· Pacifier · 2 min read
Pacifier – Pros & Cons
Should I give my baby a pacifier or not? It is a question that concerns many parents.
Most parents have heard different opinions (positive and negative) about this topic.
Pacifier
The pacifier is one of the most favorite accessories of babies because it is a substitute for the mother’s nipple and helps them to relax when they are in pain or when they want to sleep. The pacifier consists of two parts, the soft part which the baby sucks and the hard plastic outer part which protects the baby from swallowing the pacifier.
Choosing a pacifier is not an easy task these days because there are many options available on the market. Before buying one, it would be good to think about what features you would like.
The main features that one should pay attention to are the following:
- Material
- Size
- Shape
Material
For the manufacture of the pacifier, the materials used are silicone and rubber.
| Silicone | Rubber |
|---|---|
| Synthetic material. | Natural material. |
| Moderately resistant to biting and pulling. | More resistant to biting and pulling. |
| It withstands heat and different food ingredients. | It does not withstand heat and different food ingredients. |
| It does not cause allergies. | It may cause allergies. |
Size
The pacifier size depends on the baby’s age.
Shape
There are three shapes that you can choose from:
- Round
- Symmetrical
- Anatomical
Advantages of using a pacifier
- Scientific studies have shown that using a pacifier can reduce sudden death syndrome1.
- The muscles of the mouth and jaw become stronger.
- It helps premature babies develop and maintain the sucking reflex.
- It helps the baby get rid of stress and sleep.
- It can help a baby with colic.
- It is a better alternative to thumb sucking as this can cause more problems to the baby’s teeth.
Disadvantages of using a pacifier
- Using the pacifier can be confusing for the baby if you don’t give it at the right time. It is advised to start using the pacifier after the baby knows how to suckle and after breastfeeding has been established.
- It can negatively affect milk production.
- It can negatively affect the position of the jaw and teeth.
- It is addictive and sometimes it is hard to get rid of it.
Whether or not to give your baby a pacifier is your choice. However, it would be good to be properly informed before you make your decision.