Dummies Safety,SIDS plus FAQs by Rachel
- Rachel
- Aug 3
- 8 min read
Updated: Aug 13
Many mums naturally turn to an online maternal health search when they start wondering: are dummies safe for babies, can you sleep with a dummy, do dummies reduce the risk of SIDS, and can they interfere with breastfeeding?
Let's Look at the Evidence
These were exactly the questions I had as a mum too. In this guide, I look at the evidence and compare it with my own experiences. I also answer practical questions like when to introduce a dummy, when to take one away, and how and when to sterilise one.
Whilst different countries use a different term for the same item, to keep things simple, we are going to use the term "dummy" for consistency in this article. The list below covers the most searched-for questions by mothers about the use of dummies. First of all, let’s look at some of the myths about dummies; then I move on to some of the most popular questions mothers ask.
First of all let's cover some of the myths about dummies then I will move on to cover some of the most popular questions mothers ask.
Dummies cause 'nipple confusion' and ruin breast feeding.
Myth - High quality studies and recent reviews show that once breast feeding is well established, use of a dummy does not reduce breast feeding duration. Some maternity units restrict there use but it's more a cautionary measure.
Dummies always damage teeth
Mostly Myth (but with a caveat below see 4 and 9)
Dummies increase the risk of SIDS
Complete opposite of the truth
(see 5 below)
Dummies cause colic
Myth
There is no good evidence that dummies cause colic that I can find.
Putting honey or sugar on a dummy helps with teething.
Dangerous mythHoney is unsafe for babies under 12 months because of the risk of botulism. Sweetening also increases the risk of tooth decay.
Using a Dummy will "spoil" the baby of make them dependent
MythBabies have a strong natural sucking reflex and dummies actually provide comfort. In my experience it just takes a little encouragement to give them up when the child is ready. (See 9 & 10 below)
Listed below are some of the most common questions that mothers search for on the web.
Dummies Safety, SIDS and the 10 most common FAQs by Rachel
Common Myths and Questions about dummies and why we should sterilise them.
Dummies can harbour bacteria and viruses and are prime sources of both bacterial and viral infection.
Viruses may remain infectious on hard surfaces for hours to days, certain bacteria can survive longer. Proper sterilisation protects your baby.
Bacteria are complete cells and can therefore last for extended periods even under dry conditions.
When it comes to sources of infant bacterial infection in the home these regularly come from Cronobacter which is found naturally in the environment. It is a bacteria which can be regularly found in infant formulas because they are not sterile and on contaminated feeding equipment that has not been sterilised regularly.
Best ways to sterilise.
Clean your hands and the dummy first with warm soapy water. Squeeze the teat to remove any trapped air, water or saliva.
Simple cheap methods like submerging in a pan of boiling water are still one of the best methods. Boiling time a minimum of 5 minutes up to 10 minutes. ( some dummies are made from natural rubber and will degrade quite quickly with repeated boiling)
Remove with a clean tool and leave to dry on a piece of dry kitchen towel or clean plate to cool and dry (never put a hot dummy in a babies mouth)
Before giving to the baby squeeze the teat again ( with clean hands) to ensure there is no residual water left in the teat.
Alternative methods can be used such as :-
Steam sterilisers
Dishwashers (some have a sanitise cycle) if not check the dummy is dishwasher proof put it on a hot wash on the top shelf.
Steriliser pods or UV boxes
Chemical sterilisation with specialised tablets or solutions. The product I use the most is Vital Baby Aquaint. Based on purified water and hypochlorous acid (HOCl) a compound produced naturally by the body to fight germs is excellent. It costs typically £2.50 to £5.00 depending on where you buy it. This is not a plug for the product by the way its just my personal experience.
When and How Often?
Always sterilise before first use
In the first few months sterilise daily
Post 6 months just washing with warm soapy water daily and sterilising once a week.
After illness return to daily for at least a week.
I WOULDN'T RECOMMEND THAT YOU CLEAN A DUMMY BY PUTTING IT IN YOUR OWN MOUTH.
Adults carry many bacteria in their mouths all you are doing is adding to the risk of infection.
When can I give my baby a dummy?
The typical recommended period to wait to give a baby a dummy is once feeding is established and going well. Typically this is 3 to 4 weeks or about 1 month. If your baby refuses the dummy at first don't worry and try again another day. It is more important to establish a good feeding routine first if you are breast feeding. With formula fed babies this wait period is less important as there is no conflict with mothers nipples and a bottle teat.
Should a new born baby sleep with a dummy?
Hospitals and health professionals support the use of a dummy used when settling a baby and the NHS suggest that, in observational studies, that the use of a dummy may reduce SIDS. So yes a newborn well established with a feeding pattern can sleep with a dummy. If it falls out however do not put it back in unless the baby is searching for it and is distressed without it.
A tip. Do not introduce honey or anything sweet.
Are Dummies Safe?
Well their use in hospitals and in the main they are supported by health professionals. I believe the benefits outweigh the risks in the first six to twelve months if as we have indicated above hygiene rules are followed. See 1 to 3 above.
There is also a view that the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is reduced but proof is some what limited.
Dental issues though are very much to be considered ( especially beyond the age of 2) tooth aligment and jaw development can be affected with prolonged use past this point.
Speech Development can also be affected by limit the practice of forming words so it is best to only limit their use to sleep times after 2 years.
Do dummies reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome?
Also known as Cot Death, SIDS is the sudden unexplained death of a baby under 1 year old, usually during sleep periods. Dummies do seem to reduce the risk of SIDS and there are several case studies (Hauck et al, Mitchell et al) although the NHS note that studies are observational.
The key points to consider when considering the use of a dummy and reducing the risk of SIDS are as follows :-
Always start your baby on its back in the first 12 months. If they can roll they will find their own comfort position.
Use a clear firm mattress, no pillows, duvets, quilts soft toys etc.
Do not bed share, rather room share. Baby should be in a cot or moses basket ( SIDS risk reduction by 50%)
Do dummies affect breast feeding?
Dummies do not meaningfully interfere with successful breast feeding but the longer you can delay the use when breast feeding (even by a few weeks) is a sensible precaution. You will read about "latch" and 'nipple confusion' all of which relate to breastfeeding, both of which can be overcome by reducing the introduction of a dummy in the early few weeks.
How do I get my baby to take a dummy?
Not every baby takes to a dummy so don't worry if the first attempts don't work. The best time to try is when baby is calm, not when she is crying hard. I have found with both my children that first attempts are just after a feed, when the baby is calm. I first started with NUK dummies but they just didn't work for my two. All the major brands like MaM, Tommee Tippee offer a variety of dummies but I have to be honest the one that both Addison and Blake preferred is Tesco's Fred and Flo own brand.
Why does my baby keep spitting the dummy out?
Believe it or not it's normal. Newborn babies have a natural reflex that pushes foreign objects out of their mouths. It's a protective reflex which in time fades after about 2 to 3 months. In my experience Blake in particular prefers to suck her fingers at certain times and prefers her dummy when ready for sleep after a feed. We all have food preferences and babies are no different.
Other reasons I have found are :-
It's the wrong dummy try another.
Hunger and lets be honest a dummy doesn't cut it when milk is required.
Colds and blocked noses. Babies breathe through their nose when feeding so a dummy creates an uncomfortable feeling.
Teething or Thrush both can making sucking uncomfortable.
When should a baby stop using a dummy?
I have found that 6 months is too soon and 12 months too long. What I will say is let your baby decide but also don't rush just limit its use. Our eldest started to want a dummy again when Blake was born. He was 2 years old at the time. It was his way of telling us I'm here and I still want t be comforted. We limited it to bedtime only and gradually withdrew it as he became used to Blake being here. His need lasted just a few weeks.
There is medical evidence to suggest that prolonged use of dummies after the age of 2 can cause ear infection, dental problems and delayed speech development.
How do I get my child to give up the dummy?
In simple terms use your mothers instinct and a little common sense. Don't stress about it, take your time and slowly reduce the times it is used.
When you baby seeks cuddles and needs comfort you might find it useful but also keep it out of sight once you have started the withdrawal process. Granted this is not easy with another infant in the room using one. We used a simple reward strategy that praised Addison everytime he went without during a sleep or nap.
So lets review the original header and questions on Dummies Safety SIDS and the 10 FAQs by Rachel. I think Ive answered them but if I have missed a question that you want to ask please comment below.
Stay Positive - Rachel
Please note
“This is a personal blog sharing my own experiences. It is not counselling, therapy, medical, or psychological advice.”
Comments