What's the Big Issue About a Dummy?

I never really planned on using a dummy! I wanted to be able to power through and not let my daughter rely on one, but at just two days old, I completely caved and gave my daughter dummy. It was so awful to hear her cries her sobs and feeling completely useless! Being a first time mum is hard, perhaps I could have stuck it out, but do you know what I don't care and I don't regret giving her one. My daughter soon settled, she laid peacefully in her Moses basket, happily sucking away. Finally, she was happy, she was content, I felt as if I had actually accomplished soothing her with a little help of course. So what's the big issue with using a dummy?


I don't know what it is but there seems to be a huge stigma with using a dummy. So many people judge and make comments. Some people have even made comments that using a dummy shows your weakness as parent, oh come on. Do we all have to be in competition with another. As if we haven't got enough to try and figure out as new parents. I then came home, told myself not to listen to someone else's negative comments, I will do what I think is right. My husband and I have fought really hard to become presents and I need to have more faith in myself and know that I can do this, with or without a dummy. Even David Beckham has been criticised for giving his four year old a dummy! Some many people who like to call themselves 'experts' have jumped on the band wagon to try and criticise the Beckham's parenting skills. So much so, making awful suggestions that it could cause developmental issues. I'm not here to say there is no truth to their claims but what I am here to say is who has the right to actually judge other parents and their parenting skills, we are too quick to judge these days.


We have to think that despite the judgemental comments, it is just a dummy!

I cannot help feel as if I need to try and make a point, perhaps more of a moan. But it's something that I do feel very strongly about. No one has the right to judge other parents! We are all trying our best and this whole parenting thing is a continuous learning curve and something that not everyone can understand, unfortunately. My daughter has a dummy, and as you know people have already been making comments about it, at first I was bothered but now, I actually don't care. I actually read somewhere that you are supposed to take a dummy away at around 12 months old, some even go as far to suggest that there is no need to soothe a baby with a dummy after 4 months. Seriously are these 'experts' even parents? Not unless you have a patience of a saint and don't like to go to sleep! My daughter is thirteen month old and still has a dummy and quite frankly I don't care what people think if she has it or not. But it helps to soothe her, keep her content, it's her comfort and I do have to say she looks pretty adorable. I don't think there is an age limit of when to take a child's dummy away, just do what is right for you and your child. I will know when the time is right for my daughter, I am hoping she will be able to tell me she's ready and when she does I know I will be ready too!

So do you use a dummy with your child? If so, what do you think about the issues about dummies? If you don't I'd love to hear your thoughts?

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9 comments

  1. It's such a tough one. I too have used dummies with two of our 5. I think they get criticised for the impact they can have on establishing breastfeeding. I think the best 'advice' is to do what works for your family though and I will always stand by that! the two of ours that had them were no more or less content than the ones who didn't but I wonder if they would have been different without them!

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  2. Yes that is exactly my feelings. There is no right or wrong answer just do what you think is best for your baby as you know them better than anyone. x

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  3. I was sworn against dummy's too but by the end of the first week we had given him one and I would 100% do it again. We said goodbye to dummy's at 18 months and he was totally fine about it

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    1. I am thinking that around 18 months is a good time to start...well I say that now lol. But I would use dummies again if I was to have another. Thank you for your comment x

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  4. I was adamant I wouldn't let my girls use a dummy, but they're three now and still use them! It's not like they'll still be sucking on a dummy when they're 18 and they don't have it all the time! Thanks for linking up to the #BinkyLinky

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  5. If it works for your child who is to judge great post thanks for linking to the Binkylinky

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  6. I love this link up so thankyou. So many great comments and feedback. #binkylinky

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  7. What a great read. I was told by midwives at 3 weeks old to use a dummy as he was a 'sucky' baby (i bottle fed) He still has it now and Elliott is 14 months, like you i am not fussed if he has it or not, but now he tend to have it when sleeping! I think they are a god send! Thanks for sharing! Suz x beauisblue.com

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  8. I think that dummies are a god send too. My Amelia only has it for sleeping or when she's is not feeling herself. Thank you for your comment x

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