Tell about your experience with dummies

[Lentilbaby]

Dd is 10 weeks old and WILL NOT nap in the day! Thankfully she sleeps well at night but this can be after quite a struggle as she gets very overtired and kranky. We have not felt this reason enough to introduce a dummy so far but this is becoming a more regular occurrence now. I am worried about it being a struggle to wean her off. FYI she is BF with one formula dream feed anywhere between 10.30-1pm depending on when she is awake.
Why did you start using a dummy with your DC?
Would you do it again?
How was the weaning process?

My eldest had a dummy when she slept. The moment she woke up I put it away and then when she was about 3 we got rid of it. I think she stopped having it at nap times so we gradually stopped using it. She never had it unless she was about to have a sleep or go to bed at night.
My other children sucked their thumbs almost all the time. The middle one in particular seemed to always have it in her mouth. But when she got to about 6 the dentist told her to stop and she listened to him and more or less did. The little one still sucks her thumb if she is really tired or not well.
Try the dummy but make sure it's just for sleeping and then hide it.

Sorry I forgot to say I gave her a dummy just to settle her at night.

Most of my dc I packed a dummy in my hospital bag tbh!!
Ebf all of them and they used a dummy with no problem (mam ones 0-2 month size were the best I found)
All got rid around 3, no teeth /speech issues. Babies are born to suck - you decide if your nipples are the designated recipient or introduce a dummy for appropriate times!!

Try it.

With no1 I was pretty against it. Scared of having to wean her off it, etc.
With no 2 I tried it. Gave it every evening and nap time. It gave her lots of comfort. Then she spat her dummy out, found her thumb and never had her dummy again.

Not saying you’re doing this but with no1 I spent ages worrying about what might happen if I did certain things, would it cause a problem later down the line, etc.
With no2 I just did whatever I thought was best at the time and decide to resolve anything if and when it became a problem. It was a much easier way to be and all the things I worried about doing with no1 in case they being a problem, never became a problem.

I tried, because ds didn’t sleep. He refused (and we really did try, weeks on end of holding it in/putting it back, he didn’t seem to get it.) he was very sucky and alas I was the recipient of it.

If they like a dummy and it helps them sleep then use one! Screw people’s judgement. Unless they are helping YOU get some rest they can fuck the fuck off with their judginess. If I have another I’ll be gaffs taping one to its face in the delivery room rather than go through 18m of sleep deprived hell.

Introduced dummy at 4 months when sleep regression started, just for nighttime sleep. All going well so far!

Introduced dummy at 4 months when sleep regression started, just for nighttime sleep. All going well so far!

Both my DC's now 24 and 20 had dummies to help them settle between feeds. Not done them any harm.

Never used one with DS1, I was snobbishly not keen on them so decided not to introduce one unless he really needed it - he never needed one and was an easy baby so it didn't come up.

DS2 had reflux, never slept or napped and was a very sucky baby. A dummy was a lifesaver for us! I also worried it would be a nightmare to give up, but DS gradually wanted it less and less, then never bothered with it after about 8m old. My ex hated it and grumbled about it at first, but screw him (and anyone else who comments), do whatever works for your baby and you. I think they are marvellous things now!

If all else fails you can do what my parents did - I have a very clear memory of putting all my dummies in the bin the night before my third birthday, as everyone knows the fairies come and take them away when you turn 3

I never used one at all. Never even got one in case because I knew I'd never ever let any child of mine have one, simply because I hate them with a passion. My mum never used them with any of us either.
My ds settled on his own (no comforter of any sort. I don't agree with them). He occasionally sucked his thumb, but he stopped on his own at 8 months.
I know people say a dummy can be taken away a thumb can't. But I think they're awful things that can be avoided if it's what the parent wants.
Ds was in hospital for 12 days after he was born. I specifically said no dummy in any circumstances. I walked in to find a hospital one in his mouth, and a nurse told me I had to give him one. I simply took it out, binned it and complained to the nurse in charge. He never had one again.

Why are they awful? What an odd idea - are you one of these who thinks they’re dreadfully common?

Dummies are AMAZING.

I kid you not. The ultimate no crying sleep solution. Encourages independent sleeping, rather than bring dependant on parent to sleep.

I think it's largely universal to look down your nose at the thought of a dummy with your first child, at least initially. It's the snob-factor. Most people learn quickly quite how ace dummies are.

Oh, and consistent dummy use reduced the risk of SIDS death.

Not saying you’re doing this but with no1 I spent ages worrying about what might happen if I did certain things, would it cause a problem later down the line, etc.
With no2 I just did whatever I thought was best at the time and decide to resolve anything if and when it became a problem. It was a much easier way to be and all the things I worried about doing with no1 in case they being a problem, never became a problem.

This!!!

No.1 is just 3 and has a dummy for sleeping, I have one for no.2 but she's not yet keen.

Babies comfort suck, dummies are made to be sucked on. Win/win.

We started giving our lo a dummy at around 4 weeks. It just seemed to comfort him and if I was out and about and he was screaming for a feed the dummy would tide him over until I could find a place to feed him (he was EBF). We tended to keep the dummy for naps and bed and occasionally as a comfort if he was upset. There was no weaning, at about 7.5 months he suddenly rejected it and wouldn’t have it any more! Job done! I missed it more than him lol!

Some research from the lullaby trust suggests that putting a baby to sleep with a dummy can reduce the risk of SIDS. I was shocked when my health visitor suggested I use a dummy. Not that I'm against them, I used one with DS1 but DS2 won't take one.

DS had one in hospital from a few weeks old to help develop thebsuck reflex (tube fed) and then ongoing to reduce risk of SIDS.
IMO is rather some extra effort later but a child who is getting its physical and comfort needs met now

My oldest had a dummy, then past about 8 months she didn't have it during the day, only naps and at night. In the early days it was a blessing and a curse, as the dummy soothed her but when it came out she woke and we were fumbling in the dark for it.

My youngest wouldn't take a dummy for love nor money and I'd say it was the best way. However I did worry about SIDS. Not much you can do, you've just got to follow your child's lead.

Think of the fact its called a soorher or pacifier in the US i hate the term dummy.

It soothes them. It's a good thing

Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you all! I really appreciate your comments and your experiences. We have started using a dummy as of the last few days. DD is taking to it slowly (sometimes spits it out!) and it definitely seems to soothe her where only boob would before. Thanks for the gentle encouragement!