A dummy is a small nipple-shaped device designed for babies to suck on for comfort. It’s the British and Australian term for what Americans call a pacifier. The silicone or latex teat attaches to a plastic shield that sits against your baby’s face, preventing the whole thing from being pulled into their mouth. Babies have a natural sucking reflex from birth, and a dummy satisfies that reflex without feeding, helping them settle, sleep, and cope with discomfort.
Different Names Around the World
“Dummy” is the standard term in the United Kingdom, and it’s widely used in Australia and New Zealand too. In the United States, the same product is called a pacifier. Canadians, particularly in eastern provinces like Ontario and Quebec, tend to say “soother.” You’ll also hear informal terms like “passy” in the southern US and “binky” as a popular brand-turned-nickname. In France it’s a sucette, in Spain and Latin America a chupete, and in Germany and Austria a Schnuller. They’re all the same thing.
How Dummies Help Babies
The most obvious benefit is soothing. The rhythmic sucking motion calms fussy babies and can help them fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. During teething or minor discomfort, a dummy provides pain relief by giving your baby something to focus their sucking reflex on. It’s also a practical tool during travel, helping calm babies on long car journeys or flights, and the sucking and swallowing motion can ease ear pressure during takeoff and landing.
The most significant health benefit is a reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Multiple studies and two large analyses have found that offering a dummy at sleep time reduces the risk of SIDS by 50% to 90%. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends offering a dummy at nap time and bedtime specifically for this reason. You don’t need to reinsert it once your baby falls asleep, and if your baby refuses it, there’s no need to force it.
Silicone vs. Latex Dummies
Most dummies are made from either silicone or latex, and the differences matter. Silicone is the more popular choice today. It’s hypoallergenic, holds its shape through repeated sterilisation, and has a non-porous surface that doesn’t trap bacteria or odours. It’s also BPA-free and easy to clean.
Latex dummies are softer and more flexible, which some babies prefer. But latex is a known allergen, so it’s not suitable for babies with rubber sensitivities. It also breaks down faster, loses shape with heat exposure, and its porous surface can harbour bacteria and stains. If you choose latex, plan to replace it more frequently.
Nipple Shapes
Dummies come in several nipple shapes. The bulb (or cherry) shape is rounded and most closely mimics the shape of a breast, which can make it a good option for breastfed babies who are already familiar with that form. Orthodontic dummies, sometimes called slant-shaped, are flattened on one side and sit between the upper and lower jaw. This design allows more natural tongue movement. There’s no single “best” shape. Babies often have a strong preference, so you may need to try a few before finding one your baby accepts.
When to Introduce a Dummy
If you’re breastfeeding, the AAP recommends waiting until breastfeeding is well established before introducing a dummy. This typically takes four to six weeks. Introducing one too early can interfere with your baby learning to latch properly. For formula-fed babies, there’s no need to wait.
Keeping Dummies Clean
A dummy that hits the floor, a tabletop, a car seat, or any other surface should be washed before going back into your baby’s mouth. A quick wipe on your shirt or a blow doesn’t cut it. Washing with hot water and soap is effective for everyday cleaning. For younger babies with developing immune systems, regular sterilising (by boiling or using a steam steriliser) adds extra protection. Check dummies regularly for cracks, tears, or stickiness, and replace them at the first sign of wear.
Safety Features to Look For
All dummies sold in regulated markets must meet safety standards. The shield (the flat piece that sits against your baby’s face) must be large enough that the entire dummy can’t fit into your baby’s mouth. It also needs ventilation holes so your baby can still breathe if the shield ends up pressed flat against their face. The teat must be firmly attached and able to withstand pulling. When buying a dummy, choose one that’s age-appropriate (most are labelled by age range) and avoid attaching it to a string or cord long enough to pose a strangulation risk.
Potential Downsides
Dummy use isn’t without trade-offs. The most well-documented concern is ear infections. Research shows the risk of middle ear infections is up to three times higher in babies who use dummies, with frequent users at greater risk than occasional ones. If your baby is prone to ear infections, limiting dummy use to sleep times can help.
Dental effects are the other major concern, and timing matters a lot here. Before age three, the impact on teeth and jaw alignment is generally minor and reversible. After that, the risks climb sharply. One study found that children who stopped using a dummy before age three had an open bite (where front teeth don’t meet) rate of about 19%, while those who continued past three had a rate of 65%. Another found that use beyond 18 months tripled the risk of open bite. Use extending to age four increased the likelihood of bite problems by 5 to 15 times. The consistent finding across research is that age three is the critical cutoff point.
Weaning Off the Dummy
Many children give up the dummy on their own. For those who don’t, dental experts suggest weaning by age three and certainly no later than four to five years. A gradual approach works best. Start by limiting the dummy to specific times, like sleep only, and keeping it out of sight during the day. This lets your child adjust to longer periods without it.
When you’re ready to phase it out completely, try reducing its role in the sleep routine step by step. For example, offer it every other time your child cries at night, then every third time, spacing it out over several days. Once your child is coping without it for longer stretches, set a date and remove it altogether. Marking the occasion with a small celebration or reward can help your child feel proud of the transition rather than deprived.
Expect some protest. Avoid starting the process during a period of stress or change, like a house move or a new sibling. And once you’ve committed, try not to turn back, as reintroducing and removing the dummy repeatedly can make the process harder.