"does he have a dummy?"

[DuelingFanjo]

My DS (14 weeks) doesn't have a dummy and I don't intend to get one however family members of a certain age (grandparents, great grandparents etc) seem to ask an awful lot 'does he have a dummy?' usually straight after commenting about him chewing his hands. I thought hand chewing was pretty standard baby behaviour. Are they asking because they think he should have, and if so, why?

no - they are just trying to think of something to say
your baby - your decision about a dummy!!

Just say "No" and smile, no explanation needed .

I was quite surprised when I got asked this by a doctor at the 8 week check!! Think she wasn't that great with babies and didn't know how to handle my DD who was exercising her lungs (probably something to do with having to wait rather a long time for the appt!).

My dd didn't ever want one. But my Ds now three still has one at bedtime only. Hmmmm not looking forward to breaking that one!! Not having one does have benefits for sure. :)

I think that these type of enquiries are slightly clumsy chit chat on the whole (not always). Tedious for you but a pleasant change for them having to chat about the weather.

Future topics to look out for:
Is he on solids yet?
Is he teething?
Is he sleeping through?
Is he crawling/walking yet?
Is he potty trained?
Is he dry at night?

You'll get all of this within the next 12-18 months ime.