Many exhausted parents resort to using a pacifier out of desperation. After all, what could be easier than plugging it in for instant silence? Baby sucks contentedly and the parents are able to get some coveted peace and maybe even catch some sleep. But pacifiers, like some other blessings from child-rearing heaven, can affect baby’s development and deprive her of what she really needs — physical comfort and nurturing from mom and dad.
Why it’s popular
Nature has designed parenthood to be a 24-hour responsibility. Unfortunately, not all moms and dads are up to this requirement. Juggling work and other commitments depletes us of precious energy that could otherwise be devoted to the new baby. For moms who simply aren’t able to fulfill nature’s rules, a pacifier can be a valuable lifesaver, offering some short-term respite.
A pacifier may also be used to replace mom’s breast for brief periods, especially if your nipples are sore or baby insists on sucking on although she is full. By replacing the breast or bottle for brief periods, a pacifier could also help prevent overfeeding.
If you decide to use a pacifier, don’t be surprised if baby rejects it, preferring to suck her thumb or fist instead. Many babies suck their thumbs, even in the womb. Don’t be too concerned about thumb-sucking as children usually outgrow it by the age of five.
Is a pacifier bad for baby?
Most health professionals do not denounce pacifiers — as long as they are used responsibly.
A baby needs to suck, not necessarily for feeding, because the sucking action calms her down.
Experts feel that providing a pacifier is safe as long as the child outgrows it before the appearance of permanent teeth. According to the British Dental Association, thumb-or-pacifier-sucking may alter the position of permanent teeth, requiring treatment to reverse damage.
Some experts also prefer pacifiers over thumb-sucking because sucking on a pacifier produces more saliva. Saliva is a natural antiseptic that helps fight plaque and eventually, tooth decay. Pacifier use has sometimes been linked to oral thrush in babies, but this is usually easily treated.
There is also no evidence to say that pacifiers delay speech. However, a pacifier may stop a child from speaking if it is constantly in her mouth.
So, should you buy a pacifier? The following are some guidelines to consider before you decide.
General pacifier pointers
- No two babies are the same. Some may find comfort in a pacifier. Others may not.
- You may want to experiment with different brands to see which one baby likes best. If required, get a bigger size as baby grows.
- If you don’t plan to use a pacifier, you may want to alert hospital staff beforehand so that baby is not introduced to it in their nursery.
- If you plan to breastfeed, introduce a pacifier only after baby has learned to latch on and suck properly. A pacifier’s base is thinner than that of your nipple, and if introduced too early, may cause nipple confusion, thus hindering proper breastfeeding.
Always…
- Remember that no two pacifiers are the same either. It may be a better idea to use an orthodontic pacifier. It’s kinder to baby’s palate, teeth and gums.
- Choose pacifiers that come in one piece (they are safer) and have ventilation holes to prevent saliva build-up at the base.
- Check for and replace pacifiers that show signs of wear and tear.
- Sterilize the pacifier as you would her teats and bottles. Some pacifiers are dishwasher-safe but it’s always best to sterilize before the first use.
- Let the pacifier cool down completely after it’s sterilized before putting it in baby’s mouth.
- Carry a spare when you’re out with her in case the other becomes unusable.
- Wean your child off the pacifier before her permanent teeth appear.
Never…
- Dip the pacifier in sugary foods like juice or honey, as this promotes tooth decay.
- Tie the pacifier around baby’s neck as it poses a choking hazard. It’s okay to safety-pin it on her clothes, though.
- Leave a walking baby alone when she is sucking on a pacifier. She may drop it and put it back in when you’re not looking.
- Clean a dropped pacifier in your mouth as it can pass on germs. Always re-sterilize or at least rinse it in hot water.
Weaning how to’s:
- You may wean your child off a pacifier at anytime, but do it gently. Slow withdrawal is best.
- Don’t let the weaning be the focus of your time together.
- Avoid weaning when the child is undergoing emotional upheaval, for example, after the birth of a new baby.
- Be sensitive to your child’s needs. Don’t threaten or brush her off. If she needs it to soothe herself to sleep, establish bedtime rituals like more cuddling or reading time to help her overcome her reliance.
- If you intend to wean her off so that she speaks more clearly, have a chat with her without her pacifier on and praise her when she speaks, saying something like, “Good job, I could hear you clearly.”
- Establish some dummy-free time, such as when she is in pre-school or doing her favorite activity.
- If weaning becomes too distressing, it is better to stop and try again after a few weeks.
- It is alright to offer a reward (but not sweets). Try not to do it too often.
Mom’s the best
Whether you’re for or against pacifiers, the fact remains that women have tolerated exhaustion for centuries before pacifiers were invented. This could be due in part to a strong mother-child bond. This bond is established also by meeting baby’s needs quickly. When baby’s needs are quickly met, it is less likely that she will fuss for long. More than anything else, babies love to be held and spoken to gently. You cannot spoil a baby by holding her for long periods of time. Parental, especially maternal, closeness is essential for her well-being and development. When she cries, what she really needs could be attention from her favorite person — you. No pacifier in the world can replace that.
