Whether or not to use a dummy with your baby is such a personal decision, and there’s no right or wrong answer. I always say to families—go with what feels right for you. Some babies take great comfort in sucking and settle beautifully with a dummy, while others just aren’t interested (and that’s completely OK!).
If you do choose to use a dummy, The Lullaby Trust recommends offering it consistently for every sleep—day and night—as research shows this may help reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). If you’re breastfeeding, it’s best to wait until feeding is well established—usually around four weeks—before introducing one. They also suggest using an orthodontic dummy, which adapts to your baby’s mouth shape, and advise gently stopping dummy use between six and twelve months to avoid longer-term issues such as misaligned teeth or ear infections. But importantly, if your baby refuses a dummy, you don’t need to force it.So, if you’ve chosen to use one and it’s been working for a while, you might now be wondering when and how to let it go…
1. When is the right time to stop using a dummy?
In my experience, dummies usually stop being helpful when your little one starts being dependent on it between sleep cycles.
For some children, the dummy stays in all night without issue—but for many, it becomes something they rely on to get to sleep. Then, as they naturally stir between sleep cycles (roughly every 45 minutes or so), they wake fully when they realise the dummy has fallen out… and need a grown-up to come and pop it back in.
That’s when families tell me they’re up several times a night, helping their little one settle back to sleep—not because they’re hungry, poorly or uncomfortable, but simply because the dummy has gone missing.
If this sounds familiar and your baby is over 6 months, it’s likely the dummy is getting in the way of their sleep skills—and that’s when I’d recommend removing it. In my experience, seep typically improves fairly quickly once the dummy is no longer part of the equation.
That said, it’s only worth making the change if you feel ready. Everyone who’s part of your child’s care—parents, grandparents, nursery staff—needs to be on the same page. And once you decide to go for it, consistency is everything.
2. Two ways to wean off the dummy
There are a couple of approaches I would suggest when supporting families—either one can work beautifully depending on your child’s age and personality.
2.1 The Cold Turkey Approach
If your baby is under about 18 months, or you know the dummy is really interfering with sleep, going cold turkey tends to be the simplest and most effective option.
The trick here is commitment. Gather up every dummy—yes, even the ones hiding in the car, under the sofa, and in nappy bags—and remove them completely. If the dummy is gone, it stays gone and all day and night. Using it “just for one nap” or on a tricky day only prolongs the process and can be confusing for your little one.
Offer a comforter or teddy in its place is a lovely transition – ideally one that smells like you. Be ready for a bit of protest the first couple of nights. You’re removing something they’ve relied on to fall asleep, and that’s a big change! But in my experience little ones adapt to change very quickly with consistency.
2.2 A Toddler Transition
If your little one is over 18 months, they’ve likely formed a strong attachment to their dummy—and in this case, it can help to take a more gradual and gentle approach.
Toddlers thrive on routine and predictability, so talk about it in advance. Let them know the dummy will soon be going and help them feel involved in the process. Some parents use the “dummy fairy” idea—where the fairy takes the dummy and leaves a small gift in return. Others post it to the “dummy babies” or hang it on a tree in the park.
When my own children were ready to loose their dummies, we took a trip to a local farm, where they gave their dummies to the baby pigs! The farm staff even gave them certificates, which they proudly showed everyone. It was such a sweet and memorable way to celebrate the transition and helped them feel really proud.
To make things easier:
- Start by removing the dummy during non-sleep times
- Then take it away for naps
- Finally, remove it at bedtime once your child is more prepared
3. What to expect – and how to support your child
It’s completely normal for your child to need a few days to adjust. You might see more resistance at bedtime or a few extra wake-ups at first. That’s why it’s so important to stay consistent and confident.
Make sure their other needs are met—well-fed, warm, clean—and offer reassurance as they find new ways to self-settle. You’re not taking away something they need, you’re helping them move past something they’ve outgrown.
4. Still feeling unsure?
You don’t need to figure this out on your own. If you’re not sure whether now’s the right time, or if you’d like some support through the transition, I’d love to help. This is exactly the kind of work I do with families, and there’s always a way forward that feels right for you.
