Do (or did) you let your baby use a dummy/pacifier?

Question

I did. But I encountered alot of people (who didnt even know me) comment on it and say he shouldnt use it.
Its none of their business because the baby isnt screaming in their ear 24/7!!!

Answer 1

Yes I did. You'll know if it's necessary when the crying gets too much. It's a personal matter and up to you what you decide for baby. People should keep their comments to themselves. It's only unhealthy if they get to 23 and still using one! Hope this helps.

Answer 2

When I first fell pregnant I was adamant I wouldn't use one - mainly because I hated the way they looked. I changed my mind quite quickly when my son wouldn't stop crying for five minutes and my nipples were cracked and bleeding from him hanging off them all day! Dummies are far better than thumbs as they don't affect speech or teeth (I'm not sure where these other people are getting their information!) They can also be taken away when you choose, unlike a thumb. I was a thumb sucker till I was 18 years old, nothing my parents did could make me stop. My little boy is 21 months now and just has his dummy to sleep. I don't see this as being an issue - many children have a teddy they use as comfort, or a blankie they often suck the corner of. I'm not sure what they people who insist "they only need love" are on about. Are they suggesting that parents who give their children dummies do so because they don't love them as much, or can't be bothered to cuddle them? At some point you have to put your baby down, be it to eat, shower, go to the loo or give your hubby a cuddle to save your marriage! Holding them 24/7 is just not practical! Young babies very often DO cry for no reason other than because they want to suckle.

Answer 3

Sorry.... I am guilty of being an anti dummy facist! Promise I won't do it again... did not realise how much this issue upsets Mums and Dads. I don't plan on giving my baby a dummy but never say never and it could end up being a life saver! You are right it is no body elses business but yours, and I say good luck to you! Sorry again, I hope this question makes other people think too.....
(And I have learnt that dummies are used to help prem babies develop their sucking reflex.... Learning lots today)
Sorry again....X

Answer 4

I did with both of mine. The first only had it for 3mths and then she just wouldn't take it anymore.....the second had it till 2yrs3mths and he loved it, saved my sanity and wasn't a drama when it was time to get rid of it.

Its personal preference, so don't let people tell you not to use one if you feel its appropriate.

I saw a child that would've been 4-5yrs with a dummy stuck in its mouth the other day and thought that was really inappropriate so I don't condone long term use but for a baby/toddler, go ahead!!!

Answer 5

Remember - it is your baby - your decision. Do not let anyone make choices for you. I do give my son a "binky" and I read that studies show it actually helps prevent SIDS. When I read that I didn't care what others thought. I'd rather use a pacifier than let him suck his thumb. At least I can wean him off it and take it away, a thumb is always there! Some babies need the sucking to comfort them. Babies will grow up one day and have many things to worr about, for now give them whatever is needed to keep them happy. Agree?

Answer 6

My son (now 6) used a dummy until he was 3 years. His teeth are fine, his speech is fine, he is fine.
Theres nothing wrong with them as long as they dont use them until they are at school and dont put chocolate spread on it (can ruin teeth).
Sometimes kids cry for no reason, not just for attention like those idiots above said.
If it gives the parents a break from the screaming then Im all for it.

Answer 7

First and foremost nobody has the right to tell you what to do with your child - so ignore these morons.
Dummies now are made with an orthodontic shape to prevent any later problems with teeth and palate.
Also a recent study in Australia revealed that babies who go to sleep with a dummy are less likely to suffer cot death. Nobody knows why.
My son was very "sucky" when he was born. If it wasn't the dummy he was sucking it was his thumb. Better to have a baby suck a dummy than their thumb because it is easier to get them to give up the dummy.
Now my son is teething he doesn't use the dummy at all (he is nearly 6 months.)
If it comforts the baby and gives you respite then go ahead and ignore the idiots.

Answer 8

Hi I am a mother of three and I used dummies for my first born, when he got old enough we threw his dummy away and that was the end of that, with my second child was born he found his thumb, which was good and handy but he is 21 now and still sucks it when tired or ill.. my last child found her lip, she sucked it till she went to the authodontist and was told she had to stop or they couldnt straighten her teeth, that was at the age of 13 or so... So over all i would recommend the dummy. easier habit to break and just as comforting as thumb or lip. Dont listen to other people, do what you feel is right.

Answer 9

my nephews do age 18 month and 7 weeks and i don't see the problem with it alot of children who don't get dummies use there thumb which is alot worse because they weight of there arm and hand is on there teeth causing them to bend. i don't agree with them having dummies 24/7 as this stops there speak and bends there teeth but as a comfort and for bed yes. until a reasonable age. they can really help during teething which can be hard for children.

Answer 10

I didn't, but then again, my babies didn't really take to a dummy. My first child totally rejected every single one I tried, and preferred her thumb (stopped that when she was about two). My third child was born extremely prem, and we used a special premature baby dummy while he was still learning the suck-swallow reflex, but as soon as he had his first breastfeed he rejected the dummy from that day on.

I didn't bother trying a dummy with my fourth and fifth babies, they didn't seem to want one, and were quite happy using my breast as a dummy lol.

My latest baby took one only ONCE, when my best friend was watching her while I had a shower...she accepted the dummy from her, but since then has refused one from anyone else since...once again she's happy to use me as her dummy.