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.

Buy 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.

Two beige and white Bibs Dummies BIBS Colour Soothers Night Glow pacifiers are shown, each with a round shield, ring handle, and yellow natural rubber nipple. One faces front; the other is angled to highlight the nipple.

The BIBS Paci Braid Dummy Holder by Bibs Dummies features a wooden clasp engraved with "BIBS," a soft gray and white organic cotton strap, and a silicone loop to attach your favorite pacifier.

The BIBS Pacifier Box by Bibs Dummies is a small, light green container with a hinged lid, revealing a circular collapsible cup and an attached looped strap—perfect for storing or sterilising your pacifier on the go.

Two Bibs Dummies Boheme Night Glow Dummies with scalloped flower-shaped shields—one pale pink, one beige—feature glow-in-the-dark rings, circular centers, and "BIBS" embossed on each ring. Made with natural rubber latex.

The BIBS Liberty Pacifier Clip by Bibs Dummies features a green floral design in organic cotton, a “BIBS”-labeled wooden clasp, and a round silicone loop for easy pacifier attachment.

The Bibs Dummies Studio Colour Jasmine Ivory Mix features two cream-colored pacifiers: one with a single purple flower, the other with purple flowers and orange centers. Both have beige ring handles and natural rubber latex brown nipples.

The Bibs Dummies Studio Colour Jasmine Blush Mix by Bibs Dummies includes two pink dummies: one with white and orange flowers, one plain with a single flower—both have natural rubber latex nipples, ring handles, and "BIBS" branding.

Two Bibs Dummies Studio Colour Pin Ivory Vanilla Mix pacifiers from Bibs Dummies are shown side by side on a white background. Each features beige and white stripes, handle rings, circular shields with vents, and natural rubber latex nipples.

Bibs Dummies Studio Colour 2pk Bumblebee Mushroom Mix includes two stylish pacifiers—one with a yellow nipple and gray base, the other with a green bee-decorated base and ring handle—combining comfort and Scandinavian design for your baby.

Two Bibs Dummies Studio Colour Pin Sky Blue Mix pacifiers by Bibs Dummies, each with a round shield in grey, blue, and white stripes, holes, a yellow ring around the natural rubber latex nipple, and "BIBS" embossed.

The Bibs Dummies Studio Colour Pin Ivory Steel Blue Mix features two fashion pacifiers with round shields, each with blue stripes on cream, beige ring handles, circular beige centers, and natural rubber nipples.

Bibs Dummies Studio Colour 2pk Ladybug Violet Sky features two pacifiers: one with a lavender shield and yellow natural rubber nipple, and one with a cream shield, red ladybug prints, and lavender accents—both with Scandinavian design and circular handles.

The Bibs Dummies Studio Colour 2pk Bumblebee Ivory Mix includes two Scandinavian-designed pacifiers—one plain ivory and one light pink with bee motifs. Both have round natural rubber latex nipples and circular shields.

Two Bibs Dummies Studio Colour Pin Sage Mix pacifiers by Bibs Dummies, each with a sage green round shield featuring stripe patterns, three ventilation holes, and beige natural rubber latex nipples for comfort and style.

The Bibs Dummies Studio Colour 2pk Ladybug Sage Mix by Bibs Dummies features two pacifiers with Scandinavian design—one green with a yellow nipple, one yellow with ladybug prints. Both include round handles and soft natural rubber latex nipples.

Two Bibs Dummies Studio Colour pacifiers: one in plain pink blush, and one with a grey base featuring red ladybug designs, both showcasing Scandinavian style from Bibs Dummies.

Two pink Frigg Fairytale Latex pacifiers (Pretty In Peach + Primrose) with scalloped edges and heart-shaped cutouts, one upright showing the natural rubber nipple, the other flat displaying the charming front design.

The Frigg 1st Dummies Set Cream Butterfly Fairytale Daisy Lucky features four cream silicone pacifiers with decorative designs for ages 0–6 months, visible through a clear window on the white Frigg packaging.

The Frigg 1st Dummies Set Blush Butterfly Fairytale Daisy Lucky features four pink silicone pacifiers for babies 0-6 months, shown in white packaging with a window. Made in Denmark, these essentials have round, decorative designs.

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.

Baby Dummies & Pacifiers

Dummies for Newborns - Getting the First Weeks Right

Types of Baby Dummies - Orthodontic vs. Round Teat

Dummy Safety, Hygiene and Accessories

Top Dummy and Pacifier Brands at Baby Village

Shop Dummies & Pacifiers at Baby Village

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