Are Dummies Bad For Babies?

Despite some claims, dummies are not bad for babies. They are very helpful in keeping newborns asleep longer. They can also help babies learn to self-soothe. Dummies can also help premature babies adapt to bottle feeding.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children begin weaning from dummies before their first birthday. They also recommend that dummies are not used to replace breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding is healthier and more natural than a pacifier. Breastfeeding helps your baby to develop their tongue and jaw.

In addition, breastfeeding can also reduce the risk of engorgement. A recent study found that babies who were breastfed had periods earlier.

While dummies can help newborns fall asleep, they can also cause problems in your child’s development. They have been linked to dental problems, speech delays, and a higher risk of ear infections.

Some research has also linked dummies to other oral health problems, including tooth decay. Dummies can also be a problem for breastfeeding mums, as they can inhibit your baby’s ability to breastfeed.

Using a dummy can also increase your child’s risk of sleep apnea.

This is a condition where the body is forced to breathe rapidly and suddenly. If your baby is waking up frequently, try to remove the dummy before they wake up.

It’s also a good idea to start singing to your baby. Dummies are also associated with eye injuries, dental problems, and wheezing. Dummies can also be a choking hazard.

When Babies Need a Dummy

Introducing a dummy to your baby can be a comforting experience. However, there are risks involved. Dummies can affect a child’s teeth, biting, and chewing habits, and can cause tummy infections. The British Dental Health Foundation discourages long-term use of dummies, especially thumb sucking.

Dummies are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Choose one that fits your baby’s mouth size and is firm and soft. Some dummies are designed specifically for newborns.

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Dummies should not be used in place of breast milk. Breast milk satisfies the sucking instinct of babies and is more natural. Babies can also develop a reluctance to breastfeed if they are constantly being offered a dummy.

Dummies can also cause a reduction in breast milk supply and can be a safety hazard. They can also cause tummy infections and chest infections.

Dummies can also prevent children from exploring sounds and expressing themselves vocally. Children should be weaned from dummies before their first birthday.

Dummies can be used to comfort fractious babies and help to soothe babies during painful procedures.

However, they should not be used when a baby is hungry. They should only be offered when the baby is sleepy or between feeds.

Some research suggests that dummies can increase the risk of recurring ear infections. This is because babies continually sucking on dummies can cause pressure changes in their ears.

If your baby has an ear infection, discontinue using dummies.

Some research has linked the use of dummies with phonological impairment, which is the most common speech disorder in children. Although these studies do not apply to all babies, it is a good idea to avoid dummies when possible.

The Best Baby Dummies

Not all pacifiers, or dummies as they’re sometimes referred to, are created equal. Trial and error may be involved in selecting the best dummy for your infant, but with the appropriate information, you can make an informed decision.

Philips Avent Soothie

Both parents and medical professionals favor the Philips Avent Soothie as a sleep aid. This silicone dummy is devoid of phthalates, latex, and BPA. It is a soothing option for babies because of its rounded shape, which is intended to resemble the shape of a breast.

MAM Perfect

A silicone orthodontic dummy called the MAM Perfect is available. It is available in various sizes to fit infants up to six months old and features a special shape that encourages good oral growth. To prevent slipping, the MAM Perfect also has an anti-slip texture.

NUK Orthodontic

Another excellent alternative for encouraging good mouth development is the NUK Orthodontic dummy. The silicone material is soft and delicate, and its orthodontic shape is made to fit your baby’s mouth.

The NUK Orthodontic dummy is available in various sizes to accommodate infants up to six months old.

Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature

The silicone Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature dummy is used for orthodontic treatment. Its breast-like shape is intended to make the transition from breast to dummy easier for infants, and because of its symmetrical design, it may be placed in either your baby’s left or right side of the mouth.

Several sizes of the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature dummy are available to fit infants up to six months old.

Chicco PhysioForma

The flat shape of the Chicco PhysioForma dummy is intended to encourage normal oral growth. This dummy is soft and soothing on your baby’s mouth because it is made of silicone.

The Chicco PhysioForma dummy is available in several sizes to fit infants up to six months old and features a special thin base that promotes the best possible lip closure.

How to Wean Baby Off a Dummy

Whether you are trying to stop your child from sucking on a pacifier or simply weaning them off it, you should take a few important steps. These will help make the process easier and less stressful for you and your child.

The first step is to decide on the best method for weaning your child off their dummy. Understanding that every baby will react differently to the process is important.

Some will make a quick transition, while others will be less tolerant and take a while to get used to the idea.

The most important part of any dummy weaning process is staying patient and firm in your decision. You want to be sure you are doing the right thing for your child.

Weaning your baby off their dummy is a huge step, so don’t try to rush things. It is best to start removing it gradually, which will make the process easier for your child.

You should be ready for a lot of crying. It is best to make sure your child understands the idea of self-soothing and that dummies are not the only way to comfort them. Eventually, your child will realize that dummies are no longer necessary.

You can teach your child the correct way to self-soothe using verbal reassurance. You can also distract your child with activities like playing games or reading books.

Also you can try introducing a new cuddly toy or blanket as a replacement.

Can Babies Sleep With Dummies?

Using dummies to get your baby to sleep can be a great way to help your baby settle down, but they can also be a problem. A dummy may seem like an effective self-settling tool, but it can interfere with sleep.

It is important to remember that dummies are best used in tandem with other sleep aids, such as a good bedtime routine.

How to Stop Baby Waking For a Dummy at Night

Using a dummy to get a baby to sleep can be a frustrating experience. Dummies have been shown to help babies sleep better, but they aren’t always necessary.

If your baby is still using a dummy, you might want to take the opportunity to wean him off of it.

Final Thought

In conclusion, dummies can comfort and calm newborns, however there are risks involved. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against using dummies to replace nursing and urges parents to wean their infants off of them before their first birthday.

Long-term usage of dummies has been associated with ear infections, speech impairments, and dental issues.

It’s crucial to pick a dummy that is the proper size and form, and to only give it to a sleeping infant or one between feedings. A kid should be weaned from a dummy gradually, and alternative self-soothing techniques can be taught.

It is ultimately up to the parents to consider the advantages and disadvantages of using a dummy and decide what is best for their child.

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