When babies grow up, many parents wonder when their child should stop using the dummy:
When, how and why?
Used from the very first months to help soothe and reassure, the dummy can quickly become a habit that is hard to break.
Professionals recommend giving up the dummy between the ages of two and three, but what are the reasons behind this recommendation? And how can you help your child make this transition smoothly?
Why is it important for your child to stop using their dummy?
Prolonged use of the dummy can lead to orthodontic problems, such as malocclusion or palate deformities. Constant sucking puts pressure on the teeth and gums, which can alter the natural growth of the jaw.
In addition, prolonged sucking can delay speech development and cause articulation problems. When children have a dummy in their mouth, they use their facial muscles and tongue less, which can slow down the acquisition of language and hinder the pronunciation of words.
Finally, a deeply-rooted need for a dummy can lead to dependency, making weaning more difficult over time. This dependency can lead to fits of crying and frustration when the dummy is not available. And this can make parents’ day-to-day lives can be very complicated.
What are the specialists' recommendations for stopping dummies?
Health professionals, including the Union Française pour la Santé Bucco-Dentaire (UFSBD), recommend starting to wean children off dummies between the ages of two and three. The risks to oral health and speech development increase at this age.
Paediatricians and dentists stress the importance of early weaning to avoid long-term complications. By following these recommendations, parents can prevent future problems while helping their children to develop healthier dummy habits.
What signs indicate that your child is ready to stop using a dummy?
Certain behaviours can indicate that your child is ready to stop using a dummy. For example, if they use it less often, this could be a sign that they are preparing to give it up.
Observe whether they can do without the dummy during certain activities, such as playing or watching television. A toddler who is starting to talk more may be better able to wean themselves off their dummy. Encourage them to use words to express their needs rather than taking refuge in non-nutritive sucking, and if they see that their friends are no longer using dummies, they may want to do the same. Peer influence is a powerful motivating factor for children who want to grow up!
How do you get your child to stop using their dummy
There are a number of strategies that can help with weaning your baby off the dummy. Gradually reducing the amount of time it is used, starting with the times of day when it is least necessary, can be an effective method. For example, limit use to naps and bedtime.
Encourage and praise your child when they spend time without a dummy. Compliments and small rewards can motivate them to continue their efforts. Offer alternatives for comfort, such as a soft toy or blanket. These transitional objects can provide a sense of security and comfort similar to that of a dummy.
Clipp also offers an innovative solution to help little ones wean themselves off the dummy naturally and without violence. The principle is simple : you simply clip shields onto the teat, making it harder and harder to suck. The child gradually gives up using their dummy, without stress.
The Clipp method stands out for its gradual approach, which respects the pace at which the child is happy to progress. By adding shields gradually, the child is able to adapt instead of having to deal with suddenly finding themselves without a dummy.
This progression helps to minimise the nervousness and anxiety caused by withdrawal. What’s more, children learn to detach themselves from the dummy on their own, which reinforces their independence and self-confidence.
The sense of achievement they get from completing this stage on their own is very positive. You can even symbolise these achievements with our downloadable certificate!
Clipp also reduces conflicts between parents and children about giving up the dummy. Rather than imposing forced weaning, adults can support their children in a gradual and caring process.
Giving up the dummy is an important step. By following the health professionals’ recommendations and using appropriate solutions such as Clipp, you can help your child to give up the dummy gently and smoothly. The key to success lies in patience, support and constant encouragement.
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