Introducing a dummy to a baby is different for everyone.

Some babies are attracted to it in an instant while others take time to love it. Here are some tips for making the introduction more successful:

• Let your baby guide your decision
  If they take to it straight away, great. But if they resist, don’t force it. You can try again another time. 
• Offer the dummy at the right time, not when your baby is upset or hungry
  It sounds counterintuitive but for the first time, it helps to offer the dummy when your baby is calm and relaxed. Do not force the dummy in when your baby is upset and don’t replace a feeding session by giving your baby a dummy as this will upset them.
• Another great time to try is before sleep
  Either before bedtime or even a nap. A sleepy baby may find sucking very soothing and assist them to fall asleep. It is also believed that dummy use before sleeping time may help protect the baby against SIDs.
• Introduce gradually
  Slowly and gently offer your baby the dummy. You can tickle their lips gently with the nipple until they open their mouth to explore the teat. Never try to force it into their mouth.
• Positioning is key
  If your baby allows you to place the dummy in their mouth but they keep popping it out there is a trick to get them to suck on it. At the back of a baby’s mouth there is a spot where the soft palate meets the hard palate where a sucking reflex is triggered when anything touches it. Essentially, it’s between the roof of their mouth (hard palate) and the movable part at the back of their throat (soft palate). This is where you should aim the dummy.
• If all else fails you can add a familiar taste
  Some babies are more likely to take to a dummy if they can taste milk droplets on it. This tip is not for ongoing use but to simply introduce a dummy. Never put honey or other sweeteners on the dummy as they can cause decay.
• Try different teats
  A very large round teat dummy is often recommended. Midwives have suggested that a large teat (one that some parents might think looks too big for their tiny baby) often has greater success as they are able to hold it in and the size is closer to the large amount of nipple they actually take in their mouth. Many parents have also had success with an orthodontic style so if your baby doesn’t take to the round it’s worth trying an orthodontic dummy.

Be patient and try for 3-4 days as some babies take time to warm to a dummy and as a parent it’s amazing to have such a great comforting tool available to you.

Getting your baby used to a dummy is even better with natural alternatives! Not only they have greater durability and are more sustainable, natural dummies can imitate the feeling of breastfeeding, increasing the chances of a smooth transition for you and your baby.

Have you checked our range of eco-friendly biodegradable Natural Rubber Soothers? 

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