text: My Ngala • View topic - Dummy Weaning
  by Rosiemac » Tue 09 Apr, 2013 10:09 pm
  I have a 11 1/2 month baby who is still using her dummy to go to sleep. I have read conflicting information where some believe that babies should be weaned before 12 months and others that state that up to 2 years. She also has a dolly and music at sleep times. At what age should weaning occur and how?
  Re: Dummy Weaning
  by NgalaOnline » Fri 19 Apr, 2013 2:17 pm
  Thanks for your post. It is tricky when there is lots of information and you are unsure which way to go. Generally it is best for children to give up their comforter when they are ready, there is no correct time to do this, rather when you think your little could girl could manage without her dummy.
  Children do this when the comforter loses its special meaning for them and when they feel confident trying new things. Again this will vary from one child to another.
  One and two year olds may agree to give their dummy away, but often they do not understand that they can't have it back when they need it. Sometimes the child may be upset when they later want it and it is gone. So perhaps when you feel ready to try, take little steps.
  When you can see that your child needs it less, you can put the comforter on a shelf when she is playing happily. Then see how your little girl manages. You can let her know where the comforter is so that she can get it when she needs to, and this just gives her a chance to practice being without the dummy.
  There are two different approaches that can be taken to dummy weaning at night. If you would like to read about this in more detail please have a look at our forum response to Dummy Weaning by Sharonk which was posted on Tuesday 9th April. It has lots of information in there with regard to some strategies to try.
  If you would like to discuss this further please contact the Ngala Helpline if you reside in Western Australia.