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Parents biggest fear … Ditching the dummy!! BUT it doesn’t always have to be

Parents’ biggest fear… ditching the dummy!

BUT it doesn’t always have to be that way.

If you’re not ready to ditch the dummy, here are some gentle P2B tips to help your little one learn to manage it themselves.

✨ 1. Dummy play — yes, it’s a thing!

If we keep putting the dummy back in for our babies, how do they learn to do it on their own?

About 15 minutes before sleep time, try removing toys from the play mat and placing 6–10 dummies around your little one. Let them explore, play and practise bringing the dummy to their mouth.

I often say to parents — you don’t become a good runner by running once… you get better with practice. The same applies here! The more playtime they have with their dummy, the more confident and coordinated they become — and that leads to independent self-soothing. Winning!

✨ 2. Load the cot with dummies

Once your little one starts mastering the skill, place multiple dummies in the cot. Think about it — could you find one tiny object in a dark bed at night? For babies, one dummy in a cot is like us searching for something small in a queen-sized bed!

During settling, instead of placing the dummy straight into their mouth, try putting it in their hand and gently guiding their hand toward their mouth. This supports them learning the skill themselves.

And give them time…

When they stir overnight, try not to rush in for “dummy rescue” straight away. If they’re calm, allow them a moment to realise they’re awake and search for it themselves. Ask yourself — if they made that same noise during playtime, would you immediately step in?

✨ When can babies learn to self-insert?
Usually anywhere from around 4–6+ months — remembering every baby develops at their own pace, and hands need to be free during sleep.

The more opportunity they have to practise… the sooner they learn

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