If your baby uses a dummy, you might find yourself wondering what to do when bedtime comes around. Do you sneak it away and give it back in the morning? Or do you let them keep it in while they snooze?

In this guide we’ll answer some of the most asked questions including can babies sleep with dummies, do dummies reduce SIDS, can breastfed babies have dummies and what dummies to buy for nighttime.

Can my baby sleep with a dummy at night? 

Yes, your baby can sleep with a dummy. If it helps them settle during the day, chances are it’ll help them nod off at night too. Some babies find comfort in sucking, and a dummy can be a great way for them to self-soothe.

If the dummy falls out during the night, don’t worry, there’s no need to put it back in unless your baby is unsettled. You don’t need to keep reinserting it unless they clearly want it back.

Do dummies reduce SIDS? 

One reason some parents choose to use a dummy at night is the potential link with a reduced risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). According to the NHS, using a dummy when settling your baby to sleep might lower the risk of SIDS, although they state the evidence is not strong.

If you do offer a dummy, it’s best to wait until breastfeeding is fully established (more on that below) and make sure you:

• Don’t force your baby to take a dummy if they don’t want it.
• Never coat it in anything sweet.
• Replace it regularly, especially if there are any signs of wear and tear.

What about breastfed babies? 

If you're breastfeeding, the NHS recommends holding off on offering a dummy until breastfeeding is well established. That’s usually by around four to six weeks. This is because sucking on a dummy is different to breastfeeding, and introducing one too early could affect your baby’s latch or feeding pattern.

It’s also worth knowing that according to the NHS, breastfeeding your baby also reduces the risk of SIDS, so if you’re feeding this way, you’re already doing something protective.

What dummies should I buy?

If your baby likes having a dummy at night, you might want to try our night dummies. They’re made with a glow-in-the-dark handle so you can find them easily in the middle of the night, no need to switch the big light on or feel around in the dark like a game of ‘where’s the dummy?’. Ours come in lots of colours and sizes, so you can choose the right one for your little one and spot it easily at 3am…