May Message of the Month

Over use of a dummy can be damaging.  Start to reduce the dummy when your child is 6 months old.  Reducing the use of the dummy…

  • gives your child a chance to build up the muscles in their mouth (e.g. moving their tongue), babble and talk
  • is  better for the growth and position of your child’s teeth
  • reduces the risk of colds and ear infections

What you can do?

  • Use an ‘orthodontic’ or flat teat dummy as this will cause less damage to the teeth.
  • Aim to start reducing the dummy at 6 months.
  • Start by reducing the dummy to sleep/ bedtime only.
  • Take out the dummy when your child is trying to babble/ talk.
  • Never be tempted to dip the dummy in sugary food or drinks.
  • Choose a suitable time to get rid of the dummy, not a stressful time.
  • If your child is older, talk to them about giving up their dummy – that they are a ‘big boy/ girl’ and are able to do so much. Involve them in helping to gather up all their dummies to put in a bag to give away.  Make sure there are none hiding anywhere!
  • Once you have taken the dummy away, do not give it back.
  • Comfort your child at night with a bedtime story and cuddly toy.

International Mother Language Day

Today, 21.02.19, is ‘International Mother Language Day’ – It is very important that parents use the language they know best and feel most comfortable using. A child who develops good use of their ‘Mother Tongue’, is more likely to develop good English when they start pre-school or school.

Bilingual Advice Info Sheet