From observing my SILs kids ( without dummy) and a friends (with dummy), and also a few episodes of Supernanny () I think I will use dummies on my future kids because:

1) You can eventually say 'goodbye' to the dummy and get rid of it, while the thumb is attached! My niece is over 5 and still sucks her thumb constantly, no matter how they try to get her to stop.

2) Thumb sucking may cause teeth problems (supernanny ep showed girl with thumb-shaped gap between her top and bottom teeth, which was the exact shape of thumb!) inc pushing teeth outwards...


Downsides to the dummy - if it falls out and wakes baby... and having to always make sure that you have one around!!


But I'm interested to hear some opinions!!