Is it wrong to give DS a dummy when he wakes in the night?

[kittypower]

DS has started to wake up about 4ish, I don't think he is hungry as he settles back very quickly if I give him his dummy. I really don't want him to become reliant on his dummy to go to sleep but not really sure what else to do at 4am... he settles back for about an hour or so and then wakes again. Do you think this is a bad habit to get into with the dummy or will he just start sleeping longer eventually do you think?
x

How old is he? The same happened with DD (5months) when we gave her a dummy. She now sleeps through, sometimes with, sometimes without a dummy. I sometimes feel bad as not many mums I know give their DCs dummies.

But she is just a baby, and though it may be creating a sleep association (i.e. dummy means sleep) what is really wrong with that, no different to bfing to sleep, comfort blanket, thumb etc. FWIW she can sleep without a dummy if she is really tired. But the minute we give it to her at night she turns her head ready for sleep!

The only thing is if DS is small and still bfing a dummy can affect their latch (DD's latch was quite painful for a while, I think due to being used to a dummy).

If it makes the night a bit easier for you I'd say go for it and don't feel bad

Do whatever gives you sanity. You can always wean off later.

Try to just keep it in the cot, so it its only available to him at night?

I gave both mine a dummy at around 3-4months and took it away once sleeping patterns were settled at around 6-7months.

I didnt keep it for night use only and it was hard taking it away. But dont stress, what will be will be and if it gives you some rest at night, well id let him have it no question.

no.

not only is it not wrong, but there is some evidence that a dummy helps to prevent SIDS. he'll probably just stop waking up eventually.