Sucking is more than just a need, it’s an innate reflex for infants.
Dummies are an essential part of life for many babies and young children. They have been used for decades and are appreciated by many parents for their ability to soothe and comfort toddlers. However, dummies are also the subject of much debate because of their potential impact on children’s oral health and development. Find out about the advantages and disadvantages of a dummy.
The advantages of a dummy
Dummies offer a number of benefits for babies and parents. Let’s look at these benefits in more detail.
The dummy is soothing and comforting
Sucking is an innate needs in infants. From birth, they have a sucking reflex that helps them to feed and calm themselves. The dummy meets this need by offering babies a source of comfort when they are not eating. This non-nutritive sucking is beneficial, as it can help to soothe newborns in stressful situations, put them to sleep more easily and reduce crying. Parents often find that a dummy is invaluable for calming their child during car journeys, visits to the doctor or at times when they are feeling anxious.
Reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is a major concern for parents of young children. A study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics has revealed that babies who use a dummy while sleeping have a reduced risk of SIDS. The hypothesis is that sucking on the dummy can help keep the airways open, promote better heart rate regulation and improve respiratory control. What’s more, the dummy can prevent the baby from turning onto their stomach, a position associated with an increased risk of SIDS.
Ease-of-use
The dummy is a practical tool that is easy to handle. It’s small, light and easy to carry, making it ideal for daily family life. Parents can easily carry a spare dummy in their changing bag or pocket, so they can use it at any time to soothe their child. What’s more, the dummy is easy to clean and sterilise, making it a hygienic option.
The disadvantages of a dummy
Despite its advantages, there are also disadvantages associated with dummies and it is important to be aware of them. Here are the main risks associated with dummy use.
Dental problems caused by dummies
One of the major drawbacks of prolonged dummy use is its potential impact on children’s oral health. Poor posture of the teeth and malformation of the palate are a particular risk. The constant pressure exerted by the dummy on the teeth and palate can cause teeth to shift, which may require long-term orthodontic treatment. Dentists often recommend limiting dummy use from the age of two or three to minimise these risks.
Difficulties swallowing and speaking because of the dummy
Over-use of dummies can also affect swallowing and language skills. Prolonged sucking can interfere with the development of the muscles of the mouth and tongue, which are essential for swallowing properly and articulating clearly. Children who use dummies excessively may therefore have a delay in language acquisition, as they spend less time baby-talking and experimenting with sounds. Limiting dummy use can help prevent these developmental problems.
Addiction and difficulty weaning off the dummy
Children can become dependent on dummies, which makes weaning difficult. This habituation can lead to sleep problems and anxiety when the dummy is removed. Young addicts may find it difficult to fall asleep without it and wake up frequently in the night looking for it. Gradual, well-planned weaning is therefore crucial to avoid these problems. Parents should introduce alternative comfort techniques and gradually reduce dummy use. With its unique system, Clipp enables natural, progressive weaning by adding shields that make sucking increasingly difficult. This method respects each individual’s pace and eases the transition. Every time a shield is attached, sucking becomes less satisfying for the child, encouraging them to abandon the dummy independently. Parents can monitor their offspring’s progress and adapt the process to reflect their child’s needs and comfort.
Tips for optimum dummy use
To make the most of the advantages of a dummy while minimising the risks, here are a few practical tips for optimum use.
Choose the right dummy
It’s important to choose a dummy that’s right for your child’s age and needs. Selection criteria include material, shape and size. Silicone teats are often preferred, as they are more durable, bite-resistant and easy to clean. Latex ones, on the other hand, are softer, but can wear out more quickly and cause allergies in some children.
Design also plays an important role. Orthodontic teats are designed to follow the natural shape of the mouth and minimise the likelihood of misaligned teeth. They exert less pressure on the palate and developing teeth, reducing the risk of malformation. There are also round teats, which may be preferred by some children, but they carry a higher risk of dental problems.
Finally, the size should reflect the child’s age. A teat that is too big or too small can cause sucking and comfort problems. Manufacturers generally offer teats in different sizes for newborns, babies aged between 3 and 6 months, and older children. It is important to follow the recommendations provided by the manufacturer to ensure optimum and safe use.
Limit dummy use
To minimise the disadvantages associated with dummies, it is advisable to limit their use. Restricting dummy use for times of sleep or high stress can help reduce the risk of addiction and developmental problems. Parents can also establish weaning routines by gradually reducing the amount of time their child uses a dummy each day. For example, they can start by limiting dummy use to naptime and bedtime, then gradually eliminate it altogether. By making informed choices and using appropriate solutions like Clipp, parents can offer their children optimum comfort while minimising the risks. The key is to strike a balance between using the dummy to soothe the child and preventing long-term health problems.
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