Parenting, Toddler

“But my toddler wants their dummy back…” 

When a newborn arrives, there are lots of baby “things” that older siblings suddenly want again — nappies, bottles… and yes, the dummy too.

It can feel harsh to say no, but just like you wouldn’t hand back nappies or bottles, the same thinking can apply to the dummy.

Ditching the dummy isn’t about being strict — it’s about supporting your child’s development.

✨ Why do many families choose to move on from the dummy?

• Anything placed in the mouth that isn’t part of natural feeding can influence oral development over time. Using a dummy during sleep carries similar considerations to daytime use.

• Prolonged dummy use can contribute to increased mouth breathing. While it may sound harmless, mouth breathing has been linked with irritability, sleep disturbances, oral health concerns and more.

• Extended use may also impact speech and language development. Changes in mouth shape, tongue positioning and reduced opportunities to practise sounds can sometimes delay communication skills.

So while saying goodbye to the dummy can feel tough, many families choose to do it for developmental reasons — not simply because they want to.

Just some gentle food for thought from P2B

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