A dummy, known as a pacifier in the United States, is a small rubber or silicone nipple attached to a shield that babies suck on for comfort. It’s not used for feeding. Babies are born with a strong sucking reflex, and many are happiest when they’re sucking on something even when they’re not hungry. A dummy gives them a way to do that safely.
Why Babies Use Dummies
Sucking is one of the earliest reflexes babies develop. Some babies even suck their thumbs before they’re born. Beyond nutrition, sucking has a genuinely calming effect on the nervous system, which is why a dummy can settle a fussy baby when nothing else seems to work.
Beyond basic soothing, dummies serve a few specific purposes. They can help lessen pain during procedures like vaccinations or blood tests, ease discomfort during flights when pressure changes bother tiny ears, and provide a short-term distraction during unsettled periods. Many parents find that a dummy helps their baby fall asleep more easily, too.
One of the more significant benefits is a reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Offering a dummy at nap time and bedtime is recommended by pediatric health organizations for exactly this reason. The protective mechanism isn’t fully understood, but the association is strong enough that it’s part of standard safe sleep guidance.
When to Introduce a Dummy
If you’re breastfeeding, the general recommendation is to wait until breastfeeding is well established before offering a dummy. That usually takes about three to four weeks. The risk of a baby becoming confused between a nipple and a dummy is highest in the first two weeks of nursing, when both parent and baby are still learning the mechanics of latching and feeding.
If you’re formula feeding from the start, there’s no need to wait. You can offer a dummy whenever your baby seems to want it. One important rule: don’t use a dummy to replace or delay a feeding. Only offer it when you’re confident your baby isn’t hungry. And if your baby doesn’t want it, don’t force it.
Silicone vs. Latex
Dummies come in two main materials, and each has trade-offs worth understanding.
- Natural rubber latex is soft and flexible, closely resembling the feel of skin. Babies often accept it more readily because of that softness. The downside is that latex ages. UV light, saliva, and heat all break it down over time, and the nipple can stretch or expand with heavy use. Latex dummies should be scalded (not boiled) for cleaning and replaced every four to six weeks. Because it’s a natural material, slight color variation between dummies is normal. Some babies have latex allergies, so watch for any reaction.
- Silicone is a synthetic, hypoallergenic material that’s odorless and taste-neutral. It’s firmer than latex, holds its shape well, doesn’t age, and can withstand high temperatures for easy sterilization. Silicone dummies last longer, but they’re not as soft. They’re free of BPA, PVC, and phthalates.
Neither material is categorically better. Many parents try both and let their baby decide which texture they prefer.
Choosing the Right Size
Most dummies are labeled by age range, something like 0 to 6 months or 6 to 18 months. These categories are convenient, but they’re not especially scientific. Pacifier nipple sizes range from about 12.5 mm to 25.0 mm, and research has found that age-based sizing doesn’t actually track with how babies’ mouths grow. Two babies the same age can have very different mouth dimensions.
Why does this matter? A dummy that’s too small for your baby’s mouth can put pressure on the palate in the wrong places, potentially contributing to bite problems. The shield (the flat part that rests against the face) matters too. If it’s too restrictive, it can press against the face during sucking and interfere with normal jaw development.
As a practical approach, start with the size recommended for your baby’s age and watch how it fits. The nipple should sit comfortably in the mouth without your baby straining, and the shield should rest flat against the face without being sucked inward. If something looks off, try a different size or shape. Some newer tools, including phone apps, attempt to match dummy size to a baby’s actual facial measurements rather than relying on age alone.
Effects on Teeth and When to Stop
Short-term dummy use during infancy is not a dental concern. The problems start when use continues for years. Prolonged sucking puts steady pressure on developing teeth and jaws, and orthodontists have documented bone changes as early as 18 months in heavy users.
The specific issues that can develop include protruding front teeth (which can make it hard to close the lips comfortably and increase the risk of dental injury), open bite (where the upper and lower teeth don’t overlap when the mouth is closed, affecting swallowing and speech), and crossbite (where upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, potentially causing lopsided jaw growth).
Most children naturally stop using a dummy between ages two and four. If your child is between three and four and still attached to theirs, one practical weaning trick from the American Association of Orthodontists is to snip the tip of the rubber nipple with scissors. This breaks the suction seal and removes the satisfying sensation, making the dummy less appealing without a dramatic cold-turkey moment.
Cleaning and Replacement
For babies under twelve months, dummies should be sterilized regularly. Silicone dummies can be boiled or run through a steam sterilizer. Latex dummies should be scalded with hot water rather than boiled, since boiling degrades the rubber faster.
Check the dummy before each use by giving the nipple a firm pull and looking for cracks, tears, or sticky spots. Babies can choke on loose bits of material, so any sign of wear means it’s time for a new one. Even if it looks fine, replace dummies every four to six weeks as a baseline. If your baby is diagnosed with thrush or any oral infection, replace the dummy immediately to avoid reinfection.
Safety Basics
Never tie a dummy to your baby’s crib, neck, or hand. Cords and ribbons pose a serious strangulation risk. Dummy clips that attach to clothing are designed to be short enough to avoid this danger, but they should still be removed before placing your baby in a crib or bassinet for sleep.
Look for a dummy with a shield wide enough that it can’t fit entirely into your baby’s mouth, and make sure the shield has ventilation holes. One-piece construction (where the nipple, shield, and handle are molded together) is safer than multi-piece designs, since there are no small parts to come loose. If the dummy falls out after your baby falls asleep, there’s no need to put it back in.