2yo dummy addict

[furfoxsake]

My dd is 2 in a few days. She is addicted to dummies in an almost unhealthy way - she's not content with one in her mouth she also has to have one in each hand and a bag with some in too. Any little upset and she demands her dummy.

My DH says that on the day after her birthday they're all going. Really I would like advice on how best to do this. Is it better to wean her off? (We do have rules like 'no dummies outside' and 'take your dummy out when talking, we can't understand you' but if she can get away with it she will.)

She has a new baby sister who is very high need so I'm conscious that she needs some comfort. Also baby sister has a dummy!

DH wants to go feed the ducks with her and leave them for the baby ducks but I don't think she'll get it, or want to give them away!

I've really messed up on this dummy thing

You haven't messed up OP, you're sorting it now You're right though, she needs to come off the dummy - use of dummy past 1 year old is linked with dental issues, delayed speech sound development and increased risk of ear infections (I'm a SLT).

Leaving them for the ducks is quite a cute idea but you're probably right - she won't get it. Here's a couple of ideas that worked for parents I know:

• cut the tops off all her dummies (without her seeing!). Next time she asks for a dummy - 'oh dear, broken, lets put it in the bin' Then distract with something else and never mention dummy again
• start by making her leave dummy in her bed so it's only for sleep time. After a couple of weeks, take dummy away completely but offer loads of extra hugs, cuddles, songs, stories and other distractions

The most important thing is - if you're going to do it, just do it. Never take dummy away then bring it back again - it will be 10 times harder the next time and 10 times as upsetting for DD. Be prepared for her to be upset anyway - she's always had it and is too young to understand why it's been taken away, so she will need extra cuddles and reassurance for a few days.

Good luck!

Op I feel your pain. My daughter was addicted to hers until she started school. We got her to give up her dummy by giving it to Father Christmas. It worked.

Good luck. At 2.5 my DS had a dummy at bedtime only and was perfectly happy when the dummy fairy (idea from Mumsnet book) came and took his dummies away for all the new babies and left him a massive present (two actually, as I felt sorry for him).