Well MIles still puts his fingers in his mouth, but for some reason the dummy helps him fall to sleep better (I wrestle his fingers out of his mouth, pop the dummy in and then sort of swaddle him to keep his hands away)...I would be very happy if he fell asleep sucking his fingers/thumb but it seems to keep him awake. Good to know that if he does eventually prefer to suck his thumb that I won't worry about him doing that. I agree it would be easier than buying dummies!