Night wakings for dummy - is cold turkey only way?

[yankey]

my dd has finally learnt how to go to sleep easily at (15mths)...however she still cries out during the night 2-3 times for us to replace he dummy at (19mths) and we are thinking of getting rid of it. The thing is I dont think dd will understand why she can't have it anymore and the thought of her crying out and being confused makes me sad. i also give it to her too much (as soon as she moans). I suggested to dh that we get one of those attchment dummy things but he doesnt think that will work as she doesn't make any effort to look for the dummy anyway. Plus I think we will want to lose the dummy at 2. Is this too early? How long will it take and whats the worst scenario? Shall I bring her back into our bed for a bit to try and comfort her through it?

HI there,
I've been back and forth on this issue too.

The dummy clips you can get did appear to make a difference for us (our dd is 9 mths) although you'll need to give her time to find it in the night rather than go straight in, so there will probably be a few nights that aren't so good. After that, she should be able to find it herself and not rely on you.

Having said all that, I don't think there is a too early or too late time, some little ones give it up with no problems but most do protest. I don't think she's too young but you just need to get ready for a few rough nights!

Sounds like one step at a time would be good. During the day is much easier to handle, lots more distractions so you could start with limiting only to the cot. My sister in law took her ds away at about 18 mths and after a couple of nights protest, all was well!

Personally, I wouldn't go down the bringing her into your bed route. That will probably cause you more sleep problems in the long run than the dummy. Perhaps instead you could try to find a comfort item, a teddy or blanket that you introduce during your bedtime routine. My dd has a little bear that gets a lullaby and kiss from mummy too!

Hi Yankey,

I had the dummy dilemma too and searched through the mumsnet archives for advice - the most reasuring messages were all saying ditch the dummy and go cold turkey - the ones who tried attachments etc seemed to be prolonging the problem. Personally, I was always embarrassed taking him out with a dummy in and hate seeing toddlers plugged up when they should be babbling away, so at 6 months old decided to be brave and get rid of it.

I had also started back at work full time and was sick of the multiple night wakings to re-dummify him. So, I did controlled crying and got rid of all the dummies at the same time - we had 2 awful nights, but I stuck to the CC rules of going in at increasing intervals to reassure him, but not staying too long or picking him up. I also bought him a new blankie to replace the dummy that always stayed in the cot.

The third night was loads better, and ever since he has slept all night and if he ever does wake, manages to go back to sleep himself with minimal fuss (unless he's ill).

It really was the best thing I did, and just like the other mumsnetters, I found that he slept more soundly without the dummy than he ever did with it.

Yours is older so it may take a little more than 2 nights, but if you really want to do it and are prepared to put up with a couple of bad nights to ensure better sleep for all of you, it should work.

Why not read the archives on dummies - they may be more convincing than me!
good luck
x