Speech and Language Therapy
Date of issue: November 2023
Date reviewed: xxx
Review due: xxx
If review date has passed, the content will apply until the next version is published.
What you need to know
Dummies can be a life saver when baby is tired, upset or ill but...
Always try to find out why a child is upset and use the dummy as a last resort.
Dummies are not recommended after 6 months and certainly shouldn’t be needed beyond 12 months.
- Overuse of dummies can lead to difficulties with speech.
- They can change the position of the teeth and obstruct tongue movements which makes sounds difficult to say.
- Dummies inhibit talking — remember babies need lots of babbling practice before they will learn to use words
Remember
Don’t encourage speaking with a dummy in the mouth.
Don‘t dip the dummy in sugar!
Watch this
https://bumps2bairns.com/dummies/
Advice line
You can call our Advice Line for more information
Thursdays between 10am and 12noon
East Fife: 01592 717569
West Fife: 01592 645234
Accessible formats
If you require this information in a community language or alternative format such as Braille, audio, large print, BSL, or Easy Read, please contact the Equality and Human Rights Team at: email: fife.EqualityandHumanRights@nhs.scot or phone 01592 729130. For people with a hearing or verbal impairment you can also contact the team through the NHS Fife SMS text service number on 07805800005.
