10/06/2026
Is it time to ditch the dummy? 👶🏼👇
As a speech therapist, this is one of the most common anxieties I hear from parents.
There is a lot of conflicting advice out there, and it often leaves parents feeling incredibly guilty.
Let’s look at the actual clinical reality:
❌ The Myth: If your toddler uses a dummy, they will automatically have a speech delay.
✅ The Reality: Dummies are fantastic tools for soothing, and using one during naps or bedtime at age 1 or 2 is generally not going to cause long-term speech issues.
However, how it's used during waking hours does matter. Here is why from a speech development perspective:
1️⃣ Reduced Practice Time: If a dummy is in a child's mouth all day, they have fewer opportunities to babble, practice sounds, and chat with you.
2️⃣ Clarity of Sounds: Talking with a dummy in the mouth restricts tongue and lip movement, which can make sounds like 't', 'd', and 's' harder to practice correctly.
💡 Two Simple "Speech-Friendly" Dummy Rules:
1️⃣ Time & Place: Try to restrict the dummy to the cot or car rides. When it’s time to play and talk, the dummy goes on a "break" on a high shelf.
2️⃣ The "Out Before You Talk" Rule: If your child wants to tell you something with their dummy in, gently prompt them: "Dummy out so I can hear your beautiful words."
Take a breath, parents. You haven't ruined anything! It’s simply about balance. 💛
📌 Repost and share this with a parent who needs a little peace of mind today.
