DD is turning into a real dummy addict - help!

[Jojay]

I've got nearly 5 month old twins and my DTD is VERY fond of her dummy. She needs it to get off to sleep, except in the car, and wants it a lot of the time she's awake too, even in the buggy.

I've got 4 kids so like is fairly hectic and her twin brother can be a handful (and won't entertain a dummy or bottle incidentally) so I'm guilty of giving it to her probably more than I should, just so I can shut her up and get back to the others. God, that sounds awful doesn't it?

True though, quick fixes are my friend atm.

Am I going to regret it though? Or is it easier to ditch it now? How long will it take for her to forget it?

Even when she's awake, not tired, not hungry, when she should be content, it's not long until she's chuntering for the dummy. She's usually ok when I'm holding her but when you're one of four, and a twin to boot, that's not as much as it might be otherwise.

Or should I just be glad she has something she gets comfort from when I can't be there for her?

WWYD? Ditch it, or keep it and stop worrying?

Christ, with 4 kids inc twins I say DON'T BEAT YOURSELF UP*

I see dummies as a comfort object: i wouldn't ditch a 'blankie' or a 'rag' or a 'special cuddly toy' so I wouldn't get rid of a dummy at that age either

2 out of 3 of mine had them. I despaired when the 3rd refused it. they are marvellous - ain't called pacifiers or soothers for nothing!

Oh gawd, just go with it and be grateful she has found something that calms her .

My DS1 - dummy addict, Dummy Fairy came and took it when he was 4
DS2 - never sucked anything, no dummy/finger/thumb/blankie - nada. Thank goodness, he was a contented baby
DS3 - had a dummy to 3, then lost it. He was fine, but abruptly stopped his afternoon nap at the same time .
DS4 - had a dummy to about 1 year, just weaned himself, 'twas nothing I did.

Incidently, they all have perfect teeth and their speech is fine (well, not DS4, he's 20 months ).

Do what you have to, to get through the early years IMO. Twins...

Glad you're saying that

I think it's because my older ones were never addicted to it in this way that I'm worrying, but the the thought of taking it from her is equally scary.

She's such an angel, as long as she has her dummy, and I need her to be as her brother is unputdownable from 4pm onwards, and won't settle for anyone except me, or rather, my boobs.

An easy life it is then.

Bless her

And hats off to you, too!