Is it okay to give a newborn a dummy?

A dummy can be introduced to a newborn, but timing depends on feeding. For breastfed babies, it’s often recommended to wait until feeding is well established to avoid interfering with feeding cues. Bottle-fed babies can usually use a dummy from birth if needed. Used appropriately, a dummy can help soothe babies between feeds and support settling.

What type of dummy is best for a baby’s age and development?

The best dummy is one that is the correct size for your baby’s age, made from a single piece of safe, durable material, and designed to support natural oral development. Choosing a properly sized dummy helps ensure comfort and reduces the risk of it being too small or poorly fitted.

When is the right time to introduce a dummy to a baby?

For breastfed babies, many parents wait until breastfeeding is established, usually in the first few weeks. For bottle-fed babies, a dummy can be introduced earlier if needed for soothing. The key is ensuring feeding is going well before introducing any additional sucking comfort tools.

What is the difference between a dummy, pacifier, and soother?

There is no difference in the product itself. “Dummy,” “pacifier,” and “soother” are simply different names used in different countries for the same baby comfort item. They all refer to a teat-shaped item designed to help soothe babies through non-nutritive sucking.

How do you safely clean and sterilise a baby dummy?

Dummies should be cleaned regularly to maintain hygiene, especially in the early months. In the first 6 months, sterilising is commonly recommended, while older babies may only require thorough washing with hot soapy water. Always check the dummy for wear and tear before use and replace it if it becomes damaged.

Baby Dummies & Pacifiers

A dummy or pacifier is one of the most comforting tools in a new parent's kit - providing soothing suction for babies who need more settling time beyond feeding alone. Our range of dummies and pacifiers covers newborn designs through to toddler options, in orthodontic and round-teat formats, from some of the most trusted brands in infant comfort.

The Suavinex Wonderland Butterfly SX Pro Soother 0-6 Months is a light gray, butterfly-shaped soother with a rounded center, SX Pro silicone teat, and two ventilation holes on each side.

The Frigg 1st Dummies Set in Cream includes three pacifiers—Butterfly, Rope, and Moon Phase Night Lucky—for babies 0-6 months. Shown in white packaging with a window, these essentials feature natural rubber nipples and unique cream designs.

$Six Frigg 6 pack Latex Blooming Love pacifiers in pastel pinks, purples, and cream are arranged in two rows on a white background. Each Danish-made pacifier features decorative scalloped or heart-shaped edges.$

The Frigg Daisy Latex 2pk Blush + Cream by Frigg features two essential baby pacifiers with scalloped edges, circular handles, and soft, rounded shapes—one in pale pink upright and one light cream on its side showing the latex nipple.

The Frigg Moon Night Latex 2pk in Stone Blue + Sage features two round pacifiers with beige latex nipples and circular vent holes, shown from front and side. Their simple, modern design includes a glow-in-the-dark feature for nighttime use.

The Frigg Rope Latex 2pk Sage + Cream includes two pacifiers: one sage green and one cream, both with a rope-like textured edge. The sage features "Frigg" branding; each pacifier has a natural rubber nipple.

The Mushie Pacifier Clip Eva Sage by Mushie features a loop end, food-grade silicone and wooden beads in pale green, plus a ventilated wooden clasp—an essential and stylish accessory for keeping pacifiers close.

Two baby essentials: Frigg Daisy Silicone Pacifiers in Biscuit and Cream. One features a pinkish "Biscuit" hue with a tan ring; the other is cream-colored silicone, shown side-on to highlight its bulb and base.

The Mushie Pacifier Clip Eva Pale Taupe by Mushie features round wooden and food-grade silicone beads, a loop for attachment, and a wooden clip engraved with "mushie"—a chic essential for your pacifier accessories.

The Playground Dummy Chain Misty Blue by Playground features a beechwood smiling face clip attached to a long, light blue cotton strap with a loop for securing your baby's pacifier.

The Bibs Dummies Studio Colour Jasmine Sage Mix by Bibs Dummies includes two chic sage green pacifiers—one with a single white flower and pink center, the other with a pattern of small white flowers and pink centers. Stylish essentials for your baby.

Two baby pacifiers—one cream and upright, one stone blue on its side with a visible yellow nipple—featuring scalloped edges and heart-shaped cutouts. These are Frigg Fairytale Latex 2pk Cream + Stone Blue by Frigg.

The Suavinex Silicone Soother Holder Case is a light blue silicone case with a rounded bottom and loop handle on top, ideal for carrying or attaching to bags.

The Frigg Daisy Latex 2pk Biscuit + Cream pacifiers by Frigg feature scalloped edges; one is pink and front-facing, while the other is beige, showing its amber latex nipple. These natural rubber pacifiers are essential for babies.

The Mushie Pacifier Clip Eva Blush by Mushie features a looped string, three wooden beads, seven blush silicone beads, and a wooden clip with metal fastener—perfect for stylish pacifier accessories.

Two Frigg Moon Latex pacifiers in Powder Blue and Slate are shown, one lying flat with the nipple up and the other upright displaying the round shield with ventilation holes. Both feature a natural rubber design.

The Mushie Pacifier Clip Eva Cloud by Mushie features a looped cord, three wooden beads, five light blue food-grade silicone beads, and a sturdy wood-metal clip—perfect for stylish baby pacifier accessories.

The Frigg Moon Latex 2pk Cream + Sage pacifiers by Frigg, featuring crescent moon-shaped holes in beige and green shades, are baby essentials displayed on a white surface.

The Plum Sorbet Soother Connector by Plum is a light yellow silicone pacifier holder with a braided design, round clasp engraved with "PLUM," and a loop for attaching soothers.

Two Frigg baby essentials: one Moon Latex pacifier in Croissant, shown facing forward, and one in Cream with a yellow latex nipple at an angle. Both feature round shields with ventilation holes. From the Frigg Moon Latex 2pk Croissant + Cream set.

The Suavinex Wonder Silicone Soother Clip by Suavinex features a light grey strap, a round clasp at the top, and a circular silicone ring at the bottom for attaching your baby's soother or pacifier.

The Plum 2Pk Sorbet Silicone Soothers NB-6mths by Plum are shown on a white background: one light blue pacifier lies flat with its handle visible, while the light green soother stands upright, displaying its cherry-shaped teat and ventilation holes.

$The Frigg 6 pack Latex Endless Sea by Frigg features six Danish-made pacifiers in blue and gray tones, each with a round shield and unique designs, displayed in two rows on a white background.$

Two Frigg Moon Night Latex pacifiers (2pk, Stone Blue + Cream) are shown on a white surface. Both have circular ventilation holes and yellow natural rubber nipples; one shield is blue and white (glow in the dark), the other is white.

Dummies for Newborns - Getting the First Weeks Right

The newborn period is when a dummy pacifier makes the most significant difference to settling, particularly for babies with a high need to suck beyond what feeding alone satisfies. A dummy pacifier for newborns is sized smaller than standard models to fit safely in a newborn's mouth without covering the nostrils, with a lightweight shield that doesn't press uncomfortably against delicate newborn skin.

Most paediatric and dental associations recommend introducing a dummy only after breastfeeding is well established - typically around three to four weeks - to avoid nipple confusion in the early stages.

Once established, a dummy used at sleep times is also associated in research with a reduced SIDS risk, making it a choice worth discussing with your midwife or child health nurse if you're unsure about introducing one.

Types of Baby Dummies - Orthodontic vs. Round Teat

Baby dummies come in two main teat shapes: round (or cherry) and orthodontic (flattened). Orthodontic teats are shaped to accommodate the natural resting position of the tongue and palate, minimising pressure on the mouth structure during prolonged use. Many dentists and speech pathologists recommend orthodontic designs for frequent use, particularly for the best infant pacifier options suited to extended daily comfort.

Round-teat dummies are the more traditional shape and are preferred by some babies who don't accept the orthodontic design. The right dummy is ultimately the one your baby will take - so it may take some trial across shapes and materials to find the best fit for your child specifically.

Dummy Safety, Hygiene and Accessories

Safe dummy use involves a few habits worth establishing early. Always choose an age-appropriate size - a newborn dummy is different in proportion from one designed for a 6-month-old, and using the wrong size carries real risks.

Confirm the shield has ventilation holes and is large enough not to be drawn into the mouth. Check the dummy for cracks or deterioration before every use and replace it at any sign of wear.

Dummy clips and chains keep the dummy tethered to clothing so it doesn't fall to the floor - a practical essential once you've retrieved a dummy from a café floor for the first time. Dummy sterilising cases keep spares clean inside the nappy bag between uses, so you always have a hygienic backup on hand.

Top Dummy and Pacifier Brands at Baby Village

Bibs Dummies is one of the most widely recommended dummy brands among Australian parents and midwives, with their self-sterilising cases, orthodontic teats, and skin-friendly shields making them a consistent first choice from the newborn stage onward.

Suavinex brings their natural material approach to the pacifier category with simple, safe silicone dummies loved by parents who prefer minimal, well-made designs. Frigg rounds out the selection with their clinically orthodontic soothers designed to support natural oral development - trusted in hospitals and homes across Australia - and these are just some of the dummy brands we carry.

Shop Dummies & Pacifiers at Baby Village

Found the right dummy? Stock up - having extras at home, in the nappy bag, and by the cot saves a lot of late-night searching. Browse the full baby feeding range for everything else supporting your baby's early months:

Shop online with fast delivery Australia-wide, or visit our Alexandria or Miranda stores.