Dummies and thumb sucking

Key messages: 

• Not all babies need a dummy but if your baby does, try to limit their use to when you feel they need it most
• Frequent use of a dummy or thumb-sucking can cause a gap in the top front teeth, where the teeth move to make space for the dummy/thumb. This is called an open bite and can be seen in the image below:

• Your child's speech development can also be affected by frequent use of a dummy or thumb sucking
• Don't dip dummies in anything sweet, such as sugar or jam
• Never suck your baby’s dummy to ‘clean’ it as this will spread germs between you and your baby. Keep a spare instead