Dummies have been around for a number of decades now and many parents simply say that they find them extremely useful in settling a child off to sleep or comforting them. Dummies tend to stop children from sucking their thumb which some parents prefer. They come in a wide range of sizes and shapes and you will need to find out which one suits your baby. Dummies can be used from birth but some critics say that they may hinder feeding.
Losing a dummy can be a nightmare for many parents and for this reason many accessories are now on the market to help ensure that the dummy is easy to find and stays close to the baby. Dummy clips are growing in popularity and you can get them in a number of designs, including personalised ones with names on. They can easily be attached to the babies clothing so if it falls out of their mouth, it doesn’t go far and you can quickly retrieve it.
When your child is old enough not to need a dummy any more you may worry about how you can take it off them. Some parents start to wean them off them bit by bit whilst other parents go with the cold turkey approach. There is no right or wrong way, it has to be personal choice and what works best for you and your child.