When the Dummy Starts Calling the Shots at 2am
Let’s talk about one of the biggest baby sleep debates. The dummy.
Some swear by it. Others avoid it completely. And many parents are stuck wondering: Is using a dummy helping or hurting my baby’s sleep?
As a holistic baby sleep consultant I’ve seen firsthand how dummies can be both a sleep saver and a source of frustration. Let’s unpack the truth about when they work, when they don’t, and how to use them without creating long-term sleep struggles.
Why Some Babies Sleep Better with a Dummy
For many little ones, sucking is deeply soothing. It can help regulate their nervous system and provide comfort when they’re overtired, teething, or transitioning between sleep cycles.
Benefits of using a dummy for sleep:
Helps babies settle more easily for naps and bedtime
May reduce night wakings by aiding self-soothing
Can lower the risk of SIDS when used safely during sleep (as recommended by Plunket and the AAP)
Offers comfort in new or stressful environments
That said, not every baby needs or wants one and that’s completely fine, too.
When (and How) to Introduce a Dummy
If you’re breastfeeding, it’s best to wait until feeding is well established, usually around 2–4 weeks of age, before offering a dummy. This helps prevent nipple confusion and ensures your baby’s hunger cues remain clear. When you do introduce it, offer the dummy when settling for naps or bedtime only, so it becomes part of a consistent sleep association rather than an all-day comfort tool.
The Dummy Dilemma: When It Becomes a Problem
Around 4–6 months, some parents notice that their baby begins to wake frequently at night, not from hunger, but because the dummy has fallen out. If you’re playing “dummy fetch” ten times a night, it may be time to reassess.
It’s not that the dummy is bad, it’s simply become a sleep association your baby relies on to resettle.
Weaning Off the Dummy
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but these two methods are the most effective:
The Cold Turkey Method
Stop offering the dummy altogether. Collect all the dummies in the house and hide them or bin them. Expect a few unsettled nights while your baby adjusts, but consistency pays off quickly and most babies adapt within 2–5 days.
The Gradual Wean
Reduce dummy use over time by limiting it to naps or bedtime only, then eventually phasing it out altogether. You can also try removing it once your baby is asleep to reduce dependency.
Clare’s Tip:
If your little one is old enough to understand simple cause and effect (generally around 2.5/3yrs or older), consider a “dummy fairy” story or a special goodbye ritual. It helps them feel in control of the change.
The Role of Comfort and Connection
When removing a dummy, it’s important to replace it with another form of comfort. For example a gentle hand on the chest, a consistent bedtime song, or a special sleep phrase.
Babies thrive on connection and reassurance, especially when something familiar changes.
Final Thoughts
There’s no right or wrong choice when it comes to using a dummy, only what works best for your baby and your family.
Some babies sleep beautifully with one; others never take to it.
If you’re struggling with dummy dependence or night wakings, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Need Expert Baby Sleep Support in Wellington, NZ?
If you’re stuck in the dummy dilemma (or just tired of second-guessing every sleep decision), I can help. Together, we’ll create a sleep routine that works with your baby, not against them, so everyone can rest easier.
Let’s bring balance, confidence, and calm back to your nights.
➡️ Book your Wellington baby sleep consult today.
I’ve got you,
Clare
Your Baby Sleep Expert