3 min. read time Hooray! You have weighed up the pros and cons of introducing a dummy, and you’ve decided what’s best for your baby. Like most parents, you’re probably now wondering when and how to introduce a dummy. It’s completely normal to have lots of questions, such as ‘what’s the right age for a dummy?’ and ‘can I use a dummy for my newborn while breastfeeding’, and here you’ll find the answers. Read on to discover essential information, tips, and advice on when to use a dummy, so you can feel confident introducing a dummy to your baby.
If you’re wondering, ‘when can you introduce a dummy’, we’ve got you covered. It is recommended you only give your baby a dummy once they have happily mastered breastfeeding – usually at around four weeks.¹ While most babies have no problem switching from natural to artificial nipple shapes, there is still conflicting evidence about whether introducing a dummy too early can cause feeding difficulties. It is recommended to postpone dummy introduction until your baby feeding method and pattern is well-established.¹
If you’re wondering when to introduce a dummy, you now know the answer – but how do you get your baby to start using a dummy successfully and safely? If you think your baby is ready to start using a dummy, here are a few tips and guidelines for effectively introducing a dummy: 1. A pacifier does not substitute a meal If you’re thinking, ‘can I use a dummy for my newborn when breastfeeding’ the answer is yes. However, if you are breastfeeding, it is important that you stick to your regular feeding times. In other words, do not let the dummy take the place of or delay your newborn’s meal times. Suckling releases hormones that may mimic the fullness they get from breastfeeding and dummies lead them to suckle. So, be sure to use dummies only to meet your child’s suckling needs after meals or at bedtime. 2. Don’t force your baby to take a dummy If your baby doesn’t want a dummy, there’s no reason to force it. The dummy is solely meant to comfort and relax your baby when he or she is upset or needs to suck. 3. Leave the honey and sugar in the pantry Ensure that you are giving your baby the dummy clean and as is. There is no need for any sweetener, sugar, or honey and a dummy that has sugar on it could result in tooth damage for your baby. 4. Introduce it during bedtimes
While you’re soothing your baby to sleep, offering them a pacifier can help them drift off. Philips Avent Soothie, our range of soothers, are designed around the natural contours of your baby’s face for ultimate comfort. Made from medical grade silicone, they’re even distributed by doctors and nurses in hospitals across Europe.
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When you are ready to start giving your baby a dummy, you want to ensure that you are using the right one. Regardless of the pacifier you opt for, make sure that it is BPA-free, orthodontic, and supports the natural palate development of your baby. Check out more information on how to choose the best dummy for your baby! So, when can you give a baby a dummy? The trick to introducing a dummy to your baby is to never force it and never let it substitute mealtimes. A dummy is intended only to meet your baby’s natural suckling needs outside of breastfeeding or bottle feeding. Other than that, you are good to go dummy crazy!
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