Pacifier, binky, soother. There are several synonyms for the favorite baby accessory, as well as questions that arise regarding its use. Which pacifier to give the baby, when to give it, and whether to give it at all – these are questions parents ask themselves once the baby arrives. There are many truths and misconceptions about pacifier use, which only complicates things for parents who want the best for their baby.
We love to buy them as gifts, especially because of the cute designs, but no one will tell you that a pacifier is necessary for a baby, as many babies simply reject them, so you shouldn’t force it if your baby doesn’t like it.
However, the fact is that rarely anything can soothe a newborn like a pacifier. So, how can we strike a balance? Another fact is that all babies cry, often without any apparent reason, and they have a need to suck, even when they are not hungry. In both situations, the pacifier has proven to be the parents’ best friend. Some babies would otherwise use breastfeeding as a way to calm down, which is not recommended to a great extent. And here, the pacifier comes into play as a better option.
Experts have managed to strike a balance, advising that the pacifier be used only when the child is upset and cannot fall asleep. Also, as pacifiers come in different shapes and qualities, it is recommended for parents to try several higher-quality ones and let the baby choose the one that suits them.
Advantages of a pacifier:
- Reduces stress in babies
- Soothes the baby before sleep
- Prevents thumb-sucking by sucking the pacifier
- Great for distracting the baby during pediatric check-ups, for instance
- Helps during airplane flights as sucking on the pacifier helps clear the baby’s ears, which is a common problem during flights
Disadvantages of a pacifier:
- If the baby hasn’t learned to nurse yet, it can cause breastfeeding problems
- Never tie the pacifier’s ribbon around the baby’s neck, it can be dangerous
- Dental problems may occur if the pacifier is used for more than two years
Additional tips:
- If you plan to exclusively breastfeed, do not give the baby a pacifier as it may confuse them since sucking on a pacifier requires different techniques than breastfeeding.
- Don’t give the baby a pacifier immediately. First, try to soothe them by rocking, cuddling, or softly singing and talking to them.
- Thoroughly clean the pacifier before use.
- Forget about dipping the pacifier in sugar. You risk causing cavities in your baby.
- As the baby gets older, gradually wean them off the pacifier by reducing daily usage.
And finally, it’s all about you and your baby. Listen to your newborn and follow their needs. They will tell you, even if they can’t speak yet, what exactly they need. And as a mother, you will know how to understand them best.
