Is It Safe For My Baby To Sleep With A Dummy?

SHOULD I REMOVE THE DUMMY ONCE MY BABY IS ASLEEP?

CAN A BABY CHOKE ON A DUMMY?

A baby is able to choke on a dummy is if the dummy is too small for them, parts are able to pop off or the dummy is old and has weakened resulting in pieces breaking off. These pieces may become caught in a baby’s throat which can cause choking and breathing problems.    

There are, however, things that you can do to prevent your baby from choking on a piece of dummy:

• Do not leave a dummy in direct sunlight or near a heater as this can cause it to become brittle and discoloured.  
• Read the insert in the packaging to check the manufacturer's recommendation as to when the dummy should be replaced. For example, some inserts insist that the dummy be replaced every 2 months for hygiene purposes. 
• Avoid using a dummy when your infant or toddler is teething as the chewing action on the teat of the dummy can cause tears. 

CAN A BABY CHOKE ON SPIT UP WITH A PACIFIER?

Some sources report that dummies can assist your baby who has reflux. This is because sucking stimulates the flow of saliva and helps with downward contractions of the oesophagus which helps keep the contents of the stomach down. What happens, though, if your baby has a dummy in their mouth and they spit up or vomit?   

Babies have an automatic reflex which causes them to cough up or swallow the fluid that they have spat up or vomited. This reflex ensures your baby's airway remains clear.   

WHEN CAN MY BABY START USING A DUMMY?

There are no specific guidelines as to when you should give your newborn a dummy. However, the AAP recommends that if you are breastfeeding your infant, you should wait until breastfeeding is established in order to prevent nipple confusion.   

Nipple confusion arises because sucking on a dummy is easier for an infant than sucking on a nipple. This can potentially make it more difficult for them to latch.  They may also get tired from sucking a dummy which leaves less energy for them to feed. 

Establishing a good nursing routine can take up to 4 weeks. The AAP also advises that you only offer your baby a dummy in between feeds or after feeds when you are certain they are not hungry so that it does not interfere with breastfeeding.

CAN MY BABY USE A DUMMY TO SELF SOOTHE?

Learning to self soothe is a valuable tool for your baby to develop. The ability to self soothe means that they are able to calm themselves, relax and hopefully fall asleep on their own. Non-nutritive sucking such as sucking on a dummy can help your baby with this as sucking is a normal reflex which they develop in your womb. Sucking on a dummy reminds them of being in the womb and is therefore soothing for them. Sucking also helps lower their heart rate, blood pressure and stress levels.

IS IT SAFE FOR MY BABY TO SLEEP WITH A DUMMY CLIP?

Dummy clips pose a significant risk to your baby if attached to their clothing, their cot or any loose items around them whilst sleeping. These clips are used to keep your baby’s dummy close to them in the hopes that they can use it to self-sooth. They are generally made from beads strung together on a chain or string. 

The concern is that these dummy clips can get caught around your baby’s neck and potentially lead to strangulation. The beads can also break or be chewed off leaving a choking hazard to your baby. Should you use dummy clips, it is important that they only be used when your baby is awake and alert and you are in close proximity to supervise and intervene if necessary.

in conclusion

Dummies are incredibly useful when your little one is upset or irritable as the sucking reflex helps settle them and distract them. When used correctly and when following the recommended guidelines, they are safe for your baby to sleep with.

References