4 week old with dummy

[KellyC]

Hi All

I posted on the sleep forum a few days ago as I'm getting concerned that my 4 week old's dummy is becoming a prop.  The next day I tried shush/pat for his naps and it did the trick but last night when I tried to put him down I failed miserably and gave him his dummy - today I was so tired that I couldn't even be bothered to keep it away from him.

If I'm going to stop giving him his dummy then I need to be sure it's the right thing to do - is it cruel to do it now when he's so young and unable to self-soothe in any other way?  On the other hand I don't want to create a problem which is even more difficult to resolve at a later stage.

Thanks for your advice
Kelly

[mthyne]

Kelly,
I would let him use the dummy if it helps.  Some babies need to suckle to self-soothe and cannot get their fingers in their mouths.  My DS is 9 weeks and is just starting to spit out his dummy in search of his hands.  I've heard they may not master thumb-sucking until 3-5 months!  If it keeps him calm, let him have it.  Just make sure that is what he wants before giving it to him (rooting).  I know at night both my LOs have needed them to calm down.  And your LO is still so young!  Don't worry yet!
Melissa

[Hunter & Sithia's mom]

Hi Kelly:

At 4 weeks, I don't see it as a problem to give him the paci, especially if the paci is just used for naps.  

However, no it is not cruel to take it away now if you want to nip the addiction in the bud so to speak.  It is cruel to take it away for one sleep time, then return it for the next one, KWIM?  It's confusing.

If you do decide to take it away, and the gradual weaning doesn't work, go cold turkey and be consistent.

I hope that I haven't confused you.  Just to let you know, I started my son on a paci at 2 months or so (yes on purpose) as he really seemed to have a need to suck.  As I was BF'ing at the time, I refused to be his soother (DH couldn't understand why ... I even showed him my damaged nipples  :roll: )  I then took it away, with minimal fuss, at about 7-8 months old (I think), and was very lucky that pu/pd worked ... that time.

Do what you think is best and be consistent.  You are a great mom, and keep up the good work!!