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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Katie Fitzpatrick

Gemma Atkinson defends herself over two-year-old daughter still using a dummy

Gemma Atkinson has hit back after being questioned about her two-year-old daughter Mia still using a dummy.

The Hits Radio presenter was challenged by her followers on social media after she shared a video clip of little Mia with her dummy in her mouth.

Gemma took to her Instagram Stories to say she'd received 'loads' of comments about the video.

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And the former Emmerdale and Hollyoaks actress from Bury clapped to say it doesn't worry her at all that Mia still wants her pacifier.

"I've had loads of messages from people about my video this morning," she said.

"'Does it not bother you that Mia's got her dummy in?' 'Are you not worried that she's still got her dummy?'

"B****y hell she's two. Am I f*****g hell worried. She wants her dummy. She's a baby."

She added: "No it doesn't worry me at all. When she doesn't want it she doesn't want it, when she does she does.

"I'm not going to deprive her of a dummy. Crikey."

Dummies are used to soothe and relax and sucking a pacifier can help some babies settle and give them comfort.

But the NHS advises that regular and extended use of a dummy or a bottle can create problems with speech.

Health experts say that between the age of six and 12 months a dummy should only be offered when it's time for sleep. And ideally they should stop using dummies completely by 12 months.

The Babycentre parenting website also has advice on the matter.

Gemma was recently applauded for getting her two-year-old involved in household chores (Gemma Atkinson Instagram)

"It's best to start limiting the time your baby has her dummy from about six months. Ideally, she should have given it up completely by the time she's one," says health visitor Zoe Ralph.

"Of course, when faced with a distressed child this is easier said than done!

"Babies often use attachment objects, such as their thumbs, or security blankets, into the second year and beyond.

"It may take some effort on your part to persuade your baby to part with her dummy.

"Some parents find it easier to stop their child using a dummy when they're old enough to understand why it's being taken away.

"Others set strict rules about when their child can use their dummy, for example, only in the house, or just in the evening.

"When weaning your baby off her dummy, gradually decrease the time you let her use it during the day and evening.

"Try helping your baby to settle at bedtime without a dummy.

"Many babies who go to sleep with a dummy will look for it when they wake up during the night.

"By removing it as a sleeping aid, your baby will have a better chance of learning to settle back to sleep by herself."

Gemma, 36, was recently applauded after she revealed that Mia helps her out with chores around the house.

She had a little help from her adorable toddler as she loaded up the washing machine.

She shared a sweet video of mother and daughter working together on the task.

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