Dummies?

**Queen** · 05-05-2008 17:37

I am coping alot of flack about DD's dummy, she is 2.5yo

and I am wondering how old your child was when they got rid of it, and did they did it on their own?

I am hoping

for a self wean, as I do not want to take it, but in saying that I do not want her to be four (my choice) and still have it.

Okay so forgot the poll

tell me anyways

**workin'mumof2** · 05-05-2008 17:41

ds gave his up at 9months coz he got a cold and couldnt breath.. havent looked back since..

sister took the dummy off her son at 20months and he found his thumb instead..

so id rather a self wean coz u cant take there thumb off

**Chunkydunks** · 05-05-2008 17:49

DS was 3 when he gave up the dummy. We went out and bought a special new snuggle time friend to replace his "pipet". Worked a treat. I've know 4 and 5 year olds with dummies so don't be too worried. Research shows as long as they give up the dummy or thumb before their adult teeth start coming through no perminant damage should be done. And they are more likely to give up the dummy before that than the thumb.

**Queen** · 05-05-2008 18:15

I am worried about her taking to her thumb, hence why she still has her pipes

**samsgirls** · 05-05-2008 18:21

Rowie, I wouldn't worry about it mate. My DD1 weaned herself off it a few months ago, and she is 3. But, we were encorouging her to leave it on her bed when she was awake, and it got to the stage where she would give it to us when she woke up, or put it up herself, and she was around 2-2 and a half when we started that. If it helps your DD sleep or is a comforter, i would let her have it longer. It is ultiimately up to u.

**Roxy** · 05-05-2008 18:26

DD was 4.5yrs and DS's are going when "he's a big 4 boy" (so shortly, given that he's 4 at the end of next month).

Until about 5, their jaws and teeth are still very soft, and as long as the dums go by around 4-5 then there *shouldn't* be too many long lasting effects from the dummy.

The main problem that dummies cause is the opening up and slight flattening of the palate, but that will return to normal within 3-6 months of the dummy going - as long as the child is still young (so under 5). That's what my kids paediatric dentist told me anyway - and given that he specialises in taking care of children's teeth and has for over 20 years, I trust him.

**Chunkydunks** · 05-05-2008 18:30

Thats about the info I was given. My DS's teeth are nice and straight now. No gap at all like there used to be.

**Roxy** · 05-05-2008 18:35

There was a really noticeable difference in my DD's teeth too Kirsty - within 3 months you could not tell that she'd ever had a dummy.

She has a big gap between her front teeth at the moment - but it's purely because her face and jaw has grown and her teeth are now too little for her mouth. But, given that she's only 6, they'll fall out soon anyway!

**Grizabella** · 05-05-2008 18:53

I am copping flack about DS1's dummy too. He is 3 soon but I wanted him to self wean - and am getting annoyed with people (family and strangers) telling him he is "too big" I figure if he didn't need it he wouldn't use it. But I am encouraging him just to have it for sleeps.

**MountainGirl** · 05-05-2008 19:14

DD is 3.5yrs and still has her "tun-tun' to sleep,. I don't care,.. it comforts her,....and ensures we get a good night sleep,...... She will surely get rid of it before she turns 18