It can be an extremely difficult and trying time.
Soothers and teethers can be extremely, well… soothing for babies. And like this child, most rely on them for nodding off and going to sleep.
That’s this mum’s problem. She tried to take the dummy away from her daughter at 7 months but it didn’t work, and now that she is 2-years-old, she wants to try again.
She wrote on Mumsnet:
“We tried to take it away at 7 months (like we did without a problem with DD1), but she changed from a baby that slept well to a very unsettled baby straight away. After a few nights, we gave in and gave it back.
“We tried again aged 2. DD gave them to the dummy fairy, but sobbed and sobbed on and off all night for three nights and didn’t nap. She normally sleeps 7pm-7am and has a 2 hour afternoon nap. She struggles without these sleeps. We had to call the dummy fairy to bring them back.”
She continued:
“We’re currently trying again. Last night was the first night. She happily gave the dummies away during the day (she’s only allowed them for sleeping), but became distraught at bedtime.
“Tonight is night two and DD keeps waking up to sob. I keep going to comfort her. She says “I just can’t sleep without my dummies”. You can even hear her sobbing when she’s asleep.”
She finishes by saying she has been trying other methods but nothing is working and asks for advice on whether she should persist or give up for another little while.
One mum said:
“If she only has it for sleep then I don’t think it’s a big problem. I had my dummy taken away at 4yo then sucked my thumb until I was 8.”
While another wrote:
“I would say persevere with not lettIng her have it. Maybe look at a reward/sticker chart for every night she manages without it? I’m sure someone will be along with some Good advice soon. Hope you get it sorted soon.”
What would be your advice, mamas?
