Are Dummy Clips Safe at Night?

As a parent, your baby’s safety during sleep is your top priority. With so many products available for little ones, it’s only natural to wonder: Are dummy clips safe at night? The short answer? No, they’re not.

While dummy clips are super handy during the day, using them at night—especially unsupervised—can pose serious risks. In this guide, we’ll walk you through why dummy clips aren’t safe for sleep, what the alternatives are, and how to use dummies safely as part of your baby’s bedtime routine.

🌙 What Exactly Is a Dummy Clip?

A dummy clip (also known as a pacifier clip or soother holder) is a clever little accessory designed to stop your baby’s dummy from falling to the ground. One end attaches to their clothes, the other holds the dummy in place with a strap made of silicone, fabric or beads.

During the day, dummy clips are a game-changer. They stop dummies getting lost or dirty, and keep them close when your baby needs a little comfort. Many brands—including ours—offer stylish options made with BPA-free silicone and natural wood, blending safety with design. If you’re curious, take a look at our full range of silicone dummy clips.

But when it comes to bedtime? That’s a different story.

⚠️ Are Dummy Clips Safe at Night?

No – dummy clips should never be used while your baby is sleeping.

According to safety experts and guidelines (like the British Standard EN 12586), dummy clips can be dangerous if left on a sleeping baby. The strap can become a strangulation hazard, especially if your baby moves around during sleep. There’s also the risk of small parts coming loose, which could be a choking hazard.

Even brands like Mustard & Mint agree: dummy clips are for supervised use only. As they say:

“There’s a small risk of strangulation if the clip becomes wrapped around your baby’s neck. Always remove it before putting them down to sleep.”

The Natural Baby Shower echoes this:

“Your baby should never sleep with a pacifier clip, as they can be dangerous at night.”

💤 Why Can Babies Still Have a Dummy at Night?

Here’s the good news: while dummy clips are a no-go at night, dummies themselves are actually encouraged for sleep. Studies show that using a dummy during naps and at night can reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

So yes, you can offer a dummy to your baby when putting them down—but the clip needs to come off first. If you’re using one of our silicone dummy clips, simply detach it from the dummy before bedtime.

And don’t worry if it falls out in the night! That’s completely normal, and the SIDS-reducing benefits remain, even if your baby doesn’t use the dummy the whole night.

🕓 When Should I Remove the Dummy Clip?

Always remove the dummy clip just before sleep – whether it’s for a nap or at night. It should be part of your regular bedtime routine. Pop the dummy out, unclip it, and then place your baby down to sleep on their back in a safe, clear cot.

As the Natural Baby Shower puts it:

“Remove the pacifier clip from the dummy before bedtime to eliminate any risks.”

This applies even if your baby is in the room with you. The risk is still there if they’re unsupervised for even a short time.

🌙 What About Special Nighttime Dummy Holders?

Some parents worry about their baby waking up if the dummy falls out. It’s a common issue – but dummy clips aren’t the solution.

There are safer products made specifically for night use, like the NightGenius, a magnetic dummy holder that attaches to the cot sheet instead of baby’s clothes. It’s designed to be soft, strap-free, and safer for sleep. If you’re considering alternatives, look for products that:

• Are shorter than standard clips
• Have no sharp parts
• Have been tested to safety standards

Still, the safest approach is to use no clip at all during sleep, and help your baby get used to finding their dummy on their own if they need it.

✅ Safe Dummy Use: Best Practices

To sum it all up, here are the key safety takeaways for using dummies and clips:

✔️ Use dummy clips only when your baby is awake and supervised

❌ Never use a dummy clip during naps or overnight

✔️ Offer a dummy alone at night, with no clips, cords or attachments

❌ Don’t attach dummies to baby’s clothing at bedtime

✔️ Use dummy clips that comply with UK safety regulations (like ours!)

✔️ Place your baby on their back to sleep, in a clear cot, without loose bedding

If you’re breastfeeding, experts recommend waiting 3–4 weeks before introducing a dummy to avoid disrupting your feeding routine.

Need more info about safe sleep for babies? The Lullaby Trust is a fantastic resource with evidence-based tips for reducing SIDS.

Final Thoughts: Are Dummy Clips Safe at Night?

Dummy clips are not safe for night-time use, no matter how cute or secure they may seem. Even though they’re super useful during the day, they should always be removed before sleep.

If you’re worried about your baby waking up when the dummy falls out, remember—it’s normal! Most babies either find it themselves or settle without it.

Stick to the golden rule: dummy for sleep, clip for day. That way, you can enjoy all the benefits of both—without compromising on safety.

💡 Explore our bestselling dummy clips – made from food-grade silicone, as well as our personalised dummy clips – all safety-tested to UK standards. Use them in the day, remove them at night – peace of mind for every moment