Newborns and dummies: A guide to using a dummy safely

5 min. read

It’s the question that’s on every new parent’s lips: ‘are pacifiers bad?’. From your neighbour to your doctor, and from your mum to your favourite blog, you’ve probably heard countless opinions on using a dummy. That’s why it’s time to cut through the noise and answer the important questions.

You know better than anyone what’s right for your baby. In this article we’ll help equip you with all the essential facts about the use of a dummy for a baby including:

• What is a pacifier
  
• Does using a dummy help
  
• Can you give a newborn a dummy
  
• Are pacifiers bad

So, with answers to questions like, ‘can a baby sleep with a dummy’ to exploring the various dummies pros and cons, read on so we can help you make an informed choice when it comes to newborn dummy use.

What is a pacifier?

Let’s go back to basics: what is a dummy? Here are a few facts to help you understand what a dummy is before we explore newborn dummy use.

• A dummy is usually a silicone nipple given to an infant or young child to suck upon.
  
• The standard dummy has a nipple, a mouth shield, and a handle.
  
• The mouth shield and handle are there to prevent the child from choking or swallowing it.

Now you know what it is, why is using a dummy so common? A dummy’s primary purpose comes down to the fact that newborns are born with an instinct to suck . Whether they are bored, tired, or needing comfort, this sucking instinct is separate from their need to eat. Some babies prefer to suck on their thumbs or fingers, and others prefer dummies.

Newborns and dummies: How dummies affect your baby

A dummy provides a very calming, soothing effect on your baby. Below are some reasons behind newborn dummy use:

• Help your baby fall asleep
  
• Calm your frightened baby
  
• Aid in digestion

As you can see, these reasons all have one commonality: they keep your baby calm by satisfying their innate need to suckle.

Dummies pros and cons

Whether you choose to give your baby a pacifier or to suck on one of his or her fingers, let’s have a look at the dummy’s pros and cons.

Benefits of the use of a dummy for your baby

If you’re thinking about using a dummy, there are several benefits. Here are some of the most common reasons parents choose to opt for newborn dummy use:

1. Satisfies the suck reflex

The first benefit of a dummy is that it meets a baby’s need to suckle. While the breast or bottle can usually satisfy this need, dummies can help to soothe your baby in-between feeding sessions. However, keep in mind that dummies are not to be used as a replacement or to delay mealtimes.

2. Encourages baby to self-soothe

Another benefit of using a dummy is that it can encourage your baby to self-soothe when he or she is crying or upset.

3. Soothes your baby during painful procedures

If your baby is due for a vaccination or for blood to be drawn, a dummy is great way to reduce the pain and keep your baby calm at the doctor’s office.

4. Helps baby fall asleep

Parents often ask, ‘can a baby sleep with a dummy?’. The dummy can be used when helping your baby to fall asleep, right before nap time, or after a feed; most babies find sucking soothing. Stay close to your baby while the dummy works its magic.

5. You can monitor your newborn’s dummy use

Unlike thumb sucking, you can monitor when your baby uses a dummy. This gives you the ability to limit use or take it away at your disposal. It also makes breaking the habit easier when the time comes.