07/08/2025
💚 Let’s answer some common questions from parents about dummy/pacifier use! 💚
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👶🏾 Q: When is the best time to wean a dummy?
The ideal time to wean a baby from a dummy is by the end of their first year. From around 6 months of age, it’s best to limit dummy use to sleep times only. See the question below about whether a dummy can damage a child’s teeth for more detail.
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👶🏻 Q: What are the pros and cons of dummy use?
Benefits:
Research shows that dummies can help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by supporting airway protection during sleep. They also allow babies to engage in non-nutritive sucking (sucking without milk), which can help soothe and calm them. This can aid in digestion, provide pain relief, and conserve energy—leading to better growth, weight gain, breathing, and oxygenation.
In addition, the right pacifier, when used appropriately, can support oral and muscle development. For premature babies in the NICU, dummy use may even help reduce their length of hospital stay.
Disadvantages:
The disadvantages are mainly associated with misuse or prolonged use. For example, a baby who uses a dummy frequently during the day may not explore speech sounds properly, which is crucial for language development. Oral issues, such as dental malalignment, typically arise only after the age of two and depend on how often and how long the dummy is used.
Overuse may also increase the risk of middle ear infections. This is because sucking can cause fluids to accumulate in the middle ear, especially if the baby is ill, allowing infections to spread.
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👶🏿 Q: Can a dummy damage a child’s teeth?
Prolonged dummy use doesn’t directly damage a child’s teeth, but over time it can affect teeth alignment, jaw development, and the shape of the palate. This happens because the tongue may rest too far forward, pushing the teeth and other oral structures out of their natural position.
Long-term dummy use can also encourage an open-mouth posture and mouth breathing. Mouth breathing is linked to several issues, including sleep disorders (such as sleep apnea), dental problems, facial changes, feeding difficulties, and learning challenges.
For these reasons, it’s best to discontinue dummy use by the end of the first year.
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👶 Q: How can I avoid adverse effects when using a pacifier?
• If your baby is in the NICU, use the pacifier recommended by your Speech Therapist, Paediatrician, or healthcare professional.
• Avoid switching between different types of pacifiers if your baby has accepted one.
• Do not place cotton wool or other materials inside the dummy.
• Never fix the dummy to your baby’s face using pillows, head wraps, or similar items.
• Your baby should be able to spit out the pacifier freely.
• Avoid vigorously moving the dummy in your baby’s mouth.
As Catherine Shaker so eloquently puts it:
“It’s important to use infant-guided rooting with a pacifier and offer it—not “place it,” “insert it,” or “pop it in.” Doing so may interfere with the motor mapping for rooting and the root-to-latch sequence, which is crucial for an effective tongue-palate seal—whether breast or bottle. Too often, the adverse effects are caused by well-intentioned caregivers.”
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👶🏼 Q: Won’t using a pacifier confuse my baby and lead to breastfeeding refusal?
Many studies have explored this concern. Some suggest that it’s not ni**le confusion per se, but rather a flow preference—bottles tend to have faster flow than breasts, making them easier for some babies. Others propose that babies who reject breastfeeding in favor of the bottle may already have existing breastfeeding challenges.
Regarding dummies specifically, current research shows that ni**le confusion is highly unlikely. In fact, studies indicate no difference in breastfeeding success rates between babies who use pacifiers and those who don’t. Interestingly, breastfed babies who are used to a pacifier may actually transition to a bottle more easily when needed.
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👶🏽 Q: What is the best dummy—and why?
Current research supports a pencil-shaped teat for dummies, which is why many brands are adopting this design.
This shape helps babies:
• Cup their tongue around the teat
• Elevate the back of the tongue
• Round their lips more effectively
These actions promote better latching and oral development. Pencil-shaped dummies also tend to be one-piece, soft, and safe—reducing the risk of injury or harboring germs.
One such brand is nanobébé, known for its innovative baby-feeding products. Their dummy design supports airway protection, speech development, and both bottle and breastfeeding success. Their Flexy Active Pacifier also features large vents, making it breathable and ideal for teething babies to help prevent rashes.
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💬 If you have any other questions, feel free to ask! 💚
