Hi all, Thinking on this, I would also wager a guess it is not just dumis or bottles, but the length of their use. While the young oral anatomy is developing = stands to reason the longer the paci is used and bottles, which in my opinion is really just for convenience of the parents after a certain age - then it would have a more negative effect. IMHO - as soon as babes are holding things, and can work their way around a cup - (some even at 8 months maybe) I would say get rid of the bottles and pacis. People don't think about the true reason for having them which I feel is to relieve the sucking reflex which dissapates after what - 6 months, a year? Does anyone really know? We used to think it was more like two years. I feel bad for babies who have a plug in their mouths all the time. Maybe they still do need sucking for comfort, but they are sure sucking away for a whole LOT of reasons other than that. Even toddlers who are still bfg don't go around all day with a breast in their mouths. (maybe some do!?!?) Especially for BF babies it seems such a pity to get them into the habit of ALSO needing a paci. Most of my clients are really right after birth, so I already discuss paci use in pre-natal visits and thereafter. Most of the moms just did not know that it is a substitute for the breast, and like most of our culture today, think that pacis come along with the baby!! Ellen Shein, LLLI IBCLC *********************************************** Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html To reach list owners: [log in to unmask] Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask] COMMANDS: 1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail 2. To start it again: set lactnet mail 3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet 4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome