Parent Library

Teething & Soothing

All Article Topics

Dummies & Breastfeeding: Tips & Advice

Many parents wonder if giving their baby a dummy will interfere with their breastfeeding journey. While there are some things to consider when it comes to using dummies while breastfeeding, it's important to remember that they don't have to be a barrier to a successful breastfeeding journey.  

Babies sometimes need additional comfort or reassurance, and that's where dummies can come in handy. With the right approach, you can safely use dummies to soothe your baby without compromising your milk supply or your breastfeeding routine.  

In this simple guide, we'll give you some practical tips and advice on how to use dummies when breastfeeding, so you can make informed decisions about what’s best for you and your baby.  

The benefits of breastfeeding 

It’s widely known that breastfeeding offers lots of benefits for both parents and babies.  

For babies, breast milk provides all the necessary nutrients, protects against infections, and supports healthy development. 

For parents, breastfeeding is free and convenient. It can also help to reduce the risk of postpartum depression and strengthen the bond with their baby.  

Understanding dummies 

Dummies (also known as pacifiers or soothers) are small, nipple-shaped objects that babies can suck on. 

They are often used to soothe babies and satisfy their sucking reflex, and babies with colic sometimes find comfort from sucking a soother in between feeds. 

While dummies can be a helpful tool for soothing babies, it's important to use them in moderation and ensure they don't interfere with your breastfeeding routine. A good approach is to offer the dummy primarily for comfort and sleep, rather than as a constant pacifier. 

Choosing the right dummy

Let’s run through some key things to consider when looking for a dummy for a breastfed baby. 

  • Choose lightweight, orthodontic, BPA-free soothers that look and feel like a breast.  
  • Dummies with a symmetrical, cylindrical teat help baby’s tongue elevate and cup, just like it does when breastfeeding.   
  • Make sure the dummy is the right size for your baby's age to ensure a comfortable fit.  
  • Dummies with ventilation holes in the shield help with airflow and reduce skin irritation.  
  • One-piece dummies are easier to clean. They're also less likely to break or come apart, which means fewer small parts that could be a choking hazard. 

Breastfeeding and dummies: What to consider 

If you are breastfeeding and decide to give your baby a dummy, you should wait until your baby’s breastfeeding schedule is well-established (usually at around 4 to 6 weeks old) before you introduce a soother into their routine.  

This is because there are some ways that a dummy can negatively impact breastfeeding. These include:  

  • Reducing breastfeeds: According to NCT, the use of dummies can decrease how often, as well as how long, babies are breastfed. 
  • Latching issues: Using a dummy may affect the way a baby latches to the breast when feeding. 
  • Nipple confusion: While some babies can easily transition between breast and a soother, the different sucking actions involved can sometimes lead to nipple confusion. This happens when a baby struggles to latch onto the breast properly due to the differences in shape, feel, and sucking requirements between the breast and a soother. Signs of nipple confusion may include fussiness at the breast, refusal to breastfeed, or pulling at the nipple.  
  • Breast milk supply issues: A dummy may change how often a baby breastfeeds, which can affect your breast milk supply. However, if you only offer your baby a dummy occasionally or when they fall asleep without missing their feeding cues, it’s unlikely that your breast milk supply will be affected.   

Balancing dummy use and breastfeeding 

If you notice any signs of nipple confusion or difficulty latching, it might help to limit or temporarily stop dummy use. This could be a sign that the baby is becoming confused between your nipple and their soother.  

Ultimately, the best approach is to find a balance that works for you and your baby and speak to a lactation consultant if you have any concerns. 

Tips for using dummies while breastfeeding

  1. Only introduce your baby to a dummy once breastfeeding is well established, and only give it to them to help them settle and fall asleep.
  2. Keep an eye out for your baby’s hunger cues and try breastfeeding them before trying to give them their dummy. Breastfed babies often want to comfort feed and use the breast as a way of self-soothing, even when they’re not hungry.
  3. Whenever possible, offer your comfort and support before using a dummy. Babies appreciate hugs, warmth, rocking, singing, skin-to-skin contact, and possibly extra sucking time if you're breastfeeding.
  4. Never force your baby to take a dummy.
  5. Speak to your midwife, GP or lactation consultant if you’re worried that using a dummy is negatively impacting your breastfeeding journey.

Sources