The Power of Early Communication & Language – And How Dummies Can Affect This

From a baby’s very first sounds to their first sentences, communication is one of the most important parts of early childhood development. In the early years, children’s brains are growing faster than at any other time in their lives, and language skills lay the foundation for thinking, learning, and connecting with others.

At Rosedene nursery, proudly supporting families across Stockton, Middlesbrough, Northallerton, and Redcar & Cleveland, we are passionate about nurturing every child’s communication journey. One topic we’re often asked about by parents in our local communities is the use of dummies (pacifiers) and how they can influence speech and language development.

Why Communication & Language Matters

Communication is more than talking, it’s about:

• Understanding and expressing needs, thoughts, and feelings

• Building confidence and relationships

• Developing future literacy skills

  
  

Babies start communicating long before they use words, through eye contact, gestures, facial expressions, and babbling. Every interaction helps build crucial brain connections.

How Dummies Affect Communication

Dummies are soothing for babies, they help with sleep, calming, and self-regulation. But if used too much, they can impact how children learn to communicate. Here’s why:

• Stop Communication – Children may babble and attempt words less when their mouth is occupied.

• Change the Shape of the Mouth – Prolonged sucking can affect tongue and jaw placement.

• Push Teeth Forward & Cause Lisps – Long-term dummy use can influence how teeth grow and how sounds are formed.

• Distort Words – Children often learn to talk with the dummy in their mouth, and this can carry over when speaking without it, causing mispronunciations or unclear speech.

Early Years Speech Development Timeline

While every child develops at their own pace, the average progression looks like this:

• 6–12 months: First words, usually “mamma” or “dadda”

  
  

• 18 months – 2 years: Combining two short words

  
  

• 2–4 years: Forming full sentences

  
  

Limiting dummy use can help ensure children reach these milestones without unnecessary speech delays.

How We Support Communication at Rosedene

At Rosedene nursery, we work closely with families across Stockton, Middlesbrough, Northallerton, and Redcar & Cleveland to support every child’s speech and language development, while still recognising their need for comfort.

• Asking children to hand their dummies to staff when they arrive

  
  

• Only giving dummies at times of real comfort, rather than throughout the day

  
  

• Gradually limiting use in a gentle, effective way

  
  

This ensures children have more opportunities to practise babbling, forming words, and interacting with others.

A Message from Our Manager, Lauren, on Supporting Speech and Language

“Communication and language at nursery are something that all practitioners work on with every child, every day. With so many young children being referred to NHS Speech and Language Therapy, we feel that if we can help ease this in any way, it would be beneficial not only for our children but for the NHS as well.

Daily life at nursery provides so many opportunities to support speech and help children develop their skills. This includes, but is not limited to, narrating what is happening throughout the day, creating language-rich activities, making the most of moments such as nappy changing times, and expanding on children’s words by repeating them back and adding to them.

Language skills are extremely important for a child’s development. Without them, frustrations can build up and may lead to other challenges, such as difficult behaviour or an inability to express themselves.”

Practical Tips for Gradually Reducing Dummy Use

Here are some tried-and-tested ways parents can help children move away from dummies:

• Cut the Tip Off – Trimming the end of the dummy reduces sucking satisfaction and encourages children to use it less.

• The Dummy Fairy Method – Make it fun! Children “give their dummy to the fairy” in exchange for a small reward, helping them let go gently.

• Limit Use to Sleep or Comfort – Only offer a dummy when the child truly needs it, gradually reducing overall use.

• Substitute Comfort – Offer cuddles, soft toys, or songs instead of a dummy when the child is upset.

• Positive Reinforcement – Praise children when they go without their dummy, focusing on what they can do rather than what they’re giving up.

• Gradual Swap – Replace the dummy with a “special cup” or teething toy that they can use for comfort but doesn’t interfere with speech.

• Storytelling & Play – Encourage active talking, singing, and role-play during the day to give children more opportunities to practise speech.

Working Together

Communication starts at home, and the most important role parents play is talking, reading, singing, and interacting regularly with their child. By combining this with the strategies we use at Rosedene, children are supported both at nursery and at home for a smooth, confident communication journey.

Extra Support

For more support on how you can help your child with speech and language, visit Children's Health Services 0 -19 | Growing Healthy | HDFT. Through the 0-19 service, you can live chat with experts and gain the best advice on any speech or language concerns.

You can also download their app for easy access to guidance, resources, and support whenever you need it.