Which pacifier to choose for a newborn? What conditions should a good pacifier for a baby meet?
Choosing the best pacifier for your newborn is much more than a matter of personal preference. This is a decision that affects the child's comfort, health and development, and thus the parents' peace of mind. In this article, we will look at the different types of pacifiers available on the market, their materials and shapes, emphasizing how important it is to adapt them to the needs of the youngest.
We will discuss which pacifiers are best for a newborn and recommended by specialists, as well as what their advantages are. We will consider the differences between silicone and rubber pacifiers and their impact on the child's health. We will also focus on the advantages of anatomical and symmetrical pacifiers. Which pacifier should you consider buying for a newborn? We invite you to read the article, which will help dispel many pacifier-related doubts.
What pacifier for a newborn: basic guidelines
In a full-term baby who is breastfed - if there is a great need for non-nutritional sucking - a soother can be used approximately 3-4 weeks after giving birth. When the mother's lactation stabilizes and the baby develops the ability to suck. The decision to give a pacifier is usually associated with a dilemma: which pacifiers are the best for a newborn?
Parents should be aware that the market offers a wide selection of pacifiers intended for newborns, including those who are breastfed. However, the specific pacifier they choose for a newborn should be consistent with fulfillment specific needs little ones in this unique phase of life.
Pacifiers differ in materials, shapes and functions that are designed to imitate natural feeding, which is especially important for newborns.
The most popular types are:
- anatomical pacifiers (orthodontic), which support the proper development of the oral cavity;
- symmetrical teats (flattened on both sides), which ensure comfort regardless of the position in which the child holds the pacifier.
Expert advises
Choosing the right pacifier is crucial not only for your baby's comfort, but also for supporting healthy development. The best pacifiers for newborns - both breastfed and bottle-fed - are designed to minimize the risk of developing malocclusion, ensure proper development of the muscles of the oro-facial area, as well as support the child's peaceful sleep and alleviate the discomfort associated with teething.
Silicone or rubber pacifier: which one to choose?
We can find both silicone and rubber pacifiers on store shelves. And here we face a dilemma: which one will be better: a silicone or a rubber pacifier?
Silicone pacifiers
They are appreciated for their durability and easy to keep clean. They are resistant to odors and stains, which makes them extremely hygienic. In addition, silicone is a temperature-resistant material, which makes sterilization easier. However, they may be harder than their rubber counterparts, which some children may not tolerate.
Rubber pacifiers
On the other hand, rubber pacifiers are more durable flexible and soft, which may better mimic the shape of the mother's breast, thus being a more natural choice for newborns. There is also rubber biodegradable material, which speaks for its ecological aspect. Unfortunately, it may wear out faster and absorb odors, which requires replacing the pacifier more often.
It is worth trying both types and seeing whether a silicone or rubber pacifier better suits the baby's needs. Moreover, regardless of the choice of material, you should always pay attention to the quality of the pacifier and make sure that it is safe and meets all standards for children's products. We invite you to familiarize yourself with our product database, which received a Positive Opinion from the Institute of Mother and Child.
What pacifier for a newborn: criteria important when choosing a pacifier
Initially, when you want to choose the best pacifier for a newborn, you may feel a bit lost. However, we come with support and present several features that are worth paying attention to when purchasing this specific product for our child:
- Pacifier Size: Pacifiers are available in different sizes, depending on the baby's age (0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-18 months). Choosing the right size is crucial for the child's safety and comfort;
- Pacifier shape: the shape of the pacifier is of fundamental importance for the proper anatomical and functional development of the child's oral cavity. The most popular and most suitable for babies are anatomical and orthodontic pacifiers;
- Raw material type: As we have already mentioned, pacifiers can be made of medical silicone or natural rubber. The choice of material depends on individual preferences and the child's reaction.
Pacifiers should be anti-allergic and free from harmful substances such as nitrosamines, PVC, BPA, BPF, BPS, phthalates and extractable heavy metals that may negatively affect the child's health.
- Pacifier disc size and shape: the pacifier shield should be of sufficient size to prevent the pacifier from falling into the mouth. The pacifier should have an anatomical shape with a cutout for the nose, adjusted to the child's face so as not to restrict breathing through the nose;
- Nipple hardness: soft pacifiers may be more comfortable for newborns, but harder ones may serve children better during the teething period;
- Nipple shield ventilation: ventilation holes in the shield ensure adequate air flow, which is crucial in preventing chafing and keeping the child's skin in good condition;
- Pacifier holder: a ring or other handle allows easy and safe use of the pacifier, as well as its attachment, e.g. to a child's clothes;
- Washing and sterilization: the pacifier should be made of materials that are resistant to washing and sterilization at high temperatures, which ensures hygiene and safety of use.
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Senior specialist in the Department of Assessment and Cooperation Development, Institute of Mother and Child
What pacifier for a newborn: advantages of anatomical and symmetrical pacifiers
Do you want to know which pacifier to choose for your newborn, but you are not sure how to distinguish an anatomical pacifier from a symmetrical one?
Anatomical pacifiers they are designed to mimic the shape of the nipple during feeding, which makes them more natural for the baby. Their unique shape also helps in the correct positioning of the tongue.
In turn, symmetrical pacifiers, often called "orthodontic", they have a symmetrical shape that allows the pacifier to be placed in the baby's mouth in any orientation. This design is not only comfortable, but also safe, minimizing the risk of incorrect positioning of the pacifier, which is especially important when the baby is sleeping.
Arguments for the use of pacifiers by infants
Properly used pacifiers do not necessarily have a negative impact on the functioning of the muscles of the orofacial area. Moreover, in children born prematurely, they may support the development of dietary patterns similar to normal, which constitute primary (preliminary) activities. Speech develops on their basis and is referred to as a secondary activity.
Expert advises
Choosing the right pacifier and sucking technique are crucial not only for the baby's comfort, but also for its health and development. An incorrectly selected pacifier may lead to malocclusion and articulation disorders. Please remember to say goodbye to the pacifier before the child turns 1 year of age. However, in case of certain difficulties (self-regulation, teething, hospitalization), the pacifier should be abandoned between 18 and 24 months of age. This is the point at which suction ceases as a function.
Appropriate use well-selected pacifiers can offer many benefits, including:
- Satisfying the physiological need to suck: pacifiers effectively meet the natural and physiological need for non-nutritive sucking that infants demonstrate.
- Pacifiers as a source of safety and stress reduction: pacifiers can give babies a sense of security and comfort, which is especially important in new or stressful situations.
Sucking is not only a means of nourishment, but also a soothing and calming mechanism for babies, helping them cope with stress. A pacifier can serve as a source of comfort for your baby, especially in situations where breastfeeding or bottle-feeding is not possible.
- Pacifier and thumb sucking: choosing a pacifier is often a better alternative than leaving your child to suck their thumb on their own. Thumb sucking may be more difficult to control and stop, and is associated with a greater risk of problems with proper bite development.
- Pacifiers and reducing the risk of SIDS: One of the most important arguments for the use of pacifiers by infants is their potential role in reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Sucking a pacifier while sleeping can help maintaining airway patency, which reduces the risk of SIDS. That's why many pediatricians recommend offering a pacifier to babies during naps and nighttime sleep as part of a strategy to minimize this risk.
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