Sun 8 Nov 2009 | You are here: Home > Toddler > Tantrums & behaviour > Giving up the dummy
There is a problem with your Flash Player.
left col

Where will you be doing your Xmas shopping?


Disclaimer

The material contained on these pages is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or advice and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone. If you're worried, see your GP.
Giving up the dummy
  • Giving up the dummy

  • Here's why experts say you should dump the dummy when baby reaches the age of one.

Babies often enjoy the comfort of a dummy, but you need to make sure they kick the habit once they reach the age of 12 months. Here's why:

  • Repeated dummy sucking opens the eustachian tubes, which link the nose and middle ear, allowing bacteria in and causing middle ear infections.
  • If your baby sucks for too long, it can over-develop the muscles at the front of the mouth compared with the back. In severe cases the roof of the mouth may be malformed.
  • Babies use their mouths to research things. With a dummy in place your child may be hindering his play and development.
  • Dummies are associated with poorer speech because they encourage children to remain quieter and be less expressive.

The longer you leave it to ditch the dummy, the more attached your child will become to it. Bite the bullet while they're young and the agony will be less ('though it may not feel like it at the time...!).


Can a dummy prevent cot death?

Babies who fall asleep with a soother are up to 50% less likely to fall victim to cot death,...

She won't give up her dummy

Our Wondernanny Gitte Daniels helps a mum get her daughter to kick the dummy habit....

New sleep advice from FSID

Cot death charity announces new safe sleeping advice for baby...

Confused about dummies

Q My baby’s difficult to settle so I use a dummy to calm her down – is this...

Do dummies prevent cot death?

Q My 3-month-old baby has never had a dummy but I read that dummies can help prevent cot death and...

Show all articles on this topic.

  • Got a couple of new bras today!!

  • Bet you feel loads better now! Think Im gonna wait till a bit later coz although mine look...
  • Posted by JunieMummy 08 Nov 2009 05:57AM
  • Got a couple of new bras today!!

  • Hiya LoobyLou, I bought a bigger shock absorber sports bra yesterday. I was a 34/36 D This ones...
  • Posted by Mrs Pootle 08 Nov 2009 05:17AM
  • Due during the World Cup!

  • Tronski we have the same EDD! Had a scan on friday and when the nurse said our due date was 21st...
  • Posted by Mrs Pootle 08 Nov 2009 05:12AM

Promotions

CONTACT | FAQ | PRIVACY | TERMS & CONDITIONS | ADVERTISERS | TOP
The National Magazine Company Ltd. © Copyright 2008