Dummies - Frequently asked questions

• Latex dummies

  I have bought new latex/natural rubber dummies but they are smaller than my old ones.
  
  Why is that?

  Temperature, saliva, sunlight and heat can alter a latex nipple. These changes can cause discolouration and the material can expand and become larger over time. Latex can also become sticky and lose its shape. These are natural stages of the latex aging process.  

  An enlarged dummy nipple indicates that it has been in use for some time. This is why the new dummy can appear to be smaller than the old one. 

  
  IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  Be aware of natural wear and tear. Natural rubber changes through use and can expand significantly. It is a good idea to regularly check whether the dummy is damaged. Byhappyme recommends replacing dummies approximately every 4-6 weeks. 

  You can avoid having one dummy grow significantly larger than the others by having several on the go at the same time. 

  Please note that there is significant variation from brand to brand and it is therefore unlikely that the nipple sizes between brands will be identical.   

  You are welcome to contact Byhappyme for advice should you wish to change brands or switch to a new material, e.g. from latex to silicone.

  All our dummies are 100% BPA, PVC and phthalate-free and comply with the EU EN-1400 standards.

  
  Byhappyme only sells original dummies from reputable suppliers.

• Latex dummies

  Why does my latex dummy have a sticky surface?

  A latex/rubber dummy is a natural material and will change over time. The material is affected by sunlight and temperature which can accelerate the aging process and cause the surface to feel sticky. If you experience changes in the surface you should discard the dummy immediately and replace it with a new one. 

  Why is the nipple transparent on one latex dummy and more opaque on another one? 

  There are a lot of benefits to latex. It is a soft material and it is therefore more comfortable for children to use. Latex is also quite resistant to bite marks and can tolerate being stretched. 

  Latex is a natural material and will change over time. Some dummy nipples stay transparent while others will become more opaque, e.g. as a result of the oxygen in the air. The quality and safety of the product is not affected by these natural changes. 

  Please note that you should start using a latex dummy immediately and not store it for a long period of time before use.

• Silicone dummies

  I have bought new silicone dummies but they are smaller than my old ones.

  Why is this?

  A dummy nipple will be affected by things such as temperature, saliva and sunlight. These changes can result in discolouration and the material becoming porous. 

  A porous dummy nipple indicates that it has been used for a longer period of time and the nipple may have expanded. This is why the current size of the dummy nipple can be different from its original size and why the new dummy appears to be smaller. 

  IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  Be aware of wear and tear. Silicone changes over time when used frequently. Regularly double check whether the dummy is still intact. Byhappyme recommends replacing dummies approximately every 4-6 weeks.

  It’s a good idea to have several dummies on the go at the same time. This way you avoid one dummy becoming considerably more worn out than the others. 

  Please note that there is significant variation from brand to brand and it is therefore likely that the nipple sizes will vary in size.   

  You are welcome to contact Byhappyme for advice should you wish to change brands or switch to a new material, e.g. from silicone to latex.

  All our dummies are 100% BPA, PVC and phthalate-free and comply with the EU EN-1400 standards.
  
  Byhappyme only sells original dummies from reputable suppliers.

• Size

  Which size should I choose?

  Dummies come in many different sizes but most brands will have a similar size range.  

  As a general rule, the following applies: 

  Size 1 = 0+ / 0-6 months

  Size 2 = 6+ / 6-36 months

  Size 3 = 18+ / 18-36 months

   

  Size 1 – the perfect size for newborns/babies

  Size 2 – generally the most popular size and the one which many hospitals and nurses will recommend 

  Size 3 – for older children. The dummy is often quite big and is significantly larger than the other two sizes. Be wary of starting with this size too soon as it can require some getting used to. 

  Please note that the sizes are a guide only. They can vary from brand to brand. Find more information about sizes under each product description on our online shop. 

  Why are there so many different sizes?

  There is not a standard for dummy sizes which is why sizes can vary so much between brands. The size listed should be considered as a guidance only. 

  You are always welcome to contact Byhappyme should you require help with sizes - we are happy to help. 

  Byhappyme only sells original dummies from reputable suppliers.

• New brand

  I have bought dummies from a different brand than the one I am used to and now the size isn’t right.

  Why is this?

  The size of the dummy nipple will often vary between brands. It is therefore not possible to compare brands in this way. Each brand has their own range of sizes.

  You are more than welcome to contact Byhappyme should you wish to change brands and need some guidance.

• Adaptation

  My child won’t use the newly purchased dummy - why is this? 

  There can be several reasons for this. It could be because the old dummy was used for too long and became very large compared to the new one. This is the reason why dummies should be replaced every 4-6 weeks.
  It could also be that you have accidentally ordered the wrong size. If a dummy is larger than your child is used to it can take some time to adapt and that can be challenging.

  You can find more information about sizes under the selected model on our online shop. 

• Durability

  How long can a dummy be used for?

  This depends on how often it is being used but we recommend that you replace the dummy approximately every 4-6 weeks. Pay attention to any changes in the surface. If it starts to look different, changes in size or shape, and the material is damaged you should replace it immediately. 

  Does your child have teeth? If so, you should check the dummy nipple by pulling on it from all directions before each use. If there are any bite marks or other signs that the material has been damaged you must discard it.    

  Byhappyme cannot be held responsible for holes caused by bite marks and will not replace dummies that are damaged due to bite marks. 

  Be aware that latex dummies can expand significantly over time. 
  
  The dummies have holes in them - why is this? 

  When children grow teeth, some children develop a habit of biting the dummy. This can ruin the surface of the nipple and cause holes to appear. If your child has teeth you should always check the dummy thoroughly before each use and discard it if the nipple has been punctured. 

  Byhappyme does not replace damaged dummies caused by biting. 

  Replacement 

  How often should a dummy be replaced?

  • Always thoroughly check the dummy for signs of wear and tear. Pull on the nipple from all directions. Discard if there are any signs of damage. 

  • A dummy should be replaced approximately every 4-6 weeks for hygiene and safety reasons. 

  • It’s a good idea to have several dummies on the go at the same time. This way you avoid one dummy growing significantly larger than the others.

• NO GO

  Can I put a dummy in the freezer and use it in the same way I would a teether?

  We do not recommend freezing a dummy, whether it’s filled with water or not. 

  • The dummy has not been designed nor approved for this purpose and should therefore not be used in this way. The material could be damaged and become dangerous. 

  • Applying frozen objects directly to the skin can be damaging, especially given how sensitive young skin is.

• Choosing a dummy

  Which dummy should I choose?

  Some children are happy with any dummy whilst others are more particular and prefer the same type/brand. It therefore varies a lot from child to child which dummy is best. 

  If you are switching brands or materials, e.g. from latex to silicone, you may find it helpful to contact Byhappyme for advice - we are always happy to help.
  
  Read more about sizes here: here
  
  All our dummies are 100% BPA, PVC and phthalate-free and comply with EU EN-1400 standards.
  
  Byhappyme only sells original dummies from reputable suppliers.

• Care instructions

  How to clean a dummy?

  • Sterilise the dummy by putting it in a small bowl

  • Pour boiling water over it 

  • Let them soak for 1-2 minutes, then let them air dry on a clean tea towel 

  • Use the tea towel to squeeze out any excess water 

   

  Make sure that the dummy has cooled off completely before use 

  
  A tip for when your child is older than 3 months 

  Once your child is older than 3 months you can clean the dummies by placing them in a colander and pouring boiling water over them. This method is faster and you avoid water getting into the dummy nipple.  

   

  VERY IMPORTANT!

  Replacement of dummies:

  For hygienic reasons, Byhappyme recommends replacing your dummies approx. every 4-6 weeks. Do not use a dummy that is damaged or is showing signs of wear and tear. Be aware that latex can expand significantly over time. 

  
  Can the dummies be put through the dishwasher?

  Byhappyme strongly advises against putting dummies through the dishwasher as this can damage the material. In addition, the dummies must also be properly sterilised which requires higher temperatures than a dishwasher typically reaches.
  
  How do I clean a dummy? Can I use UV, a microwave or a steriliser? 

  Byhappyme advises against using a steriliser for latex dummies. Latex is a natural material and the steriliser can accelerate the aging process. 

  Byhappyme recommends sterilising dummies gently. Place the dummies in a small bowl and pour boiling water over them. Let them soak for 1-2 minutes. Remove them from the water and squeeze out any excess water from the nipple. Leave to air dry before use. 

  Silicone dummies can be cleaned using either UV, the microwave or a steriliser. Important! Always make sure the dummy has cooled off completely before use. 

  
  There is water inside the nipple after cleaning - why is this?

  There will often be water inside the dummy nipple after sterilisation. The excess water can be removed by squeezing on the nipple. If there are just a few droplets left inside the nipple you can just let it air dry.
  Important! Always make sure that the dummy has cooled off completely before use.
  
  Why does the dummy make noises when in use?

  Occasionally a dummy can emit some noises after it has been sterilised. This is normal and the sound will disappear again shortly.