Dummies (Pacifiers): pros, cons and safe use for babies

A dummy, also known as a pacifier, is a small silicone or rubber teat that babies suck on for comfort when they are not feeding.

Babies are born with a natural urge to suck, even when they are not hungry. This is known as non-nutritive sucking, and it plays an important role in helping babies regulate themselves and feel calm.

Babies use dummies because sucking helps them feel calm, secure and settled.

Sucking is one of the ways babies regulate their nervous system. It can help them manage feelings of tiredness, overstimulation or discomfort. For some babies, a dummy can be the thing that helps them switch off when everything feels a bit too much.

In practice, I often see that some babies take to a dummy very quickly, while others are not interested at all. Some will only use it occasionally, while others rely on it more strongly. This is often down to temperament rather than anything a parent is or is not doing.

Dummies can be helpful for soothing and settling, particularly in the early months.

One of the main benefits is that they can help calm a baby who is unsettled. I often hear from parents who say a dummy is the one thing that helps their baby relax when they are overtired or struggling to settle.

They can also support sleep for some babies. A dummy can become part of a settling routine, helping babies fall asleep more easily or settle more quickly during night wakings.

There is also some evidence to suggest that using a dummy during sleep is associated with a reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Organisations such as the NHS and The Lullaby Trust include this as part of wider safe sleep guidance. It is important to remember that this is just one factor, and safe sleep positioning and environment remain the most important.

Dummies can be useful, but there are also some downsides to be aware of.

One of the main concerns is around breastfeeding in the early weeks. Introducing a dummy too soon can sometimes interfere with feeding cues or latch. I often speak to parents who feel confused about this, as they are trying to settle their baby while also establishing feeding. Waiting until breastfeeding feels well established can help reduce this risk.

Another common challenge is dummy dependence. In real life, this often shows up at night. A baby may fall asleep with a dummy, but when it falls out, they wake and need help to settle again. This can lead to more frequent night waking, which can feel exhausting over time.

There are also longer-term considerations around dental development. Prolonged dummy use, particularly beyond toddler years, can affect how teeth come through and align. This is not something to worry about early on, but it becomes more relevant as children get older.

Hygiene is another factor that is easy to overlook. Dummies need to be cleaned regularly and replaced when they show signs of wear. This is particularly important in younger babies, where infection risk is higher.

Breastfeeding challenges in the early weeks.

If you are breastfeeding, introducing a dummy too soon can sometimes interfere with feeding cues or your baby’s latch. It may be best to wait until breastfeeding is going well and your milk supply has become established; this is often around 4-6 weeks. If you have any concerns about feeding, it’s always worth speaking to you midwife, health visitor or infant feeding specialist.

Dummy dependence.

Some babies become used to falling asleep with a dummy and if it falls out at night they may wake and need help putting it back in before they can settle again. This is something I often discuss with tired parents who feel their baby is waking, not because they are hungry but because they rely on their dummy to nod back off.

Dental concerns.

Using a dummy for the first year is not a concern for your baby’s teeth. However prolonged use, particularly beyond 2 years of age can affect how the teeth and jaw develop and can change tooth alignment.

Hygiene and infection risks.

Dummies need to be kept clean, especially in the early months when babies are vulnerable to infections. Follow the manufacturers cleaning instruction, checking dummies regularly for signs of wear or damage and replace them if they become cracked or split.

Yes, a newborn can sleep with a dummy when it is used safely.

It should never be forced if your baby does not want it. If your baby falls asleep and the dummy falls out, there is no need to put it back in.

Safe sleep guidance should always be followed alongside dummy use. This includes placing your baby on their back on a firm, flat sleep surface with no loose items in the cot.

Using a dummy is optional. It can be part of your approach to settling, but it is not essential.

If you are breastfeeding, it is usually recommended to wait until feeding is established before introducing a dummy.

In the early days, babies are learning how to latch and feed effectively, and your milk supply is still regulating. Introducing a dummy too early can sometimes reduce feeding frequency or mask hunger cues.

That said, many parents do successfully use both. I often reassure families that it does not have to be an either/or situation. The key is to stay aware of how feeding is going. If you notice shorter feeds, reduced interest in feeding or concerns about weight gain, it may be helpful to pause dummy use and seek support.

Dummies are not inherently bad for babies, but they do come with both benefits and trade-offs.

They can be very helpful for soothing and settling, particularly in the early months when babies need a lot of support to regulate. At the same time, they can influence feeding, sleep patterns and longer-term habits depending on how they are used.

Rather than thinking of them as good or bad, it is often more helpful to think about whether they are helping or making things more difficult for your baby and your routine.

It is usually recommended to begin reducing dummy use between 6 and 12 months, particularly if your baby is relying on it heavily for sleep.

By this stage, babies are developing other ways to settle and regulate themselves. Gradually reducing reliance can help avoid strong sleep associations forming.

Ideally, dummies are phased out before 2 to 4 years of age to reduce the risk of dental issues. This does not need to happen suddenly, and a gradual approach is often easier for both parent and child.

Weaning your baby off a dummy is often easier when it is done gradually rather than all at once.

You might start by limiting dummy use to certain times, such as naps and bedtime, rather than throughout the day. From there, you can slowly reduce how often it is used.

In real life, this can feel tricky. I often speak to parents who find this stage challenging, especially if their baby has relied on a dummy for a long time. Offering comfort in other ways, such as cuddling, reassurance or a consistent bedtime routine, can help support the transition.

It is important to expect some resistance and to go at a pace that feels manageable. Like many things in parenting, consistency and patience make a big difference.

Dummies can be a helpful tool, but they are not essential.

Some babies benefit from them, while others manage perfectly well without. The most important thing is to use them safely, stay aware of how they are affecting feeding and sleep, and make adjustments as your baby grows.

There is no perfect approach, just the one that works for you and your baby.