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How do I get a 12 mo old to take a dummy for sleep times

10 replies

ionesmum · 19/03/2005 22:02

My dd is using me as a dummy and I'd like to get her on a real one. Tried tonight but she grabbed it off me and threw it across the room!

Thanks in advance!

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tiffini · 19/03/2005 23:03

i dont think a 12month old will take a dummy, and you would only face the same problems when trying to get him off that too. i would suggest you try lyeing with him till he nods off, and then over the course of a couple of weeks move further away from him while he nods off (but stay in sight)untill you can stand by the door, then leave the room and leave the door ajar if he wants then lastly leave the room and he should be able to get himself of to sleep. There will be crying to begin withbut dont think there is a solution to avoid that.

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ionesmum · 19/03/2005 23:35

Hi, Tiffini! The method you describe is what we used for our dd1, worked like a dream for her but not until she was two! If I try lying down with dd2 she just goes spare until she gets the boob, even crawling around me until she gets it! I do know a few people have said they did manage to get an older baby to take a dummy but I don't know how! I'd like to use a dummy as a transitional object as my dd has teeth and her constant chewing makes me really sore. I can live with having to get up and shove a dummy back in!

Thanks for your reply!

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Blossomhill · 19/03/2005 23:37

My neice who is 8 months has just taken a dummy for night time!

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ionesmum · 19/03/2005 23:39

Aaaaaaah, so there is hope!

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Blossomhill · 19/03/2005 23:41

I was really surprised when my brother told me tonight but my dd was about 6 months when she took hers. Downside at nearly 6 she still has it at night

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ionesmum · 19/03/2005 23:45

Blossomhill, my dd1 still has hers, she's three and if it gives us all peace, then why not? After all we have our hot chocolate/ double scotch or whatever, don't we?

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kama · 20/03/2005 00:53

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ionesmum · 20/03/2005 13:09

No, not a silly idea at all, after all that's why dd2 is so fascinated by the remote control! Thanks for your reply, after last night I'll give anything a go...

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highlandmum · 22/03/2005 22:47

Maybe a dummy doesn't suit your wee one. Neither of mine ever had one, though the older one was interested in other people's. We just went for the bedtime routine approach. My husband's away 11 days out of 14, so I have to do most of the coping on my own - and I NEED my sleep, I know how you feel!! We still do change into nightclothes (bath some nights, every night until 2 and a half), brush teeth, toilet, story, song, kiss & cuddle and lights out every night and the eldest is now 9. Good luck whatever you decide to do. With the younger one I had to stop night feeds and offer a drink from a bottle of water without lifting her out of the crib. Within three nights she was sleeping for up to eight hours. I couldn't believe it!

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ionesmum · 22/03/2005 23:20

Hi, thanks for your reply! . We do have a firm routine, and dd2 does seem to love our special time in the evenings as she goes to bed after dd1, and so gets lots of attention to herself! We've had the same routine for months. I wish I could get her into a daytime routine, but she isn't big on them, and I do think she is genuinely hungry during the night - she doesn't eat anywhere near enough, nor does she drink enough - I can hardly get her to take an ounce from a bottle or cup. I might try her wit hwater in the night and see how it goes. I take my hat off to you for managing on your own, I'm lucky that dh is around most bedtimes! Thanks for your advice and good wishes.