Ditching the dummy - 3 year old

[Roo747373]

We have been told to ditch the dummy by our dentist for our almost 3 year old. She only used it for sleep but the dentist said if we get rid now then structural changes to the mouth are reversible etc so it needs to go. We’re only on night 3 but she has been so so upset :( she wasn’t upset when we told her about it but when she wakes half asleep in the night she’s obviously not knowing how to settle herself and is screaming and screaming (with us there offering cuddles!). She usually sleeps through and is now waking 2-3 times and absolutely screaming her head off, really distressed even with us there.

will this get better?! Is there anything we can do to help? Not up for any kind of sleep training as I think the last thing she needs is even more comfort being taken away …I’ve tried to encourage taking her favourite teddies to bed and it helps her settle at bedtime but not in the middle of the night.

3 years old is pretty late to still be using a dummy tbh. Self-induced punishment I'm afraid you'll just have to suffer until she forgets.

Got rid of the dummy at 4 months only and it took about 10 days before DC was over it. At 3 years old God help you.

Really surprises me the lack of support sometimes from other parents! ‘Self-induced punishment’ - really?!

@Roo747373 I have no advice sadly but just to say I’m with you! My son is nearly 3, he only has it for bedtime not in the day too. We haven’t done it yet as he has been unwell and I know he needs his comfort right now. I’ve heard it gets better after a week though so my fingers are crossed for you.

@BabyOnBoard90 Very helpful 🙄

@Lalala3 thank you! And sorry to hear you’re in a similar situation. Yesterday I tried adding more to the story behind saying goodbye to the dummy by saying I’d given her dummies to the dummy fairy who was going to leave a present in her room. Gave her a little doll and said if she feels sad about the dummy in the night she could give the doll big cuddles etc. last night was a lot better so fingers crossed it will calm down!

Oh that’s good to hear!! Hope tonight does even better for you - please keep me updated!

we have got a dummy book about a dummy fairy which he actually wants to read! I also said to my little boy about the fairy leaving a present … it’s gone from one present to three presents now 😂

How are things now OP?

So last night which was night 4 she woke a couple of times but no crying and quickly back to sleep after a quick cuddle. Even with the dummy she still sometimes woke briefly so I’m hoping it’s edging back to normal! She’s been very very emotional during the day, not mentioning dummy but very quick to cry / anger. May not be related she could just be tired or coming down with something but I’m so pleased as the first few nights I really wanted to give in as hated saying her so upset

@BabyOnBoard90 must be a perfect parent ? Or just a bit of a ....

@Roo747373 we have just got past night one 🫣 any advice lol , our son is almost 3 and is soooo attached and is usually a good sleeper! Any tips would be greatly appreciated

How did you get on with the dummy removal? I need to do it too (already 3!). (And btw you got a horrible comment off someone, sorry to see!)

Anyone else that finds their way to this thread - we have just done night three and he is nearly over it. We actually chose to do it at the end of a cold as he realised he'd been spitting it out in his sleep anyway. My top tip is to just sleep next to them for the first couple of nights, instant cuddles and faster back to sleeps then.