While the need to suck tends to diminish naturally with age, some children find it harder to let their dummy go. Instant weaning can be brutal for the child, so what can be done to stop dummy use gently?
Why does my baby have a strong need to suck?
In newborns, suckingis a spontaneous reflex that responds to a physiological need that appears as early as in the womb. There are two types of sucking: “nutritive” and “non-nutritive“. Sucking causes the secretion of endorphins, hormones that generate a feeling of well-being. These hormones help babies to calm down, relax, fall asleep and regulate their waking and sleeping cycles. Some babies will take a dummy or their thumb after breastfeeding, but others will take neither – every child is different.
What are the disadvantages of a dummy?
Specialists (paediatricians, dentists, etc.) recommend using a dummy in preference to thumb-sucking. Dummies are associated with a reduced risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and they alter tooth alignment less because they can be removed earlier than the thumb.
Nonetheless, late “non-nutritive” sucking can lead to poor posture of the teeth, malformation of the palate and problems with swallowing and speech.
Children generally lose the habit of sucking between the ages of 1 and 3 years. Studies show that the need to suck tends to diminish naturally around the age of 2. It’s around the age of 2 or 3 that children are ready to let their dummy go.
In this context, the dummy has many advantages before the age of 3, but far fewer afterwards.
• Deformation of the palate and the positioning of the teeth (particularly gaping teeth)
• Poor positioning of the tongue and palate
• Growth anomaly of the mandible
• Breathing through the mouth (instead of through the nose)
• Consequences on phonation and breathing, resulting in poor quality sleep and increased tiredness during the day A direct impact on the child’s speech (as the tongue is not sufficiently muscular, so the child may, for example, have difficulty pronouncing certain syllables)
At what age should my child stop using a dummy?
Health professionals and the UFSBD (Union Française pour la Santé Bucco-Dentaire – French Union for Oral and Dental Health) recommend that children should stop using dummies between the ages of 2 and 3, for the following reasons:
• To limit gaps in the teeth
• To position the tongue on the palate
• To allow the palate to widen
• To encourage breathing through the nose
• To improve chewing
• To make progress with language
• To limit re-education sessions
Beyond the age of 3, the habit of sucking can sometimes delay a child’s learning. It is also important that this habit stops before adult teeth appear. While some children give up their dummies or thumbs without too much difficulty, others need help to let them go.
The use of a dummy before the age of two or three is therefore more beneficial than it is harmful, although there are very few systems available that allow for a smooth weaning process.
The dummy is directly linked to the child’s psycho-affective sphere, just like a favourite soft toy, whose main function is to help combat young children’s anxieties.
However, as noted by the Fondation pour l’enfance, which published its 1st barometer on Ordinary Educational Violenceat the end of 2022, 46% of the parents questioned still blackmail their child in certain situations. In many cases, weaning off the dummy is neither gradual nor gentle. But it’s important to realise just how brutal weaning can be for the child.
THE CLIPP WEANING DUMMY: AN INNOVATIVE AND CARING SOLUTION
The Clipp® dummy takes into consideration the child’s emotional needs during the weaning period. It’s an innovative system devised by a couple of dental prosthetic experts specialising in orthodontics who also happen to be the parents of two dummy-loving children.
The aim is for the child to accept gently, at his or her own pace, the definitive end of using a dummy.
A BPA (bisphenol A)-free CE-certified medical device that complies with current standards and regulations, the Clipp® dummy is extremely easy to use. Over time, the five shields supplied will stack on top of each other. They are locked in place by a patented system that cannot be dismantled, which also ensures the child’s safety.
All the production is carried out in France, while the packaging is carried out at a French ESAT (establishment d’aide au travail) as part of the socially responsible economy.
Weaning takes between 1 and 2 months. Start by giving the dummy without the shield, then after two days add the first collar. 7 days later, add the next shield, and so on every 7 days.
Of course, every parent knows their child best, and by observing your child’s use of the Clipp® dummy, you will be able to adapt the pace at which the shields are added in agreement with your child.
The idea behind the Clipp® dummy is to involve your child in the weaning process. You can refer to the instructions for use and also download a fun calendar from our website so that you can plan the different stages with your child and involve them in their progress. The “I’ve stopped using my dummy” certificate is also available to show off this great achievement!
If you’d like to find out more about the experiences of other parents who have used our weaning dummy, take a look at the inspiring video testimonials and feedback from our users.
The Clipp® teat attracted lots of attention during the Lépine competition, which decided to give it two awards, the silver medal and the 3rd Fidealis prize.
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