Give me all the info on dummies

[boomba]

ok DS1 never had a dummy he had me lol
DS2 likes to go into his cradle alone and suck to sleep, he also screams in the car so wew got him a dummy eeek!

so i need to everything about dummies! I have no idea what to do like when and how many times to sterlise them, go to the next size up etc

Thanks :-)

[spooky]

I use happy baby as they don't hug the mouth and trap dribble. Also cheap and readily available.

DS1 gave his to santa (white ones) so now DS2 is the only one who has them (blue ones), and he will be giving his to Santa at the end of the year. The dummies are for bedtime only, unless he hurts himself and needs to be calmed down.

We are in the unusual situation where after a bout in hospital at 4 months old DS2 refused the dummy (YAY) but then we reintroduced it at 8 months just so I could get some sleep. Best thing I ever did as I was waking up to settle him every hour or so.

[Traveller]

go by the age guidance on the dummy packet, and just try different shapes. He will soon let you know if he dislikes the size or shape you have given him. If he is using his dummy a lot replace it every month or so or if it looks worn.

As for sterlising...I never sterilised my kids dummies, and being twins they often shared dummies. I would wash them daily in hot water, but because they are not being exposed to food in the same sense that bottles are I never saw the point in sterilising.

[boomba]

Thanks guys!

Yeah we have been using the happy baby ones as it says they are natural latex...I didnt want any icky bpa stuff in his mouth

Traveller I havent sterilised them yet just under hot water like you said...plus I ma sure DS1 sucks them who knows why and then give it to DS2????
x

[BekZ]

Boomba - The type and shape of a dummy is personal preference. My girls always liked the orthodontic narrow dummies over the cherry/ball shape. If you want an eco style dummy that is free of nasties google natures child. Eva is not a dummy bub at all, she only wants boob

As for sterilizing I would just wash in mild soapy water, rinse well and then pour boiling water of the top.

[ubba82]

About once a week I put Ruby's dummy in the kettle and boil it to clean it, otherwise I just wash it under the tap.

[Party-of-five]

All mine have had dummies i think they are a life saver lol both DD's have the happy baby steam and go silicone cherry dummies they only come in two sizes new born to 6months and then 6months plus. I like the silicone ones because i find fluff and stuff doesnt stick to them like the brown ones.I just wash them in hot soapy water too

[widdly]

DS only took the Happy Baby cherry latex ones. I was told not to bother sterilising them. If you use Milton to sterilise dummies it kills all the good bacteria in the mouth adn bub can get thrush. If you uuse steam steriliser the dummy will go flat. I never ever sterilised DS dummies, just gave them a wash when I washed the bottles.

[Saffi]

Amber - can I hijack your thread??

My bubs is 6 months and I am looking to introduce a dummy as I am currently her human dummy IYKWIM. Any ideas on how to introduce an older baby to the dummy?

We used the Avent ones when L was younger and then Tommee Tippee /Happy Baby ones. We stopped using the Avent as they tended to fall out a lot and as they are made of a hard plastic he would wake with the sound of the plastic ring hitting the shield part. I used to boil L's dummies on the stove but after a while just washed them in the sink in washing liquid.

[Party-of-five]

Saffi- don't know if it applys to you because your baby is older but in hospital the midwife said if we where breastfeeding and using a dummy the happy baby cherry latex ones in a big size where the best .