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14 December 2005
Mixed Messages Over Dummy Use 
Californian researchers have confirmed that the use of pacifiers, or dummies, seems to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Their study, in the British Medical Journal, focused on interviewing the mothers (or carers) of nearly 200 infants who had died and a number of randomly selected non-SIDS affected families. The study found that, after adjusting for known risk factors, the use of a dummy during sleep was associated with a 90 percent reduced risk of SIDS compared to infants without a dummy. The researchers said that the reduced risk was consistent across a wide range of social and economic scenarios. "Use of a dummy is associated with a substantial reduction in the risk of SIDS," said the researchers, who suggested that the use of dummies may be an effective strategy for countering the possibility of SIDS. But dummies may not be without side-effects. Researchers from the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, in Australia, say their use can cause breastfeeding problems. Their report is based on existing studies of dummy use and concludes that dummies result in a reduction of breastfeeding duration or exclusivity.
Report author Dr Garth Kendall emphasized the importance of not interfering with breastfeeding. "Given the overwhelming evidence about the benefits of breastfeeding, it is generally advisable that mothers avoid the use of dummies in order to increase the likelihood that their babies will breastfeed more effectively and for a longer period." He acknowledged that the use of pacifiers reduces the risk for SIDS, but noted that the mechanism of the dummy effect is not understood. He added that it was perfectly understandable if parents were confused as to the right course of action. "This type of mixed result poses quite a quandary for parents and researchers. Every parent would want to do all they can to reduce the risk of a SIDS tragedy, so what we've tried to do is weigh up the various risks and benefits. As breastfeeding provides a host of health and developmental benefits to the child, we have concluded that, on balance, dummies should not be used but individual circumstances should be taken into account," he concluded. Sources: British Medical Journal, Research Australia
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