Did you know? Comforters/Dummies

Parents who have "given in" and offered their child a dummy/comforter, often feel guilty when they try to discourage the soothing habit which they offered their child. Well, here are some good reasons why you should discourage the use of this "soothing" equipment;-

1) Toddlers using dummies/comforters, are 3 times more likely to develop ear infections.

2) 50% of all children using them are sent for Speech and Language therapy.

3) Children who use dummies/comforters tend to speak from the back of their mouths so the "t" sound becomes "k"

4) Children who use dummies/comforters often do not try to chat to other children as readily as those who don't use them.

5)  Sucking a comforter/dummy can lead to overcrowding of the front teeth even when the said object is supposed to be "orthodontic".


For parents who have discovered that their child is more easily quieted and soothed by sucking on a comforter/dummy, you may find it helpful to know that you can limit their use by;-

1) Only allow the child to suck until they are calm. Once the child is calm remove the comforter.

2) Do not allow your child to fall asleep sucking this.Particularly if you have a small baby who sucks as a soothing mechanism. If the comforter falls out, baby wakes and needs this replaced. Better to learn to soothe themselves without it.

3) Use a big event, birthday/Christmas, to tell your child you know that they are now big enough not to need this anymore. Make an event of removing all comforters from your home. Reward this progress with a treat. Time one to one doing something fun, a magazine or a special toy.

Toddlers won't be keen to stop using a comforter, so prepare yourself by choosing a time when you have plenty of support. Tell other carers so that they can support you and your child. Prepare yourself for protest, and decide in advance what you will do, when you are faced with it.

Six problems using a dummy/comforter can cause.

On average, half of the toddlers who are using a dummy, are 3 times more likely to have ear infections and will require speech and language therapy.
Children who have had a dummy/comforter for too long are at greater risk of;-

1) Upper and lower front and back teeth not meeting properly, or they become overcrowded at the front of the mouth.
2) Tooth decay in the front teeth in particular.
3) Incorrect tounge position which affects swallowing and may be linked to developmental and speech problems.
4) Breathing through the mouth rather than the nose.
5) Speech sound problems which the child may not "grow out of" but may require speech and language therapy to correct. ("T" becomes "K")
6) Glue ear causing hearing problems so again language development is more difficult.

The dummy/ comforter may be useful in the early months. Use it appropriately by using it selectively, after a feed.
Wean your child off using this by no later than 10-12 months.
Never put sugar or other sweet tasting substances on a dummy/comforter.

If you need advice and support in getting rid of the dummy,
Contact Dream-Angus.com