Dummies, pacifiers, soothers, whatever you want to call them; I don’t like them for my babies and I don’t use them when I look after anyone else’s babies. I made my decision when I was first pregnant in 2005. My choice not to use them was based on personal opinion and common sense; nothing I have heard or read since then has changed my mind.
- My belief is that when babies are unsettled or crying they are communicating a need that isn’t being met, I like to diagnose and treat the cause.
- I was concerned about the safety aspects of using a dummy, especially if a crawling baby or toddler were to fall on their face while using one.
- They could easily be unhygienic as they get dropped a lot and I didn’t like the idea of having to sterilise them all the time for the baby or worry if they get lost.
- It occurred to me that it could be difficult for a baby to learn to speak if they were getting around with one of these in their mouths for much of the day; it was a risk I wasn’t willing to take.
- Excess dribbling and ear and throat infections seemed to me to be more likely if a baby was sucking on a dummy, especially when distressed, (which seems to be when they are used most).
- Time and money; I envisioned a lot of frustrating times looking for dummies, plus it was an added expense. Although dummies don’t cost a lot, I can think of better uses for my finances.
- I didn’t want my baby to become reliant upon a dummy to be pacified or soothed; I had also read multiple posts online about problems ridding babies, toddlers and even children of dummies.
- Babies, toddlers and children are beautiful, so why hide part of that beauty behind an ugly big round piece of plastic or silicon?
- The word dummy is implies that one can’t talk, or is a test version of something, or someone who is less intelligent. As for pacifier or soother; well isn’t that the role of a parent or carer?
I’ve read a lot of posts on the internet about why dummies are great, however, there are even more articles about how to get rid of them. I encourage new parents to persevere without them unless you receive professional advice to the contrary, as you will save yourself a lot of hassles in the long term.
If you choose to use dummies, research possible health issues, speech development delays, dangers and safety standards before purchasing any brand. Speak to parents who have used them and learn about the pros and cons from their experience. There are those who believe that they help prevent SIDS, however to date, SIDS and Kids does not make recommendations for dummy use.
Links to further reading on this topic:
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