Baby / 23 September, 2026 / Christina Walter
If your baby relies on a dummy, you’ll probably wonder how often you actually need to replace it.
BIBS recommends replacing dummies every four to six weeks for safety and hygiene reasons. However, the time frame is only a general guide. Dummies should also be checked before every use and replaced sooner if you notice any damage, weakness or changes to the teat.
Even when a dummy looks perfectly fine, it can change with regular use. How quickly this happens depends on factors such as how often it is used and the material it is made from.
This is why keeping an eye on your baby’s dummy is just as important as replacing it regularly.
BIBS recommends checking your baby’s dummy before every use. One of the simplest ways to do this is with a gentle pull test.
Stretch the teat in all directions and inspect it carefully. BIBS advises parents to look for:
If you notice any of these changes, the dummy should be replaced immediately.
It is particularly important to check your baby’s dummy regularly once they start teething. Small teeth can put additional pressure on the teat and cause damage.
BIBS recommends making this quick visual check and pull test part of your routine before every use. It only takes a few seconds and can help you spot signs of wear before they become a problem.
The material your baby’s dummy is made from can affect how it changes over time.
Natural rubber latex is a natural material that can be affected by sunlight, heat, moisture and saliva. Over time, the teat may become discoloured, sticky, swollen or enlarged, or begin to lose its firmness and stability.
An enlarged teat is a particularly important warning sign. If you notice this or any other significant change, the dummy should be replaced immediately.
For natural rubber latex dummies, the recommended replacement period is every four to six weeks, even if there are no obvious signs of damage.
Silicone behaves differently from natural rubber latex and generally retains its shape and structure for longer.
However, silicone dummies still need to be checked regularly. Look for any changes to the surface, size or shape, as well as cracks, tears or other signs of damage.
Silicone dummies should also be replaced every four to six weeks as part of a regular safety and hygiene routine.
BIBS dummies do not have a fixed expiry date, as everyday use and exposure to factors such as sunlight, heat and moisture can affect the material differently over time. This is why regular inspection and replacement every four to six weeks are so important.
Regular cleaning is an important part of dummy care. BIBS recommends cleaning and sterilising dummies, particularly during the early months when your baby’s immune system is still developing.
The correct cleaning method can vary depending on the material, so always follow the care instructions for your particular dummy.
Cleaning helps with everyday hygiene, but it cannot prevent the natural wear that comes with regular use. Checking the dummy and cleaning it properly are therefore both important parts of everyday care.
With a baby, there is already plenty to remember, but checking a dummy takes just a few seconds.
It can also be useful to keep a couple of spare dummies in your changing bag or at home. That way, you have a fresh one to hand if your baby’s usual dummy needs replacing.
If you are ever unsure about your dummy’s condition, it’s safest to replace it.
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