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BIBS Dummies - Frequently Asked Questions

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BIBS Dummies - Frequently Asked Questions

BIBS Colour Dummies have been a bestselling baby accessory for more than 40 years. Made in Denmark, this retro style dummy features a cherry-shaped natural latex teat, with a gently curved polypropylene shield to prevent skin irritation.

Due to their popularity, we often receive many questions and enquiries about BIBS Dummies, and have collated the most frequently asked questions and their answers below, to help make it easier to choose the correct dummy for your baby, and to care for it appropriately.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's):


How do I clean and sterilise BIBS Dummies?

Follow these three simple steps to clean the dummies:

  1. Put the pacifiers in a clean bowl
  2. Pour boiling water over the pacifiers and let them soak for five minutes
  3. Let the pacifiers dry and cool off on a clean towel
    (use the towel to press out any excess water inside the nipple)

    Most dummies are equipped with a valve. If the nipple has a valve, be sure to squeeze excess water out of the nipple after the dummies have cooled off.

    When the child is more than three (3) months old, you can also sterilise the dummies by placing them in a sieve and pouring boiling water over them. This method is faster and avoids excess water inside the nipple.

    Following the above instructions is sure to kill any bacteria on the dummies, without compromising the durability of the natural rubber latex nipple.


    How often should I clean the dummies?

    Part of good pacifier hygiene is frequent cleaning. The younger the child, the more important it is to maintain good pacifier hygiene.

    Premature infants and babies younger than three (3) months need more thorough and frequent cleaning.

    • 0-3 months: The pacifier must be scalded at least once a day
      In addition, the pacifier must be scalded every time it has been on the floor
    • 3+ months: Scald the pacifier once a day and rinse it under cold water if it has been on the floor

    Can I put the dummies in the dishwasher?

    The dummies should not be cleaned in the dishwasher as this may damage the material.  Also, most dishwashers do not reach temperatures high enough to sufficiently sterilise the dummies.
     

    Can I use UV, microwave, boiling or other sterilisers for my BIBS dummies?

    Sterilisers are not recommended for the sterilisation of latex dummies, as it might cause material defects. Latex is a natural product and undergoes a natural ageing process, which can be influenced by external forces. Natural rubber latex is also not meant to be boiled, as it can be damaged by the high heat.
     

    Can I freeze the pacifiers when my baby is teething?

    We would advise you not to freeze your pacifiers with or without water inside for two reasons:

    • The latex nipple is not intended for that kind of use - the material properties aren't guaranteed to stay the same after such treatment
    • The latex nipple has a low wall thickness, hence you should always avoid skin contact if frozen. Direct skin contact and even indirect skin contact with ice can cause skin injuries and frostbite

    What are BIBS Dummies made from?

    • Teat - 100% natural rubber latex
    • Shield - Polypropylene (PP)

    Where are BIBS Dummies made? 

    BIBS is a high-quality Danish brand, established in the 1980’s. BIBS Dummies are designed and manufactured in Hillerød, north of Copenhagen, Denmark, EU.
     

    Why do the new pacifiers seem smaller than the older ones?

    If your new dummy is different in size compared to an older dummy, this will be due to the teat expanding through heavy use. The teat is made from a natural material, which doesn’t contain any stabilising chemicals to keep the shape of the nipple.

    The enlarged pacifier nipple indicates that the nipple has been in use for a while, which has resulted in a swelling of the latex material. Therefore, the present size can differ from the original size and the new pacifier seems smaller than the old one.

    It is recommended to have a few dummies in rotation so any size difference when introducing a new dummy, isn’t as noticeable.


    Why does the BIBS Dummy teat feel sticky?

    Rubber latex is a natural material and is affected by sunlight, high temperatures, and moisture which accelerates the ageing process of the material - the latex material can change it's properties and can become brittle or sticky. Whenever you experience a change in the material, the pacifier must be replaced.
     

    Which size of BIBS Dummies should I choose?

    We currently stock two sizes of BIBS Dummies, covering from newborn up to 18 months.

    • Size 1 (0 to 6 months)
      Shorter narrow teat, with a nipple length of 26mm, great for preemies and smaller newborns

    • Size 2 (6 to 18 months)
      Narrow teat, with a nipple length of 30mm, may also be suitable for baby before 6 months

    The bulb of the teat is the same size on both, with the difference in size in the nipple length.

    For many babies size 1 will be too small - it is most likely that baby will accept a size 2 dummy from beginning to end.

    Size 2 is the most commonly used size (labelled as 6-18 months, but suitable for newborn use, as per the manufacturer's recommendation) - the teat length is crucial to getting baby’s sucking reflexes activated.

    There is also a Size 3 (for 18+ months) however we don't currently stock this size.



    Are BIBS Dummies suitable for breastfed babies?

    The natural soft latex cherry shaped nipple and matte lightweight shield is designed to be the most similar shape to a mother’s breast and is therefore recommended by midwifes to support natural breastfeeding - as both the specific length and shape of BIB dummies gives baby the right sucking technique at the breast.
     

    How often should I replace the dummies?

    BIBS recommend replacing the dummies every 4 to 6 weeks for safety and hygiene reasons.  

  1. Inspect carefully before each use, especially when baby has teeth
  2. Pull the nipple in all directions
  3. Throw away at the first signs of damage or weakness
  4. Do not use a pacifier that has changed colour or presents irregularities 

    5.  

    How should I store BIBS Dummies?

    BIBS Dummies do not come with a cover or a lid, but should be kept dry and protected from dirt when not in use.

    Avoid placing the dummy in direct sunlight or heat, as this may weaken the natural latex.

    Do not store the dummies in disinfectant or sterilising liquid, as this can affect their durability.

    What safety warnings and directions do I need to consider:

    The product complies with Consumer Goods (Babies’ Dummies) Safety Standard AS2432-1991 2017 and European Safety Standard EN 1400.

    Full care and safety instructions are enclosed within the packaging, which should be retained for future reference.

    WARNING:

    • Do not tie dummy around baby's neck as it presents a strangulation hazard
    • A torn or broken dummy poses a choking hazard
    • Inspect carefully before each use, especially when a child has teeth
    • Pull pacifier in all directions
    • Throw away at first signs of damage or weakness
    • Always use this product under adult supervision

    If the child - by mistake - has got the pacifier too far in the mouth. DO NOT PANIC. Remove the pacifier gently. The design is made to make sure the child will not suffocate.

    It is not recommended to dip the pacifier in products containing sugar or medicine, as this can affect the child's teeth and health. Please make sure the child only uses the pacifier for the intended use.

    • Alisa Crook