I have a friend who has not used a dummy ever and her little one doesn't need to suck to settle. So I think it is down to a combination of what kind of child you have, what kind of patience you and partner have and how prepared you are to try and prevent the dummy/thumbsucking.

I mentioned in my previous post that I wasn't prepared to be DS's dummy. That is purely because I just felt suffocated and a loss of independence from him being constantly attached or with my finger in his mouth, not because I was afraid of him forming bad habits. But that is purely a personal choice. Just like I loved having him in the sling and with me (kind of contradicts what I just said though ) but I know others that just needed the physical space and so couldn't stand a sling or carrier of any kind. We all have different levels of tolerance so as always - we as mothers know what is best for our baby!!