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Dummies for toddlers

8 replies

Veruca · 07/05/2012 13:36

Dd is 22 months and still has a dummy. The only dummies she likes are mam dummies with the biggest size being 6+ months. Does anyone know if they are still safe for a toddler to use?

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Seona1973 · 07/05/2012 15:14

Mam do some for over 12months -mamonlineshop.com/acatalog/12__months_soothers.html

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insancerre · 07/05/2012 15:19

Dummies are not recommended for babies over 12 months because they can affect speech and language development. They can also affect the positioning of the milk teeth which can affect the positioning of the adult teeth.

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Seona1973 · 07/05/2012 15:23

Asda seem to sell them too

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Seona1973 · 07/05/2012 15:24

Lots of children have them for longer than that though - my niece and nephews had them until around the age of 5 with no speech/teeth problems

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insancerre · 07/05/2012 15:30

I know they do, I've seen lots with dummies. It's the official guidelines though from speech and language therapists.
it actually says 6 months here

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Veruca · 07/05/2012 15:37

Would 6+ month ones from mam pose a choking hazard to a 22 month old?

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Seona1973 · 07/05/2012 15:39

depends if she can fit the whole thing in her mouth. The ones with a higher age have a bigger teat and guard

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insancerre · 07/05/2012 15:40

no, they are not choking hazards

"There are a number of disadvantages associated with the use of dummies, most of which impact upon the child's speech and language development. The many critics of dummy use include the World Health Organisation which says that dummy use may encourage the child and mother to stop breast feeding earlier than is in the best interests of the child. Other concerns raised by various professional groups include the increased risk of:

stomach and mouth infections;
middle ear infections (otitis media). This is due to the fact that sucking opens the Eustachian tube, which links the nose and middle ear, and this can allow bacteria into the middle ear from the nasal area;
dental problems such as open bite and cross bite;
overdevelopment of the muscles at the front of the mouth compared to those at the back of the mouth which may lead to a persistent tongue thrust and further effect placement of the teeth;
reduced babbling and experimentation with sounds. When a baby or young child has a dummy in their mouth they are less likely to copy sounds adults make or to attempt to babble and play with sounds themselves. This is important in the development of speech skills."

Doesn't mention choking

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