Does the duration and frequency of dummy (pacifier) use affect the development of speech?

The evidence base for any effects of dummy use on speech is very small. Dummy use may increase the number of atypical speech errors a young child makes. However, only the frequency of daytime use seems relevant, not the duration or night-time use, and these errors may resolve over time. What this paper adds What is already known on this subject The use of a dummy with infants in Western countries is comparatively high (between 36-85%). A number of positive and detrimental consequences of dummy use have been documented in the literature; however, research on the effect of dummy use on speech development is significantly lacking. Past studies have included small sample sizes or used single measures of speech outcomes, which may not be specific enough to reveal how speech may be affected. Many speech and language therapists speculate that the use of a dummy could be contributing to many of the conditions they treat, yet this claim remains largely unsubstantiated. Clinical implications of this study The study suggests that only prolonged use of a dummy over several hours and during the day may start to show any impact on speech; even then, professionals need to be aware that the evidence base for any speech effects is very small. Clinicians and other professionals who parents consult on dummy use should make sure to provide both the pros and cons of dummy use, in order to enable parents to make an informed decision.