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Do I ditch the dummy?

7 replies

TottWriter · 31/08/2010 12:46

DS is 2.5, and has a dummy for naptime and bedtime, although we also give it to him sometomes if he manages to injure himself too badly (say, by walking into the head-height table, or seriously scraping himself). He has fallen asleep without it when we're out but it takes waaay longer. we would have started ditching it already, but I also have a 7wo DD, and wanted him to have time to get used to her before whipping his dummy away. We've also put off moving him out of his cot and any solid attempts at potty training, since he seems indifferent to it anyway.

DP and I agreed that when DD was about 2months we'd go cold turkey on the dummy, because it's gotten to the stage where he throws a paddy, gets all upset and then weepily asks for his dummy. (It doesn't work, but I can't help admiring his nerve.) We're all getting fed up with it now though, and it makes naptimes a pain beause he asks to go down for a nap long before he's actually tired - so that he can have the dummy. Still, we're not sure it it's the right time to take it away yet; he still gets upset when he wants a cuddle but I'm feeding DD so can't, for example.

Is it still too early, or should we just go for it? What have other people done?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
themildmanneredjanitor · 31/08/2010 12:48

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themildmanneredjanitor · 31/08/2010 12:49

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TottWriter · 31/08/2010 13:03

Mmm, the thing is, most of the tantrums come when he is tired anyway. The rest of the time he's just cancing it -he doesn't seem bothered when we tell him no if he isn't already weary.

He's resisting his naps a lot at the moment, only to crash out at around 4pm, which is why we're wondering whether biting the bulet and losing the dummy would be worth it in the long run. Right now he just lies there fiddling with his dummy instead of sleeping - which would be fine, but having just a quiet period isn't enough for him, and it's starting to impact on his bedtime too.

I know it's not a great time, but other than the dummy issue and one or two disagreements over mine and DP's attention being split, he's adapting to DD well - he seems interested by her and likes holding her and talking to her.

Sorry, I know I should have mentioned this in the OP, but DS was clamouring for attention and I posted too early.

OP posts:
PorridgeBrain · 01/09/2010 10:01

I do think that if its causing more hassle than good then bite the bullet and get rid of it - you have to do it at sometime (or hope they give it up eventually). I believe dentists say that as long as you get rid before 3, it won't affect their teeth. However, it may be worth leaving it a little bit longer - e.g another couple of months. 2 months isn't long to get used to a new sibling.

Latootle · 19/09/2010 18:49

let him have the dummy there is plenty of time to get rid of it. whats the point in everyone being upset. No normal adult has a dummy do they!!??

mummysnugglesolveverything · 20/09/2010 22:12

understand where your coming from my DD2 is just 1 and I would like to ditch the dummy but my DP will not go cold turkey. She manages without it throughout the day,even sleeping without it. I'm thinking of waiting until christmas now though as with DD1 I did the same and she was so excited christmas day she totally forgot about it. That and the fact we told her a little white lie that santa swapped it for her presents Wink

swill72 · 20/09/2010 22:30

The 'dummy fairy' worked wonders for us - pretty addicted 2yr 8m old sorted overnight by the promise of a new dolly from the fairies in exchange for her dummies. Took 2 hours to settle her the first night and was plain sailing after that.
I agree that it would be wise to wait until your DS is more used to the new baby before getting rid completely.

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