Even before we had left hospital, I had people commenting on my decision to use a dummy to settle my newborn. My argument was that I didn’t want her to suffer, and sucking is a great way for babies to settle. Plus, if I didn’t use a dummy the baby would eventually find their thumb, and a thumb is not orthodontically designed and is harder to wean a child from. How many five and six year olds do you see still sucking a dummy? Not many. But I know plenty of older children who still suck their thumbs – awake or asleep. Admittedly, there are children who use dummies well into their preschool years, but you don’t often see them out and about using them.

Like everything else, using a dummy is a personal decision that should not be frowned upon by others (especially those who aren’t yet parents). How a parent settles their child is like how they decide to feed, discipline or entertain them. It is a personal choice that should be supported by all who are in the baby’s life. Parenting is a hard enough job without having to defend your use of a dummy!