Dummies in Preschool

While dummies and comforters have many benefits for young babies there is some evidence that they can cause preschool aged children some issues. The NHS recommend children give up their dummy around 12 months old and not to use them during the daytime.

When using a dummy it can be a barrier for babies to babble and experiment with sound and may delay some young children’s speech and sound development. Dummies can also increase the risk of children developing middle ear problems such as glue ear.

When  children start preschool we ask parents not to send dummies in or hide them in pockets or bags as it is not good practice. We want what is best for your child and will support you with ways to help your child give their dummy up. One of the things we suggest is  at Christmas time they could give their dummy to the baby reindeers. If they hang them on the tree on Christmas Eve Santa will collect them. Or at Easter time give them to the baby bunnies and the Easter Rabbit may leave them a gift. We are always available to give you ideas so please do not hesitate to ask.

Here are some links which you might find useful, one thing they all have in common is by the age of 2 to 3 years children should have given up their dummy:

Top tips from Bounty

BBC Tiny Happy People Dummies Video

The Dummy Debate

Managing Dummy use to prevent speech issues

NHS Help your baby learn to talk

Dummies – what you need to know

Ditch the dummy and the bottle