Lauz_1601

A new blanket or teddy sounds like a good idea, will do this when the tiem coems, thanks for your replies girls xxx

Tiffany

I have a 5 month old baby boy who won't sleep without his dummy. He wakes in the middle of the night screaming for it and won't settle until he has it back. I'm desparate to wean him off his dummy to make night times easier. Does anyone have any tips on how to do this the most painlessly?

HB

Wobbles

Hi Tiffany

Welcome to BabyAndBump

I haven't got a lil one but would 5 months be too soon if he is use to the comfort of the dummy whist sleeping? Although I read it's best to wean baby off the dummy before 12 months.

I also found:

How do you get rid of a Dummy?

Wean them off - gradually decrease its use
Only give the dummy at certain times - bedtime or when they are not well
Tell them that big boys/girls put their dummies on the dummy tree
Persuade them to give (all) their dummies to their nursery teacher
Give rewards (but not sweets)
Use a star chart to motivate them

Some of the above may apply to the child who has the dummy past 12 months of age!

Wobbles

When weaning your baby off her dummy it's best to restrict it to bedtime only, always removing the dummy when she falls asleep. This ensures that she is not expecting it there on waking and can't rely on it to settle back to sleep again.

Personally I think I would go with that option & let baby cry himself to sleep if he wakens I can imagine how distressing that may be though

Tiffany

Thanks, I didn't expect replies so soon ! Maybe it is too early to be taking his dummy away especially as he wont understand why. Never mind, i'll just have to put up with broken sleep for a little while longer ! My partner keeps on at me to just let him cry himself back to sleep instead of going to him at the first wimper at night, but I think thats a bit cruel. Has it worked for anyone?

Wobbles

I think I would feel cruel too - I get funny when my OH hisses at the cat

I think I would do it for the childs sake though i'd just have to cringe under my duvet & hope he stops soon.

Tiffany

It's worth a try but so difficult when you know all you have to do is put their dummy back in

Wobbles

I think I could imagine being in your shoes & certainly wouldn't want to be

Good luck though

HB