How to Ditch the Dummy

How to Ditch the Dummy

In the first year of life, dummies can be the saviour for many a parent, soothing and calming a baby. Helping them sleep and keeping them contented between feeds. However, after your little one turns one, they can stop being beneficial and start creating issues. Using a dummy as your child grows can change the mouth's structure, force teeth out of position and interfere with speech development. But the main issue with letting your child use a dummy for longer is that it is challenging to get them to stop. Here are the top tips on how to make the de-dummying as tear-free as possible.

Alternative

Try offering your toddler something else to comfort them when they are upset. Like a favourite toy or a small blanket. Anything to distract them while they break the dummy habit. It is not a good idea to always make that replacement a food or bottle feeds, but sometimes it can be the thing they need short term.

Collecting

Help your child collect all of the dummies around the house. Put them in a special bag, with a note and leave them out for the ‘Dummy Fairy’ or Easter Bunny or Santa (whoever is in the area). Leave a small gift in return so your little one is excited (and distracted) the next morning and not focusing on the missing dummies. Note; There are probably a lot more dummies around than you think, so make sure you get them all (or you could find yourself having to go through the process all over again).                   

Give notice

If your child is a bit older you can forgo the Dummy Fairy and just make a deal with them. Give them at least one weeks’ notice and explain that they are a big kid now and that they don’t need the dummy (this may need the promise of a new toy or a trip to the movies to seal the deal). On the big day make a huge deal about how amazing they are giving it up and how proud you are.

Consistency

Once it is done. It has to stay done. It’s probably going to lead to at least one tantrum but if you back down and get a new dummy the next time you try will be even harder. So, stick to your guns. The upset is usually short term and remember you are saving your child from long term dental issues!

There you have it. It just takes a bit of patience and a little imagination and your child can be dummy-free before you know it.