Baby Dummies & Dummy Clips

Dummies, also called pacifiers or soothers, are what babies suck on to soothe themselves. These are usually made of rubber or silicone and have a nipple like shape. They're often attached to baby dummy holders to keep pacifiers close to the baby and off the floor.

When deciding whether or not your little one needs a dummy or what kind of pacifier will work best for them, Hello Charlie offers a range of baby dummy brands (as well as dummy clips) that you'll love. You're guaranteed to find suitable dummies for newborns based on materials, your baby's age, and preferred teat shape.

With Hello Charlie performing extensive brand and product research, mums are assured they only buy safe, non toxic, and eco friendly dummies for their babies.

What does a dummy do for a baby?

Dummies typically help babies relax and quiet down, just as they would when breastfeeding. The use of a newborn dummy mimics the act of breastfeeding, which helps soothe and settle them.

Research shows that babies cry less when using dummies. Soothers can help alleviate pain in terms of how infants reacted to painful procedures like, for example, getting vaccinated.

There's also evidence to show that safe, consistent use of a dummy may significantly reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Exactly how isn't yet known, as it's a complicated issue, but it's worth knowing.

How early can you start using a dummy?

Is it ok to give a newborn a dummy? You absolutely can. If your baby is bottle fed, you can offer a pacifier from birth. But if you're nursing, it's recommended to provide a dummy only after the first four to six weeks of breastfeeding.

Early use of dummies for babies may interfere with breastfeeding. With soothers, babies suck differently than when they're nursing. They're quick, short sucking motions with little effort. This can make it difficult to breastfeed correctly and may lead to early weaning.

What are the different types of dummies

Teat Shape

A dummy can be a lifesaver for parents trying to get their baby to calm down or sleep at night. But with so many different types and shapes on the market, what shape dummies are best for newborns? What's the choices? You'll find cherry shaped teats, orthodontic teats, or symmetrical teats.

Round or cherry shaped dummy teat

Lactation consultants have long recommended round or cherry shaped teats for younger babies to latch on. They're similar in shape to the mother's nipple and won't cause nipple confusion.  

Orthodontic dummy teat

Orthodontic dummy teats are the best kind to use if you want to avoid tooth problems in the future. They encourage proper tongue positioning and help to prevent misaligned teeth. The rounded top and flat bottom helps keep your baby's tongue in a natural position while sucking.

Young babies may find it difficult to alter their sucking mechanism if they start with orthodontic shaped teats. They can injure their mum's nipple and cause it to crack and feel sore, which makes breastfeeding more difficult. So to help avoid nipple confusion, it's recommended to start your baby with a round teat and gradually switch to an orthodontic dummy teat before your little one is around six months old.

Trying a new teat shape isn't easy once your little one has formed a strong attachment to a favourite one. But as long as they're weaned off the pacifier around two years old, that shouldn't be a problem for your baby's dental development regardless of the pacifier's shape.

Symmetrical shaped teat

A symmetrical shaped teat is the closest shape to a mother's nipple. It's also recommended for breastfed babies.

This teat type always sits correctly in the baby's mouth no matter how they turn it, which makes it easier for the baby to latch on. The smaller, slightly flattened teat may not be as full and round as a cherry shaped one, but it still provides the baby with the necessary suction to soothe and comfort them.

Symmetrical dummies also have a thinner neck teat, so they help prevent tooth misalignment (commonly known as pacifier teeth) by minimising the space between the upper and lower jaw.

Materials

There are two types of dummy teat materials: natural rubber latex and silicone. Both have their pros and cons, but ultimately it comes down to personal preference.

Natural rubber/latex dummy teats

Natural rubber dummy teats are made from the sap of the Hevea (rubber) tree and are therefore biodegradable. They're also more flexible than silicone, which makes them soft enough for a baby's delicate gums.

This teat material may have a more natural feel, but it can sometimes wear out faster than others. Babies who are developing new teeth may easily bite or tear through them. So if you choose this natural rubber soother, you may need to replace it more often.

Latex may also have a strong first taste, so be sure to boil the dummy in milk before using it to get rid of its intense flavour. And make sure to buy one that has no nitrosamines, as it's believed to be carcinogenic. You can also ask the manufacturer if it doesn't mention it. But rest assured that Hello Charlie's natural rubber soothers are guaranteed nitrosamine free - as we did the research for our busy customers.

Silicone dummy teats 

Silicone is the most commonly used dummy teat material. Silicone teats are durable and more tear resistant than latex.

The problem is that while the teat may be made of silicone, the rest of the dummy is usually made of hard plastic. So if you're looking for a non plastic dummy, this isn't the way to go.

Silicone dummy teats are usually made from medical grade silicone, so they're safe for babies to use. It also doesn't retain smells or flavours unlike latex and is therefore ideal for babies to put in their mouths. It’s easy to clean, too. All you need is to give it a good wash in soapy water. Don't forget, however, that there may be cracks and joints in the shield that you'll need to keep clean.

But like all materials, silicone can eventually break down. If you notice any cracks, tears, or other damage to your dummy teat, it's time to replace it. This helps ensure that your baby has a safe and comfortable experience while using their silicone dummy.

Other things to consider to help you choose a dummy for baby

Size

When it comes to choosing a dummy for your baby, size matters. It's important to pick one that's just the right size for your baby's age. This will ensure they can comfortably use the pacifier and get the full sucking action they need.

Smaller natural baby soothers are usually best for newborns and younger babies (under six months of age). And as they get older (over six months) and their mouths get bigger, you can move up to larger sizes. Ultimately, you should choose a size your baby is comfortable with and doesn't cause discomfort when using.

If you're unsure which size to pick, you can check with your healthcare professional or ask us here at Hello Charlie. We'll help you find the right size for your baby's age.

Construction

The dummy construction is also important because we want to assure that every baby is comfortable using dummies and not at risk for any health issues.

A dummy should have a shield (the part that goes over the child's mouth) with ventilation holes, so air can circulate. Not only can these holes help prevent skin rashes from forming around the mouth, but they can also prevent choking hazards.

Australian certified pacifiers have the appropriate holes and sizes. But to check if your baby's soother is up to standard, measure the shield width. The shield's base should be wider than 3.5cm to stop the dummy from being pushed too far into the mouth. But in the rarest case that the soother gets accidentally lodged in their mouth, the ventilation holes will still allow them to breathe.

You can also consider getting natural rubber latex dummies as these are moulded from a single piece, including the teat - one of the reasons why Hello Charlie stocks natural rubber dummies. They're less likely to break into pieces and become a choking hazard for the baby. A one piece soother doesn't leave any crevices or gaps that can collect germs and dirt, so it stays hygienic and easy to clean. And they're BPA free and phthalate free, too.

How to clean dummies

You'll need to know how to sterilise dummies for babies younger than six months. You can steam, boil or use a solution depending on what type of dummy you choose.

Older babies (six months and older) have better immunity, so warm soapy water is sufficient to clean their dummies. Squeeze out any water left in the pacifier, and they're good to go.

Other cleaning methods

There are other methods you can use for cleaning your baby dummies, and one is by using bottle sterilising equipment. You can use this as a dummy steriliser along with your baby bottles. But for a common and simpler way to clean your baby's dummy, boil it in water for five minutes.

How often should you replace dummies?

You need to check the condition of the dummy before every single use. Pull it, stretch it, and double check to make sure that there's no rips or tears. Dummies need to be replaced every 6-8 weeks. But this depends on how often they're used. If you notice any splits or changes, it's time to buy a new one.

You need to replace your baby soothers regularly, so choose a dummy that's eco friendly, natural, and biodegradable. This is another reason why we, at Hello Charlie, love our natural rubber dummies. Not only are our pacifiers non toxic, but they're also biodegradable and good for the environment.

Dummy use: other tips to use dummies safely and effectively

Parents often worry that using a dummy will interfere with breastfeeding, but this doesn't have to be the case. You can offer the pacifier when you're sure your baby isn't hungry. But if they refuse to use a dummy, don't force them to use it. Instead, try offering it at different times (like after or between feeds) throughout the day and see if they eventually take it.

If your baby's dummy falls out of their mouth while sleeping, there's no need to reinsert it. When a baby is asleep, their suck reflex is relaxed. So if the dummy falls out, they'll likely continue sleeping without it.

Never coat or dip the dummy with anything sweet like honey or sugars. This can cause tooth decay.

When using a dummy, it's important not to tie it around your baby's hand, neck, or cot. This can create a strangulation risk if the dummy chain or tie is long enough to catch around the neck. Instead, attach the dummy to their clothing using a short clip that complies to Australian standards. All of Hello Charlie's pacifier clips meet these strict standards. These clips help keep the pacifier close by and help prevent any accidents.

Should you use dummy clips?

A dummy holder clip is a small device that attaches the dummy to your baby's clothing or carrier. It's beneficial to have around, as it helps keep the soother in place and off the floor. It also ensures your baby's dummy is always within reach. So if your little one starts to cry, you can quickly give them their dummy without searching for it. This can be especially helpful if you're out and about with your baby.

Safety should always be a priority

Your child's safety is crucial, especially when using dummy accessories. So always check that the dummy holder you want to buy meets Australian standards for safety. You should also consider the material of the dummy clip, as it will get to your little one's mouth at some point. And clean it regularly to keep it free from germs and bacteria.

The Best Baby Natural Rubber Dummies and Dummy Clips

You’ll find all the best dummies for babies at Hello Charlie. If you’re looking for a rubber dummy, try Hevea. Their baby pacifier is 100% natural rubber and made from a single piece, so there are no cracks for bacteria to hide. The teats come in different shapes to suit even the fussiest baby: orthodontic dummy, round dummy or symmetrical dummy.

Another popular brand is the Natural Rubber Soother, available in orthodontic or round teat shapes.

To stop your baby’s dummy from hitting the floor and having to be sterilised, try a baby dummy holder or clip. We’ve got pacifier holders from Hess Spielzeug and Haba, as well as connectors from b.box that'll attach on any baby soother.

Dummies

Hevea Natural Pacifiers

The Hevea Pacifier is designed with your baby's comfort in mind. These baby soothers are made of 100% natural rubber latex, which means they're a renewable and sustainable resource.

Its ergonomic butterfly shape leaves plenty of space for your child's nose and chin, which makes it super comfortable to use. The soft, gentle material is perfect for delicate skin, too. Its solid design has no cracks or crevices for bacteria to hide in, so it's extra hygienic.

Hevea's stylish pacifiers, including the Bumi Bébé range, come in lots of fun colours and designs. They're made from food grade mineral pigments, so they're guaranteed safe for your little one to use. The ventilation holes are shaped into stars, moons, flowers, crowns, ducks, and circles, so they look fashionable and functional.

Natural Rubber Soothers

Natural Rubber Soother dummies are an excellent choice for parents looking for a safe and natural way to soothe their babies. Each dummy is designed with a large shield that closely resembles breastfeeding. Not only does it give your little one a familiar and comfortable feeding experience, but it also helps keep their face clean and free from marks.

It's the best dummy for newborn babies, as it's made from a solid piece of all natural, sustainable rubber. It assures you there are no germs that can get in it or small parts that could come loose and pose a choking hazard. The pacifier's soft and flexible material is also safe for your baby to chew on and will help soothe their gums during teething.

They're safe to throw away, as they'll break down naturally without harming the environment. Parents can feel good about giving their children a pacifier that's not only great for their health but also good for the planet.

Baby Soother Clips And Dummy Holders

b.box Connect-A-Cup

If you're always on the go with your baby, you know how important it is to have your child's stuff within reach - like a sippy cup, drink bottle, or pacifier. b.box's connect-a-cup is the perfect solution, as it links easily to prams, high chairs, and car seats with its fully adjustable and flexible strap. You can also attach it with your child's favourite soft toy, so they'll never be without their beloved teddy again.

It has two safety breakaways, which help ensure the strap will release if pulled too hard without causing harm. This keeps your little one safe at all times.

The connect-a-cup comes in trendy colour combinations and is sure to be a hit with parents and kids alike.

HABA Pacifier Holder

Most parents know the sinking feeling of watching their child's pacifier fall to the floor. But the Haba Pacifier Holder can help put your mind at ease by keeping your child's soother off the ground and within reach.

The Haba Pacifier Holder has a nickel free metal clip that conveniently attaches to clothes, bibs, or carriers. It's a nifty little clip with plastic teeth designed not to tear off any fabric.

These beaded dummy clips are made from sustainable beech wood, so they're sturdy and eco friendly. The water based paints used on the wood are resistant to humidity, saliva, and wear and tear, so they'll last longer. Best of all, they're non toxic, so they're safe for little mouths to nibble or chew.

They come in different designs - from flower, heart, and star shaped beads to rainbow coloured wooden beads. There's sure to be a design that'll suit your child's personality.

Hess Spielzeug Dummy Holder

The Hess Spielzeug Dummy Holder will make any parent's life easier. It'll help keep your child's pacifier within reach and off dirty floors.

These wooden dummy clips are handmade from sustainable beechwood and fitted with beautiful wooden beads. They're finished with non toxic, water based paints, so they're safe for your child to use. They also have plastic teeth on the clips that grip almost any type of fabric, so you don't have to worry about damaging your child's clothes, bibs, or prams.

The saliva resistant design means that your baby can keep their dummy in their mouth for longer. And the silicone ring ensures a snug fit on almost all types of pacifiers. Best of all, the natural and pastel coloured beads add a touch of class to this essential baby item.

Buy baby dummies online at Hello Charlie

Hello Charlie has a great range of baby dummies that are sustainable, eco friendly, and non toxic. This also includes accessories such as trendy dummy clips and holders. We offer Australia wide shipping, same day despatch when you order before 10am.