Comfort and safety: choosing and using dummies and comforters

Highlights

• Dummies and comforters can help babies soothe and settle
• Dummies may reduce the risk of SIDS when used consistently
• Wait until breastfeeding is well established before introducing a dummy
• Always check dummies and comforters for safety issues
• Prolonged use beyond age four may affect teeth alignment

In This Article

• Should you use a dummy or comforter?
• What comforters are safe for babies?
• Dummy safety and hygiene guidelines
• Introducing a dummy to your baby
• Teething and dummy use
• Amber beads: risks and concerns
• When and how to stop dummy use
• Tools and Assistance

Should you use a dummy or comforter?

Whether to use a dummy or comfort item is a personal decision. If you’re breastfeeding, it’s best to wait until it’s firmly established—around 4 to 6 weeks—before offering a dummy. Comforters like soft toys or fabric items should be avoided before 7 months due to suffocation risks.

Some babies have a strong need to suck between feeds and find relief in using a dummy. Research suggests that consistent dummy use may reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Babies may also grow attached to comforting items like soft fabrics, a parent’s clothing, or sentimental toys.

What comforters are safe for babies?

Not all items marketed as comforters are safe for infants. Keep these precautions in mind:

• Ensure the item is intact, clean, and free from hazards
• Avoid toys with dummies attached
• Don’t place soft toys in the cot before 7 months of age
• Skip items with batteries, magnets, or dangling cords

Dummy safety and hygiene guidelines

Using a dummy comes with some responsibilities. Here’s how to keep it safe:

• Regularly inspect for wear and replace as advised by the manufacturer
• Never tie a dummy to clothing or bedding
• Store away from heat and sunlight to avoid damage
• Confirm that the dummy has no loose or weak parts
• Don’t dip it in anything sweet—this can lead to tooth decay
• Clean after each use with soap and hot water, and sterilize regularly
• If your baby gets frequent ear infections, consider limiting dummy use

Look for dummies that are:

• The correct size for your baby’s age
• Made with secure, one-piece construction
• Designed with ventilation holes on the shield

Introducing a dummy to your baby

If breastfeeding, wait until the baby is feeding well before using a dummy—usually around 4 to 6 weeks. Bottle-fed babies can use one earlier. Remember that wanting to suck may sometimes be a cue for more feeding or comfort—follow your baby’s lead.

Teething and dummy use

During teething, babies often seek oral relief. Those already used to a dummy may want it more frequently. This can be soothing but should still be monitored to avoid overuse.

Amber beads: risks and concerns

Amber teething necklaces are marketed for pain relief, but their effectiveness is unproven and they pose real safety concerns. The small beads can be a choking hazard if the necklace breaks, and magnetic clasps (on some designs) can be dangerous if swallowed.

If you choose to use amber beads:

• Never allow your baby to wear one while sleeping or unsupervised
• Don’t let them chew or mouth the beads

When and how to stop dummy use

Most children give up the dummy between ages 2 and 4. Extended use after permanent teeth come in can affect dental development. It’s best to limit dummy use to sleep times and avoid letting your child speak with a dummy in their mouth, as this may impact speech skills.

Helping your child let go of the dummy

Weaning can be done step-by-step or all at once. Techniques that help include:

• Limiting use gradually to naps and bedtime
• Offering alternative comfort methods like cuddles or a favorite toy
• Creating a goodbye ritual—some families choose to “gift” the dummy to a baby animal or throw a goodbye party

Tools and Assistance

• Talk to your child health nurse about safe dummy and comforter use
• Use age-appropriate dummies with built-in safety features
• Read labels carefully before using any comfort product
• Sterilize dummies as you would bottles and teats
• Watch for signs of wear or irritation on your baby’s skin