A BUSINESSWOMAN from Lymm is encouraging parents to ditch the dummy as part of a new challenge.

Joanne Jones, 42, is an an online early years development coach, helping parents with children who have speech, language and communication difficulties.

The mum of four is now running a free five-day ditch the dummy challenge to help parents have the skills to stop their child using a dummy.

Joanne explained: "Dummies can be very effective for small babies. They help to keep them calm, soothe them to sleep, reduce pain and provide comfort.

"As babies mature the muscles in their mouth start to strengthen and move in different ways.

"Having a dummy in the mouth can reduce this muscle development.

"Some children seem to manage just fine, it is true, but it is important to note that dummies can causing hearing difficulties, articulation problems, dental malformations and dribbling.

"If your child has any of these difficulties or a language delay, it is vital you stop using the dummy as soon as possible."

If you would like to join, the challenge starts on April 23 and you can sign up through Facebook.