<\/span><\/p>\n Fact:<\/span><\/strong> Dummies won\u2019t harm milk teeth but may permanently affect the growth of their second set. Teeth may have to move to make space for them. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Maybe:<\/span><\/strong> It will ruin any chance you have at breastfeeding. This may be the case for some people, but don\u2019t let midwives bully you into something you don\u2019t want to do. If your baby settles well with a dummy, and this keeps your sanity then do it. If breastfeeding does go tits up because of nipple confusion, then try feeding with a nipple guard, it will feel similar to sucking a dummy or drinking from a bottle. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Fact<\/span><\/strong>: If the midwives don\u2019t like it then get them to come around and look after a distressed baby who wants his dummy. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Fact:<\/span><\/strong> Don\u2019t dip dummies in sweet stuff, and for God\u2019s sake stop great aunt Nora insisting you dip it in Brandy to stop teething trouble. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Maybe:<\/span><\/strong> \u201cLate speech development blame the dummy\u201d experts cry. It\u2019s true that it is impossible to talk properly with a dummy in the mouth, but try to reduce dummy contact time, read books, talk to your child all the time, even when pushing the pram. They will talk eventually!<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Fact:<\/span><\/strong> T\u2019aint hygienic It\u2019s yucky, all full of gross stuff, it falls on the floor then you have to suck it first before giving It back.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Potential Myth:<\/span><\/strong> There is also a tenuous though not totally proven link between dummies and an increased risk of ear infection. When babies and toddler\u2019s who like their dummies are not well it is obvious they will reach for what gives them the greatest comfort. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Fact:<\/span><\/strong> New findings have shown that a baby using a dummy when sleeping has a reduced risk of cot death. It is unclear exactly why, but one theory suggests it is the gap left between the blankets and the dummy handle, which helps air circulate. If the dummy falls out while the baby is sleeping then don\u2019t put it back in unless asked for. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Do not worry if your baby’s dummy falls out whilst they are sleeping or if your baby does not want to use a dummy. Not all babies take to dummies and you should never force your child to use one if they do not want to.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Fact:<\/strong> The so what? Theory. Who gets the most upset about dummy use? Generally the parents when they feel pressurised that a child is using a dummy and they hear some shocking new evidence that suggests the dummy is bad.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Maybe that nerdy scientist still has a scrap of blankee under the pillow. Perhaps that battle-axe midwife still has her favourite teddy. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n You can guarantee if your child still has their dummy on the first day they start school, they won\u2019t be sucking it by 3.30pm. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Getting rid of the dummy<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n If your child loves having their dummy all the time, or is not giving it up without a fight then firstly don\u2019t overly worry. It is their comforter and making them give it up is a big ask.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Check the toy box and the bedrooms. Despite your best efforts, dummies can be squirreled away.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Try restricting the dummy to set times such as bed time. As soon as they wake up ask for their dummy and then put it out of sight. Swap the dummy for their morning milk or juice. Then hide well. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n If your child is at an age where they understand then why not tell them that if they put their dummy under the pillow, the dummy fairy will come along and swap it for a present. Ok this may involve buying something small, but this may become a more convenient soother. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n If all else fails then you can be sure that by the end of their first day at school they will no longer want it. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/em><\/p>\n \n My Dummy Hell by Chopsy Baby Editor Jen Smith<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWhile I was pregnant I swore to myself that I would never use dummies. Whilst out shopping for some last minute baby items with a friend, she picked a packet of dummies up and gave them to me. Before I could protest she thrust them at me with a desperate look and with a quavering voice she said \u201cyou will need them believe me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n
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