Baby pacifier: advantages and disadvantages. Should I give my newborn a pacifier?
Even before the arrival of a new family member, we start completing the layette. We buy the first clothes, a cot and all kinds of accessories that may prove useful in caring for a child. One of them is the pacifier. Admittedly, there is a lot of talk about the risk of emergence malocclusion from a pacifier, which is why many parents carefully consider all options for and againsteven before purchasing it. However, giving your baby a pacifier also has its advantages.
So what about this pacifier - yes or no? Is it possible and if so, when to give a pacifier to a child? What pacifier to buy for a newborn? The decision is not facilitated by additional doubts related to the effects of weaning off the pacifier and whether to give the newborn a pacifier at all? Do you want to know how to choose the best pacifier for babies? Here are some tips to help you make the right choice.
Should and when should you give your baby a pacifier?
Usually, even before we start looking for the best pacifiers for children, we face dilemmas such as: should we give a pacifier to a newborn, and if so, when and whether we should give a pacifier to such a small child at all?
At the outset, it should be mentioned that the creation of a product such as a dummy is a response to the strongly developed sucking instinct in the youngest. This is a basic reflex that is responsible for the sense of security, the need for closeness and has a calming effect on a small child. Babies need even several hours a day to satisfy this need. Regardless of how you feed your baby, even if he or she is latched on a regular basis, it may turn out that the baby - and its mother - they need extra support.
And although there are arguments for and against the purchase of a pacifier, you can learn how to use this product rationally. So as to minimize the disadvantages and enjoy the benefits of giving the baby a pacifier.
Czy should give a pacifier to a newborn?
Before you ask yourself what pacifiers are best for a newborn, let's start with the question of whether a pacifier should be given to a newborn? We pay attention to them for a reason. According to the recommendations of specialists: For the first few weeks of a baby's life, it is better not to use a pacifier.
The baby in the first month should focus on learning to suck the mother's breast. Giving a pacifier during this period could disrupt this process.
Therefore, before we start thinking about which pacifiers for a newborn will be the best, let us remember that it is safest to start using this product after the child is finished first month of life.
The best pacifiers for babies: what to look for?
A wide selection of pacifiers is available both in stationary stores and on the Internet. The large availability of the assortment means that a confused parent may have a problem with choosing the best pacifier for his child. Below we present what features should have the best pacifiers for babies.
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Senior specialist in the Department of Assessment and Cooperation Development, Institute of Mother and Child
The best pacifiers for babies: features
Pacifier size
Depending on the age of the child - you will find pacifiers designed for newborns, infants and even premature babies. Before purchasing, always pay attention to the age indication on the product label. Properly matching the size of the pacifier is very important, even in the context of the risk of malocclusion from the pacifier.
The material of the dummy
Currently, baby pacifiers are mainly made of soft, flexible latex, as well as more durable, thus safer and easier to clean silicone. In stores, you will also find pacifiers made of other materials, e.g. rubber.
Pacifier shape
Its selection is very important due to the stimulation of the sucking reflex and the development of the child's bite. Choose a pacifier that suits your baby's mouth shape.
Pacifiers are available in stores:
- orthodontic (anatomical) – slightly flattened on the tongue side, resembles a nipple in shape, according to the assumption, it is supposed to reduce the risk of malocclusion from the pacifier;
- dynamic – they are designed to stimulate the natural sucking reflex;
- symmetrical – the teat rubber is flat both at the top and bottom;
- round - Cherry-shaped, works well for bottle-fed babies.
Anatomical and orthodontic pacifiers are often recommended by dentists because they prevent malocclusion and ensure proper jaw development.
Cleaning and disinfection
Teats should be regularly disinfected in a sterilizer, take this into account when choosing its shape. Remember that after purchasing the product, it is good to scald it in boiling water. However, during the day, it is enough to wash the pacifier under running water.
Additional features of the pacifier
Such as extra ventilation or a shape that prevents it from sinking into the child's mouth.
If you still think that choosing the best pacifier for babies can be difficult for you, you can always use expert help. In our database of positively reviewed products you will find pacifiers tested both in terms of general and developmental safety, which received a positive opinion of the research unit, which is the Institute of Mother and Child.
Pacifier: pros and cons
Before we get to all the “pros” and “cons” of the pacifier, thanks to which we will be able to conclude, construct an answer to the question: the pacifier - Yes or no? we must remind you that most of the “against” arguments listed below result from an incompetently selected pacifier or too long time of its use.
Pacifier: A
- Action calming and calming e.g. during teething or medical examination;
- It is indicated that giving the baby a pacifier may help the baby fall asleep and reduce the risk of cot death [SIDS];
- When the baby has a very strong need to suck, the dummy can act as a substitute for the mother's breast, and thus be a moment of rest for the woman;
- Help in weaning the baby from feeding at night;
- Emotional support in difficult times - a pacifier is a better alternative to thumb sucking.
Pacifier: AGAINST
- Speech development disorders – a pacifier in the mouth does not encourage attempts to speak or make sounds. An additional problem arises from the reduced mobility of the tongue, as it may contribute to the formation of speech defects related to the difficulty in pronouncing lingual and labial sounds;
- Risk of breastfeeding problems – when giving a pacifier to a newborn baby too early;
- Malocclusion from a pacifier – with too long and frequent sucking, or with an incorrectly selected pacifier, there is a risk of malocclusion from the pacifier, i.e. underbite or open bite;
- Mouth infections and development of caries – the nipple is a breeding ground for bacteria. It can contribute to the formation of oral infections, especially when it is not disinfected often and thoroughly;
- Difficulties associated with weaning off the pacifier – risk of the baby becoming too attached to the pacifier.
Effects of pacifier withdrawal
On the topic: when to give and when to take away a pacifier from a child, one should act very rationally and carefully. We are also talking about stopping giving the baby a pacifier. The result of too abrupt discontinuation of the pacifier may be the emergence of a replacement habit, namely: thumb sucking.
Thumb sucking may cause much more health complications for the child, including with the risk of deformation of the thumb, abnormal development of the palate and the appearance of problems with the development of speech. The habit developed in the toddler will also be much more troublesome for the parent, because unlike the pacifier - it is a reflex that is hard to control in the child.
Be sure to provide your baby with an alternative to a pacifier. In the initial stage, it can be the closeness of the parent - hugging, rocking, reading books or even singing.
The pacifier: the sucking reflex and habit
Remember - with the achievement of the appropriate degree of maturity of the central nervous system, which usually follows after the child turns 1 year oldthe sucking reflex gradually disappears. It is worth thinking about weaning the pacifier already in 4-6. monthand maximum in the 18th month of the child's life. It is advisable to carefully observe the baby so that sucking the pacifier does not turn into a habit.
Appropriate control and awareness of the consequences of using the pacifier for too long, or inappropriate selection of the product, can help to avoid malocclusion from the pacifier or the unpleasant effects of discontinuing the pacifier. Remember, if there are any doubts or questions - it is best to consult a specialist.
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