Dummy Problems

[JandMsMum]

Hi, I hope someone out there can help me. I have just taken my two and half year old little girl to the dentist and she informed me that her top jaw is being pulled out of shape, quite dramatically, by her dummy and I must get rid of it as soon as possible.
I can probably get my daughter over the next few weeks to drop the reliance on it during the day (as she doesnt often ask for it unless she is tired or upset) but night time is going to be a nightmare as she has had it to aid her sleep since she was 2 days old. I feel terrible as giving her the dummy has now caused her damage and at the same time I feel terrible taking it away from her, when she is so reliant on it. I had always planned on slowly weaning her off it at night, but not until she could understand a bit more. Help, tips or advise on how to do this dreaded deed would be really appreciated.

Cathncait - I really don't think your dd will have trouble distinguishing her day sleeps from her night sleep. In other words, my ds has always gone to bed at night WITHOUT his dummy, but knows that he can have it for his daytime naps. When it's time for his nap (around midday), he says "Dummy!" and happily goes to bed and sleeps for a couple of hours. At night, he knows he goes to bed without it and it's really never been a problem. Now that he's a bit older, I just spend a bit of time with him before he goes to sleep, I sit and read a book with him or we have a little "chat" before he goes to sleep. I wouldn't stress over it too much, as long as you restrict using the dummy for certain times. At your dd's age, she really does need that bit of comfort.

thanks LiamsMum. What your saying really makes sense. Things have gone quite well today too. Your encouragement has helped and I am feeling a lot less stressed today. thanks again, I have apreciated your input. :-)