Baby Dummies & Dummy Clips

Dummies, also known as pacifiers or soothers, are designed to comfort babies by letting them suckle. Typically made from rubber or silicone, they have a nipple-like shape and are often paired with dummy clips to keep them handy and off the floor.

Choosing the Right Dummy for Your Baby
If you’re wondering whether your baby needs a dummy or which one might suit them best, Hello Charlie offers a wide range of baby dummies and dummy clips. You can choose based on materials, your baby’s age, or teat shape.

At Hello Charlie, we carefully research and select safe, non-toxic, and eco-friendly brands, ensuring parents can shop with confidence.

How Dummies Help Babies
Dummies work by mimicking the comfort of breastfeeding, helping babies calm down and feel secure. Research suggests that using a dummy can reduce crying and even help babies manage pain during medical procedures like vaccinations.

Some studies also indicate that using a dummy consistently and safely may lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). While the exact reasons aren’t fully understood, it’s another potential benefit to consider.

When Can You Start Using a Dummy?
Yes, you can give a dummy to a newborn. For bottle-fed babies, it’s fine to introduce a dummy from birth. However, if you’re breastfeeding, it’s best to wait until breastfeeding is well-established—usually around 4 to 6 weeks.

The way babies suck on a dummy is different from breastfeeding, which could interfere with latching and potentially lead to early weaning if introduced too soon.

Types of Dummy Teats

• Cherry-Shaped Teats
  These teats are round and closely resemble the shape of a mother’s nipple, making them a good choice for newborns. Lactation consultants often recommend them to prevent nipple confusion, especially for breastfed babies.
• Orthodontic Teats
  Orthodontic dummies are designed to support proper tongue and jaw positioning, helping to prevent future dental issues. The flat bottom and rounded top encourage a more natural sucking motion. For younger babies, though, starting with a cherry-shaped teat is best to avoid nipple confusion, and you can switch to orthodontic teats by around six months.
• Symmetrical Teats
  Symmetrical teats mimic the shape of a nipple and are an excellent option for breastfed babies. They can sit correctly in the mouth regardless of how the dummy is positioned, making them easy for babies to use. These teats also have thinner necks, which can help minimise tooth misalignment.

Dummy Teat Materials

• Natural Rubber Latex
  Natural rubber teats are soft and flexible, making them gentle on a baby’s gums. They’re biodegradable and eco-friendly, but they may wear out faster, especially if your baby is teething. Make sure they’re nitrosamine-free, as nitrosamines can be harmful. Hello Charlie’s natural rubber dummies are guaranteed nitrosamine-free and safe for your baby.
• Silicone
  Silicone teats are durable, tear-resistant, and easy to clean. They don’t retain smells or flavours and can be washed with warm, soapy water. However, silicone dummies often have hard plastic shields, so they might not suit parents looking to avoid plastic entirely.

Other Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dummy

• Size
  Choose a dummy size based on your baby’s age. Smaller dummies suit newborns and babies under six months, while larger ones work for older babies.
• Construction
  Look for dummies with a sturdy shield that includes ventilation holes to prevent rashes and choking hazards. Shields wider than 3.5cm ensure the dummy can’t be pushed too far into the baby’s mouth. Natural rubber dummies made from a single piece are ideal, as they don’t have crevices where germs can hide and are less likely to break apart.

Cleaning and Replacing Dummies
For babies under six months, sterilise dummies by boiling them, steaming, or using sterilisation solutions. Older babies with stronger immunity can use dummies cleaned with warm, soapy water. Always check for cracks or tears before each use and replace dummies every 6–8 weeks or sooner if they show signs of wear.

Tips for Dummy Use

• Offer a dummy when your baby isn’t hungry or after feeding to avoid disrupting breastfeeding.
• Never coat dummies with sweet substances like honey, as they can cause tooth decay.
• Use a short, safety-approved dummy clip to keep dummies clean and within reach. Avoid tying them around your baby’s hand, cot, or neck to eliminate strangulation risks.

Should You Use Dummy Clips?
Dummy clips attach your baby’s dummy to their clothing or carrier, keeping it close and clean. They’re handy for on-the-go parents and reduce the need for constant sterilisation when dummies fall on the floor. Just ensure the clip meets Australian safety standards and is made of safe, non-toxic materials.

Our Top Picks for Dummies and Dummy Clips

• Hevea Natural Rubber Pacifiers
  Made from 100% natural rubber, Hevea dummies are biodegradable, sustainable, and safe. Their one-piece design eliminates cracks where bacteria can hide, and the ergonomic shape leaves plenty of room for your baby’s nose and chin.
• Natural Rubber Soothers
  These dummies feature a large shield that mimics breastfeeding, helping your baby feel comfortable and secure. They’re durable, safe for teething, and break down naturally when disposed of.
• HABA Pacifier Holder
  HABA’s dummy clips are made from sustainable beechwood with non-toxic, water-based paints. The nickel-free metal clip fastens securely to clothing or carriers without damaging fabrics.
• Hess Spielzeug Dummy Holder
  Handmade from beechwood, these dummy clips feature pastel-coloured beads and a silicone ring for a snug fit. They’re saliva-resistant, eco-friendly, and safe for babies to chew on.
  

Shop Dummies Online at Hello Charlie
Hello Charlie offers a curated selection of eco-friendly, non-toxic baby dummies and accessories. With Australia-wide shipping and same-day dispatch for orders placed before 10am, it’s never been easier to find the perfect option for your little one.