Dummies and Baby Sleep: Pros, Cons, Safety Tips and How to Wean

Using a dummy (or pacifier) is one of the most common questions I get asked as a gentle baby and toddler sleep consultant. Parents often wonder: Will a dummy help my baby sleep? Is it safe? When should I take it away?

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about dummies and sleep — including the benefits, drawbacks, safety advice from The Lullaby Trust, and tips on weaning your little one off their dummy when the time is right.

The Pros and Cons of Using a Dummy for Sleep

✅ Pros of introducing a dummy

• The sucking motion is very calming, making it a great tool to help your baby settle.

• It can help babies fall asleep and transition into another sleep cycle.

• Some research suggests using a dummy up to 6 months can reduce the risk of SIDS.

  
  

❌ Cons of using a dummy

• It can cause sleep disruptions later on when the dummy falls out and your baby needs help putting it back in.

• Some children find it difficult to wean off the dummy.

• Long-term use (beyond 12 months) may increase the risk of ear infections, misaligned teeth, and speech development issues.

Tips for Using a Dummy with Your Baby

If you choose to use a dummy, here are some gentle sleep consultant-approved tips to make it easier:

• Wait until breastfeeding is well established (usually 1–2 months) before introducing a dummy.

• Once naps are more consistent, try to use the dummy only for sleep. This helps it become a clear sleep cue while reducing the risk of overuse.

• If your baby spits out the dummy, don’t automatically replace it unless they signal they need it.

• Place a few dummies in your baby’s sleep space — some parents find this helps if their baby wakes during the night when it falls out.

Dummy Safety Guidelines (The Lullaby Trust)

If you decide to use a dummy for sleep, follow these important safety recommendations:

• Stop using a dummy for sleep between 6 and 12 months.

• Never force a dummy into your baby’s mouth or reinsert it if they’ve spat it out.

• Don’t use a dummy with a neck cord.

• Never dip the dummy in anything sweet.

• Opt for an orthodontic dummy, which adapts better to your baby’s mouth shape.

• If you start using a dummy, continue until at least 6 months, as this may reduce the risk of SIDS.

How to Wean Your Baby or Toddler Off the Dummy

When the time feels right, you may want to start weaning your little one off the dummy. Here’s how to make it easier for both of you:

1. Choose the right time Avoid weaning during illness, teething, developmental leaps, big life changes (like moving house or starting nursery), or when a new sibling arrives.

2. Limit dummy use to sleep only If your child uses it during the day, make putting the dummy away part of the morning routine. Encourage an alternative comfort item such as a teddy or soft doll.

3. Start with naps Begin with the first nap of the day, as this is usually the easiest. Try removing the dummy just before your little one falls asleep, and comfort them with cuddles, patting, or gentle reassurance.

4. Move on to bedtime and nights Once naps are going well without the dummy, move on to bedtime. Some families choose a “big goodbye” ritual, such as giving the dummy to the “dummy fairy,” Santa, or another baby who “needs it.” For others, a more gradual approach works better — replacing one night waking at a time with comfort or a lovey.

5. Use books and stories Reading dummy-themed stories can help children feel more positive about saying goodbye.

How to Wean Your Baby or Toddler Off the Dummy

When the time feels right, you may want to start weaning your little one off the dummy. Here’s how to make it easier for both of you:

1. Choose the right time Avoid weaning during illness, teething, developmental leaps, big life changes (like moving house or starting nursery), or when a new sibling arrives.

2. Limit dummy use to sleep only

3. If your child uses it during the day, make putting the dummy away part of the morning routine. Encourage an alternative comfort item such as a teddy or soft doll.

4. Start with naps Begin with the first nap of the day, as this is usually the easiest. Try removing the dummy just before your little one falls asleep, and comfort them with cuddles, patting, or gentle reassurance.

5. Move on to bedtime and nights Once naps are going well without the dummy, move on to bedtime. Some families choose a “big goodbye” ritual, such as giving the dummy to the “dummy fairy,” Santa, or another baby who “needs it.” For others, a more gradual approach works better — replacing one night waking at a time with comfort or a lovey.

6. Use books and stories Reading dummy-themed stories can help children feel more positive about saying goodbye.

   
   

Final Thoughts on Dummies and Sleep

Whether or not to use a dummy is a personal choice, and there’s no one “right” answer. They can be a useful tool for soothing and settling babies, but they also come with challenges around sleep disruption and weaning later on.

If you do use one, focus on safe sleep practices, limit use to sleep times, and have a gentle plan for when the time comes to let it go.

And remember — whatever decision you make, you’re doing what feels best for your baby and your family.

If you are struggling to wean your baby off the dummy and you would like some personalised sleep support, you can book a free discovery call here