have a dummy, and go with what your baby likes."

Some babies may reject the dummy, while others may become overly dependent on it, leading to sleepless nights for parents as they constantly replace it when it falls out.

Dummies also carry hygiene risks. As Kerry points out, “If a dummy drops on the floor and you don’t have a spare, some parents just give it a quick wipe and pop it back in.” Possibly linked to this, .

How do dummies affect language development?

Long-term dummy use can impact speech development. Kerry cautions against allowing babies to use dummies beyond the period when they start babbling.

“As soon as a baby is babbling, trying to express itself in other ways, we really should be restricting dummy use and allowing that baby to babble freely.”

Do dummies affect breastfeeding?

"If you want to breastfeed," Kerry says, "establish breastfeeding before using a dummy."

There’s evidence that introducing a dummy too early can lead to 'nipple confusion', where the baby has trouble distinguishing between the breast and the dummy. Waiting until breastfeeding is firmly established can help avoid this confusion.

Do dummies affect teeth?

There are also concerns about how dummies can affect the development of teeth.

Prolonged sucking can change the alignment of emerging teeth, potentially leading to dental problems. "When teeth stumps start coming through, a baby sucking on a dummy can cause difficulties with how teeth emerge and align," Kerry explains, “That's a sign that it's time to reduce dummy use.”

When can you introduce a dummy?

According to Kerry, you can introduce a dummy, “anytime from birth”, but if you want to breastfeed, “it's best to introduce it after breastfeeding has been well established.”

And ultimately, she says, “You don’t have to introduce a dummy.”

How can you introduce a dummy?

When offering a dummy, the process should be gentle and respectful of the baby's preferences. Kerry advises…

“Gently place it to the lips and see if they accept it and find it comforting,”

Kerry says there are two big “nos” when it comes to introducing dummies: they should never be forced in, and “you should never dip dummies in any sweet or sugary substances”.

When should you stop giving your baby a pacifier?

Dummy use should be reduced or stopped between six and 12 months, particularly as babies begin to develop their communication skills. “You might just use it for times like going to sleep at night, or when the child is unwell or really inconsolable,” Kerry suggests.

In situations where you might have used a dummy, focus on other ways to comfort and soothe the baby, such as cuddles, white noise, or lullabies.

Should a baby sleep with a dummy?

Newborns and older babies can sleep with a pacifier. According to Kerry, “It’s all about thinking about ”

How do you sterilise and maintain dummies?

Kerry explains, “There are lots of things out there on the market, like devices where you can pop a dummy into a little container with some sterile solution. It’s up to personal preference.”

What’s crucial is to avoid putting dummies in your mouth after they fall on the floor, as this can spread germs.

Can you use a microwave?

“Some people choose a microwave for ease and follow the guidelines, allowing things to cool down to the right temperature,” says Kerry. “But it is personal preference, and it depends on what resources you have.”

What if my baby won’t take a dummy?

“Never force a baby to have a dummy and go with what your baby likes,” Kerry says.

“Not all babies want a dummy.” There are plenty of alternatives on offer.

Are there alternatives to dummies?

“Not all parents want their child to have a dummy. And it’s absolutely fine if you don’t choose for your baby to have a dummy,” Kerry affirms.

If you prefer not to use dummies or your baby doesn’t take to them, there are plenty of alternatives. After all, a dummy is designed to mimic a nipple, so breastfeeding is often a way to soothe. Besides this, Kerry suggests, “Lullabies, cuddles, lots of skin-to-skin contact, and white noise.” Other methods that can help include fresh air or motion, such as taking your baby for a walk in a pram.

A balanced approach to dummy use

Kerry says that with dummies, it’s important to think about the bigger picture, “It’s not just about pushing a dummy in to stop them crying. Does a parent really understand why their baby is upset? Are they hungry, too hot, or in pain?”

Before turning to a dummy as a solution, it's crucial to evaluate the baby’s cues and ensure that other needs are being met first.

Kerry's final advice is, “to encourage parents not to overuse and prolong the use of dummies.” Understanding when and how to use a dummy — and when to stop — can ensure that it serves its purpose without hindering your baby’s overall development.

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