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Dummies are one of the few baby products that can be both useful and controversial. They help some babies settle, and consistent dummy use during sleep is associated with a lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). They can also become a deeply ingrained habit that affects sleep, speech and teeth.
The goal is not to remove comfort. It is to replace one comfort strategy with another before the habit causes problems. That is easier when you plan it rather than deciding at 11 pm after the dummy has disappeared under the cot.
What the evidence says#
Red Nose describes the evidence this way: using a dummy consistently is associated with a reduced risk of SIDS, although the protective mechanism is not fully understood. The key word is consistently. Offering a dummy for every sleep is different from offering it randomly during the day.
Dummies also have downsides. Raising Children notes that dummy use is linked to higher rates of middle ear infections in babies over 10 months, and prolonged use beyond three to four years increases the chance of dental problems. Dummies can affect communication because children have to take them out to speak. Some children become very attached and wake for help when the dummy falls out.
If your baby does not take a dummy, there is no need to force it. The SIDS association is a reason not to worry if you use one, not a reason to start.
When to introduce, and when to stop#
If you are breastfeeding, wait until breastfeeding is established, usually around four to six weeks, before offering a dummy. Bottle-fed babies can be offered one from birth. Never use a dummy to replace or delay a feed.
Red Nose suggests starting to phase out dummy use after your baby turns one. The aim is to be finished between two and four years to reduce the risk of dental misalignment. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby notes that speech therapists often recommend stopping around 14 months, so speech can develop without a dummy in the mouth.
That gives a wide window, not a deadline. A useful way to think about it:
| Age | What to aim for | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 0–6 months | Use only if it helps; offer at sleep if you choose | Dummy use at sleep is associated with lower SIDS risk |
| 6–12 months | Continue if helpful; start daytime limits | Baby is more mobile and socially aware |
| 12–24 months | Begin phasing out, especially daytime use | Easier before the habit is entrenched |
| 2–4 years | Finish weaning | Reduces dental and speech risks |
| After 4 years | Seek advice if still using | Higher chance of dental problems |
If your child has recurrent ear infections, speech concerns or dental issues, talk to your GP, dentist or speech pathologist about stopping sooner.
Pick your approach#
There is no evidence that one weaning method is superior. The best approach is the one that fits your child's temperament and your family's capacity.
Gradual weaning suits children who are very attached. You reduce the dummy in stages: first to the cot or bedroom, then to naps, then to night-time only, then none. It takes longer but involves fewer big protests.
Cold turkey means removing the dummy all at once. It can be quicker, and some children adjust within a few days. It works best when you pick a calm week, prepare your child and commit. It is harder if you cave at 2 am and give it back, because intermittent reinforcement makes the habit stronger.
A goodbye ritual can help older toddlers. You might "give the dummy to the new babies", post it to the dummy fairy, or swap it for a small comfort toy. Keep it light and honest. Avoid shaming your child or telling them they are a baby for needing it.
A two-week gradual plan#
This is a template, not a rule. Adjust it to your child.
Days 1–3: daytime limits. The dummy stays in the cot or bedroom. Offer it for sleep and quiet time, not for play or going out. Talk about the plan in simple words: "The dummy stays in bed now."
Days 4–7: naps without it. Use the same bedtime routine, but leave the dummy out of the nap. Offer a comforter or extra cuddle. If your child is distressed, comfort them and try again the next day.
Days 8–11: night-time without it. This is usually the hardest part. Keep the routine boring and predictable. If they wake, settle them with a hand, a song or a cuddle, but try not to reintroduce the dummy.
Days 12–14: consolidate. Expect some wobbles. Praise your child for coping, and don't make a big deal of the dummy being gone. If they are unwell or a big change happens, pause and restart when things are calmer.
What to expect#
Most children protest. Some wake more often, some are clingier, and some ask for the dummy repeatedly. This is normal and usually settles within a few days to a couple of weeks.
What helps:
- keep the rest of the routine unchanged
- offer extra connection during the day
- use a night light if darkness feels harder without the dummy
- stay calm and consistent
- avoid starting during illness, travel, a new baby, starting childcare or moving house
What does not help:
- coating the dummy in honey, jam or sweet drinks
- shaming or punishing your child
- replacing the dummy with a bottle or sweet drink at bedtime
- starting and stopping repeatedly
Dummy safety#
If your child still uses a dummy, make sure it is safe:
- choose a one-piece dummy that meets Australian Standard AS 2432:2015
- check the shield has at least two air holes and is wider than your child's mouth
- replace dummies that are worn, cracked, sticky or damaged
- sterilise dummies for babies under 12 months; wash with hot soapy water after that
- never coat the dummy in anything sweet
- do not tie a dummy around your child's neck, hand or cot
- if you use a dummy chain, make sure it meets the standard and is less than 22 cm long
- do not use amber bead necklaces or bracelets; they are a strangulation and choking risk
- do not let your child use a dummy while walking or playing
If the dummy falls out during sleep, Red Nose advises not to reinsert it. Once your child is asleep, leave it.
When to get help#
Talk to your GP, child and family health nurse, dentist or speech pathologist if:
- your child is still using a dummy beyond four years
- you are worried about speech, tongue posture or dental alignment
- your child has recurrent ear infections
- sleep is severely disrupted for more than a few weeks
- your child is very anxious or distressed without the dummy
- your child has a developmental or medical condition that affects sucking, breathing or sleep
The bottom line#
Dummies can be useful, especially for sleep in the first year, but they are not meant to be permanent. Start phasing out after 12 months if it suits your family, aim to finish between two and four years, and seek advice earlier if speech, teeth or ears are affected. Choose a calm week, pick a method you can stick to, and replace the dummy with connection rather than another habit.
For more on sleep at this age, see our toddler sleep guide and safe sleep guide.
Frequently asked
When should I stop using a dummy?
There is no single perfect age. Red Nose suggests starting to phase it out after 12 months and finishing between two and four years to reduce dental misalignment. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby notes that speech therapists often suggest stopping around 14 months. If your child has speech, dental or ear health concerns, earlier is worth discussing with your clinician.
Is cold turkey or gradual weaning better?
Both can work. Gradual weaning suits children who are very attached and gives everyone time to adjust. Cold turkey can be quicker and clearer for some families, but expect two or three disrupted nights. The best method is the one you can stick to calmly.
Will weaning affect my child's sleep?
It often does for a few nights. Your child may protest, wake more often or need extra comfort. Keep the bedtime routine predictable, offer extra cuddles and avoid starting during illness, travel or another big change. If sleep is still badly disrupted after a couple of weeks, talk to your child and family health nurse.
Can a dummy affect speech or teeth?
Prolonged dummy use is associated with middle ear infections and dental misalignment, especially beyond three to four years. Dummies can also limit talking because children have to remove them to speak. Take the dummy out during conversation and play, and seek advice if you are worried about speech or tooth alignment.
What can I use instead of a dummy?
A small comforter, a favourite blanket or a soft toy can help, as long as it is safe for your child's age. For babies under seven months, keep soft toys and comforters out of the sleep space. Avoid replacing the dummy with sweet drinks, honey, or another habit that is hard to stop.
References
Sources and further reading
We use primary Australian guidance first. These links open in a new tab.
- Using a dummy safely: 4 expert tips for parentsRed Nose Australia
- Dummies: advantages, disadvantages and tipsRaising Children Network
- Dummies and comfortersPregnancy, Birth and Baby
How this guide was made
Drafted with AI assistance and edited against the public sources above. This is general information for Australian families, not personal medical, legal or financial advice. It has not been medically reviewed.
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