If you’re thinking about giving your baby a dummy, you’re not alone. It’s estimated that two thirds of parents¹ give their baby a dummy at some point. But how early can you use a dummy?

Your little one will arrive into the world with a ready made, and incredibly strong, instinct to suck!² It’s this reflex that helps them learn how to feed.

Some research suggests that using a dummy should be avoided in the first few weeks of life³. That’s because of something known as ‘nipple confusion’, where your baby satisfies their sucking instinct on a dummy or a bottle, as opposed to the breast. Some experts believe that nipple confusion can make it difficult to establish breastfeeding, or for breastfeeding to happen for a shorter time than is recommended⁴. With that in mind, you might decide that you want to wait until you and your baby have got the hang of breastfeeding before introducing a dummy.

The NHS recommends that your baby stops using a dummy between the ages of six and 12 months⁶. However, that’s much easier said than done!

The important thing to remember is that every baby and every parent is different. If you think it’s time for your baby to stop using a dummy, here are our top tips for making the transition go as smoothly (and quietly…) as possible:

• Slowly does it. Some babies will wean off their dummy better if their use of it is gradually reduced. That way, they’ll slowly get used to not using it anymore.
• Think about how to stop using a dummy at night. Consider removing the dummy at bedtime. The sooner your baby learns not to use it as a sleep aid, the less likely they are to wake up looking for it.
• Stay strong! Your baby may well protest. But if you still feel confident in your decision, stick with it! 

It’s OK to change your mind, too. If you decide to stop using a dummy but then discover that it’s just not working for your family, take a break and try again another time. This isn’t giving up, it’s simply going with the flow.

As we’ve discussed above, some parents choose not to use a dummy in order to have the best possible start to breastfeeding. But there are other reasons why some choose not to use a dummy.

There’s no doubt about it, dummy use has been a source of judgement and contention for a long time. Some parents are completely against using a dummy. Others feel that they’re an acceptable way to soothe an unsettled tot.

Whatever your stance, remember that it’s just that - YOURS. You shouldn’t have to justify your reasons to anyone else, and vice versa. That’s how to Love Don’t Judge.