When to change your baby’s dummy size: a practical guide

In a child’s development, the dummy plays an essential role. It provides comfort and wellbeing for the very young. However, it is important to know when to change the dummy size to ensure your baby’s safety and hygiene. In this article, we give you some tips on identifying the right time and the criteria to take into account.

Signs that it is time to change your baby’s dummy size

Several clues can help you determine whether your baby’s current dummy is no longer suited to their mouth.

Here are some of the signs worth paying attention to:

Marks around the mouth: If you notice that the dummy is leaving marks or redness on your baby’s skin, this may be a sign that the shield (the circular part that sits around the teat) is too small.

The teat fits entirely in the mouth: When the whole teat is swallowed up in the baby’s mouth, this is an alarm signal. It is urgent to move up a size to avoid any risk of choking.

The dummy falls out frequently: Another sign is how often the dummy falls out of the baby’s mouth. If this happens often, it may indicate that the teat is too small and is not staying in place properly.

Criteria for choosing the right dummy size

To determine the ideal dummy size for your child, several factors should be taken into account:

The child’s age

The first criterion to consider is your baby’s age. Generally, manufacturers offer dummy sizes suited to different age ranges:

First size: from birth to approximately 6 months

Second size: from 6 months to approximately 18 months

Third size: from 18 months onwards

These indications are given as a guide, and it is important to monitor your child’s development to adjust the size if necessary.

The child’s build

As every child is different, it is important to take their build into account. If your baby has a rather wide mouth, or conversely a very narrow one, they may need to move up a size more quickly than expected, or vice versa.

The child’s preferences

Finally, it is essential to respect your baby’s preferences. Some children adapt better to certain shapes or materials of teat. It is therefore important to observe your child and take their reactions into account when choosing the dummy that suits them best.

Problems associated with an ill-fitting dummy

It is essential to ensure that the dummy size is well suited to your baby, as one that is too small or too large can lead to various consequences:

Risks to dental health: A teat that is too small or poorly positioned can cause dental development problems, such as misaligned teeth or jaw issues.

Discomfort for the baby: A poorly fitting dummy can cause discomfort for the child, who will struggle to keep it in their mouth and will feel less soothed.

A choking risk: As mentioned previously, if the teat is too small and fits entirely in the baby’s mouth, this represents a potential choking hazard.

In conclusion, it is vital to pay attention to the signs indicating that it is time to change your baby’s dummy size. Also remember to consider the criteria of age, build, and preferences to offer your child a dummy that is both suitable and safe.