Types of dummies
Advantages & disadvantages of using a dummy
Things to consider when using a dummy
Some parents like the idea of their baby using a dummy (or 'pacifier') and will encourage its use, or find it is an effective way to settle their baby. For parents whose baby is premature, a dummy is often something that is used in the intensive care nursery, to help satisfy their baby's need to suck, before they are able to start on the breast or bottle feeds. (It has actually been shown that premature babies who suck a dummy, can shorten the time they spend in the intensive care nursery. (This is because they learn to develop their immature sucking reflex faster, helping them to feed more readily, once they are well enough.)
However, most caregivers will advise breastfeeding mothers of healthy newborns against introducing a dummy to their baby for at least the first few weeks after the birth (especially while they are learning to latch). This is because the sucking actions of breastfeeding, when compared to a dummy (or bottle feeding) are very different. If a dummy is introduced too soon, some breastfeeding babies can end up with what is called 'nipple confusion'. This is where the baby finds it hard to swap from the sucking action needed for the dummy, to the milking action needed to breastfeed. 'Nipple confusion' can lead to breastfeeding difficulties, because it is taking longer for the baby to learn how the latch onto their mother's breasts correctly. This is explained in more depth in
suckling on the breast.
The other problem with dummies is that they can become overused by mothers in an effort to try and 'stretch out' breastfeeds (or in the belief that their baby is not really hungry, just wants to suck).