Dummies
Dummies can be useful in the early months of development are used to settle babies and most babies have a strong sucking reflex (up to 6 months)
Overuse of dummies can have an impact on:
- Babbling (early stages of learning to talk)
- Full range of tongue movements (for speech sounds)
- Tongue position
- Gaps between upper and lower teeth
- Reduced desire to talk
Make a clean break and take the dummy off your child between 6-12 months.
Don’t dip the dummy into anything sweet – risk of tooth decay
Try other means of comforting your child e.g. cuddling or reading to them
Useful websites:
https://healthforunder5s.co.uk/sections/toddler/top-tips-for-ditching-the-dummy/
https://www.madeformums.com/toddler-and-preschool/giving-up-the-dummy-7-ways-that-really-work/