dummy/pacifier

[KarmaBiatch]

What is the problem with using them? why has it become such a no-no in recent times?

my breastfeeding class leader has said that using a dummy once breastfeeding is established actually reduces the risk of SIDs whilst the baby is sleeping!

so, I'm just wondering if the whole 'no to dummies' is a snobby thing, or if people think that they're just ever used to keep a crying baby quiet?!

I've known several couples have major difficulties getting rid of them when their toddlers were older.

I think if it works to pacify a child then give it. If they don't need it then don't! I would try and remove it before they get too old tho

I personally don't like seeing awake babies/children being buggied about with them in. But, if it reduces SIDs purely in the first year, and then taken away once baby is 'in the clear' then why not?!

I think with a new baby for your own sanity you will try whatever works!!

My baby will be given one for sleeping as it has now been said by many medical professionals that they reduce SIDS so anything that does that has to be worth a try. But I won't be allowing her to just have it because she wants it all day x

I didnt have a dummy as a baby and sucked my finger - much harder to remedy than simply removing a dummy.

As such dd has a dummy for naps, sleeps, tired times and upset times.

DS wouldn't accept one, I didn't even try with DD (both EBF).

I think the guidance changed between my babies. With DS the advice was to use one for sleeps. By the time DD came along the NHS Choices website had backed off a bit, merely saying that if you use one you must use it every time you settle them to sleep. I get the impression that the evidence for/ against the SIDS link isn't as strong as it is for things like room temperature and sleeping on baby's back, etc.

I just think its a matter of choice really, growing up my brother and I had them and it took years to get my brother to not use them so that always put me off so I wanted to avoid them with my own children.

I got told at ante-natal classes that dummies can interfere when trying to establish breastfeeding so I didn't want to risk that either so I just never bought any and he never seemed to need one.

I've never heard the link to Sids tho so don't know if that's recent? But my son was fine without one but of course its personal choice.

I've never heard that it is a ''no no'',it's more personal choice.It was suggested ages ago that it may help reduce the risk of SIDS,but try it with EBF baby.....by the time you can introduce it (6-8 weeks) they don't know what to do with dummy.....I've just tried several types to no avail.....

I tried it too late with my first bf baby who didn't want a dummy or bottle. Didn't give it a go with my next who chose to suck/chew on those cellular blankets babies have. He's still chewing his way though those at 3.5, but that's fine with me. I think whatever gets you through the night, when it comes to babies! My 36 year old sister still (secretly) sucks her thumb and it's still attached to her hand as are her front teeth, so I wouldn't worry if baby no.3 is a thumb sucker either.

The evidence re:SIDS isn't very clear cut, particularly for breastfed babies. Plus, there is evidence that if you do give a dummy and then forget it or don't give it for a sleep that the risk of SIDS is then increased more so than if you didn't use a dummy in the first place.

Personally, just like with my other DC, I won't be using a dummy. I don't like the fact that they increase the risk of ear infections or can affect tooth/mouth development and I don't want the hassle of losing them, replacing them or having to wean a child off them. I'll be breast feeding which obviously protects against SIDS anyway and will also provide and comfort my baby needs without any of the potential negatives of dummies, so it's a win win situation AFAIAC.

I was under the impression that the SIDS/dummy link was that the risk increased if a baby that was used to a dummy went to sleep without one... But may easily be wrong

What midori1999 said is correct. I looked into it quite a bit and the coded against

Decided against. There were times with DS1 when it would have been handy but not worth the possible downsides I felt

"I think with a new baby for your own sanity you will try whatever works!!"

Yes, this. We decided not to give DD a dummy. But she was formula fed and got into the habit of drinking before she went to sleep. So I would make up a bottle and she'd take two swigs before passing out. i didn't see what other option I had than to give her a dummy, and it worked for us.

Getting rid of the damn thing is another story. ..

The wonky tooth thing - a dentist told me that this will only happen if the baby uses the dummy between the milk teeth and the adult teeth.