When it comes to dummies or soothers, most parents are in either the 'for' or 'against' camp - rarely is it a fence-sitting issue. But new evidence has come to light that seems to suggest that settling your baby to sleep with a soother may offer some protection against cot death.
Here are some answers to the most FAQs, to help you make your decision:
Q Where has this new evidence come from?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) set up a group to investigate all published literature on this subject. At the same time, three researchers from the UK, New Zealand and the Netherlands also reviewed the literature and their findings were essentially identical to the AAP's. All found that infants who had used a dummy were 50% less likely to fall victim to cot death. We don't know why dummies have these protective benefits, but they do, and experts have the research to back it up.
Q At what age does a baby most benefit from using one?
Babies under 6 months benefit most from using a dummy while falling asleep. Cot death risk to babies over 6 months is low.
Q Should I pop her dummy back in if it falls out when she's asleep?
The protective properties appear to be greatest as your baby falls asleep, and in the initial stages of sleep. Three quarters of dummies fall out when babies are asleep, but there's no need to put it back in - it makes no difference to her wellbeing. Every time you put your baby down, give her a dummy - use it for naps too. But don't force her to take one if she doesn't want it.
Q I'm breastfeeding. Won't using a dummy confuse my baby?
Almost certainly not. US paediatricians recommend not using a dummy until breastfeeding is established - at around 1 month. If you've chosen not to breastfeed by then, the chances are you'll continue to bottlefeed. Introducing a dummy at this time hasn't been found to be detrimental to either breast or bottle feeding.
Q Aren't dummies bad for my baby's teeth?
Experts have found no detrimental effects, as long as a child 'gives up' his dummy by 2 and a half years. There is some evidence that continued use after this time leads to more ear, nose and throat infections. An ideal time to wean him off his dummy is between 6 months to 1 year - by then the risk of cot death has passed.
Q Are there any benefits in using a dummy when my baby is awake?
A dummy may provide some comfort through 'non-nutritive' sucking if used while awake, but there's no extra benefit.
What's your view on dummies? Talk about it on our chatboards.
Fore more info visit www.fsid.org.uk/dummies-q&a.html or call the parent helpline on 020 7233 2090
