Best ways to Ditch the Dummy!
- Jade Sleep Nanny
- May 6
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Let's be honest - dummies (or pacifiers) can be a wonderful tool for soothing and sleep. Especially in the earlier months! They have many benefits, including: reducing the likelihood of SIDS, helping reflux as well as giving them a supportive tool that is a natural soothing reflex (sucking).
However, as they grow - so does their reliance on it! After 6 months, they don't biologically need the sucking sensation to soothe anymore, however their attachment to it grows. We may be considering the best ways to ditch the dummy, but when is the right time and what is the best way?
Here are the main things that you want to consider before ditching the dummy.
Timing
If you have some important plans coming up, such as a holiday or big life events - I would hold off a little while longer until after that has passed.
Start with daytime reliance first.
If your little one uses it most of the day out with sleep, then that is where I'd focus first and only using it as a sleep cue rather than a soothing one (where you can!)
Night Sleep
Once you have helped their reliance in the day, then we can tackle the nights. However, it is important to note that you will need an alternative soothing method to support them! This could be cuddles, pats or something rhythmic you can build up before the dummy goes. It will also be easier to practice this at bedtime before the rest of the night and naps.
Consistency
This will be really important, as we don't want to send mixed signals. Easing the need of the dummy can absolutely be done in stages, but once it is gone then it is important to stick with it for your child. Trust the process and know the phase will pass, they still have you as their safe space!
Depending on their age, may depend on the approach that you use. With the younger ones, there isn't an easy way to wean it, completely. Once you have scaled back, it really does just need to go (cold turkey likely!).
However, with toddlers there are a few approaches that you can use to help them, and communication in the lead up to it will be key too.
The Dummy Fairy is a concept that I love to use with the toddlers. This is where the "dummy fairy" takes the dummy for the little babies, and leaves a gift behind.
You can adjust this concept though to something that will resonate and excite your child.
Once it's gone though, don't bring it back! This will bring inconsistencies and breaks that trust/predictability in the process too.
Do note - once the dummy goes you may find a shift in their day-to-day emotional regulation. The dummy has been their comfort for a long time, so you may see some natural but bigger emotions initially. Be their comfort and it will soon pass, and they'll forget that life with the dummy!
In conclusion, it will be a journey and a tougher few days. Be sure to layer on lots of additional comfort techniques before it goes, this helps give you a toolkit of support once they no longer have it.
If you are struggling in this, or other aspects of their settle to sleep and frequent night wakes then you don't need to do it alone. You are welcome to reach out anytime.
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