Mumsnet Talk

DD is 10wks and daytime use of dummy is increasing, she probably now has it to settle for half to 2 thirds of her naps. She doesn't have it at night though (usually feeds to solid sleep) but isn't the thing with dummies and SIDS that the chance of cot death increases if a dummy is taken away from a baby that normally uses it? Should I get her to use it at night to reduce the risk? We co-sleep too...

I think the research regarding SIDS and dummy use was actually carried out by a dummy manufacturer, so was not deemed to be valid.

I personally would go with whatever makes life easier. God knows there's enough ways to make it harder!

wow, didn't realise that!

as you were then...

I would research it yourself, but I am pretty sure fsids website supports the use of dummies now do I don't believe it is just the dummy manufacturers personally.

Ds used a dummy on the advice of hopsital staff to help regulate his breathing.

fsid.org.uk/page.aspx?pid=417

I read the research paper when DD was little (nearly 4 years ago, so memory a little hazy, but think I have the facts correct)

The numbers were tiny, but there were a few cases of babies who usually had a dummy for every nap/sleep didn't have it for a sleep, and on that occasion tragically died. Clearly that doesn't mean that it will happen to every baby, and if your DD only has it for day naps, but not at night, I wouldn't say she was in the above category.

Somehow, and presumably it's because no-one bothered to read the research, FSID, Mothercare etc managed to come to the conclusion that a dummy saves lives and not using one ever means you are putting your baby at risk

hth

Our DD was given one in NICU to help soothe her, and i think to help with her facial palsy, not that it really worked as she didn't sleep very much during her time there, but they obviously see no harm in using them, having said that they are being monitored 24/7 so probably not a good example!