Babies can be comforted with the use of pacifiers. However, the benefits and drawbacks of pacifiers for children have been hotly contested for years. We’ll be learning the truth about pacifiers in this article. So parents, don’t forget to take notes!
FAQs About a Baby’s Pacifier
The usage of pacifiers is fraught with controversy. We will answer all your burning questions to help you decide if you need to get your little one’s first-ever pacifier.
Are Pacifiers Good for Your Kids?
There are always two sides to a coin. Pacifiers are good for your kids if you know how to use them. Granted, they have negative effects, but only when they are used unsupervised. So settle the debate about getting a pacifier for your kids with these pros and cons.
Pros:
- Pacifiers can calm babies. Babies are more comfortable and less irritable when they are sucking on something.
- Pacifiers are good distractions. For example, you can use them during your kid’s vaccinations, haircuts, or other procedures they may feel scared about.
- Sleeping with a pacifier is common in the first few months. It can help parents put their kids to sleep faster with minimal fuss.
- According to studies, babies who sleep with pacifiers are less likely to experience sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
- Instead of allowing your child to suck their fingers, pacifiers are a good substitute (plus, it’s easier to wean your child off a pacifier)..
Cons:
- Kids can develop a dependency on pacifiers. They may find it hard to sleep without a pacifier or simply want their pacifier all the time.
- Middle ear infections are more likely with pacifier use.
- Overuse of pacifiers can lead to dental problems such as teeth misalignment.
- Pacifiers can disrupt breastfeeding. Make sure to develop a nursing routine for your newborn before letting them try pacifiers.
Can My Baby Sleep With a Pacifier?
During the first six months, newborns will wake a few times in the middle of the night for feeding. But as they grow older, they will sleep uninterrupted for longer. However, feeding them at night can interrupt their sleep.
Pacifiers can lull them to sleep because it gives them the ability to self-soothe. Furthermore, when babies fall asleep with pacifiers, they are less likely to turn face down, which can cause them to suffocate (a leading cause of sleep-related infant deaths).
So, should you remove the pacifier while they sleep? During the first year, pacifiers will do your kids good. Only remove them when they fall out. But if you want to break the habit when they are older, you can wean your babies off.
Is It Okay To Boil Pacifiers To Disinfect Them?
Just like bottle nipples, you can boil pacifiers to disinfect them. Boil them for at least 5 minutes to ensure they are clean. If the pacifier tips start to turn yellow, it’s best to replace them. Doctors recommend changing pacifiers every two months.
The longer your kids suck on their pacifiers, the stickier it gets, which can be a choking hazard for your kids.
When Is the Ideal Time To Stop Pacifier Use?
Some kids stop using a pacifier on their own. You’re a lucky parent if you don’t have to force them to break the habit. Experts say that before your kids reach two years old, they should completely stop asking for a pacifier.
At this age, pacifiers can delay their transition to solid food. Furthermore, excessive use of pacifiers at this point will cause dental problems. Since your kid’s teeth are starting to come out, the pacifier can alter the direction of their growth. If you are concerned about their aching gums because of teething, it’s better to get them teething toys for comfort.
Do’s and Don’ts for Pacifier Safety
One thing is for sure. Pacifier use should always be under the supervision of parents. To help you introduce a pacifier to your kids, here are some do’s and don’ts you should follow.
Do’s:
- Nipple confusion can happen when your baby hasn’t developed a breastfeeding routine. Establish a feeding pattern before introducing a pacifier.
- When you have a fussy baby, try other methods to calm them. Carry them or sing them to sleep. Offer the pacifier only if none of the other techniques are successful.
- When your kids are irritable, it does not always mean they want their pacifier. Check first if they have dirty diapers or are hungry before offering their binky to them.
- Let your kids decide if they want to have a pacifier. Some kids forgo them, and some will want them. Let them set their own pace.
- Get a pacifier with a shield bigger than your baby’s mouth to avoid choking. One-piece pacifiers are also best to ensure safety.
- Always keep your kid’s pacifiers clean to prevent bacteria accumulation. Little kids are still developing immune systems, so a dirty pacifier can cause sickness and infections.
Don’ts:
- When the pacifier falls from their mouth during sleep or nap time, don’t force it back in their mouths unless they look for it. It will only wake your babies.
- Never allow your kids to share their pacifiers. If you have multiple children, make sure each child has their own pacifier.
- Don’t coat their pacifier with sugary substances like chocolate or honey. Doing this can cause tooth decay.
- Don’t use pacifiers to delay your kid’s meal. When hungry, don’t give them a pacifier as a substitute. This practice will affect your kid’s nutrition negatively.
- Don’t attach pacifiers to cribs or strollers with a cord. These things can strangle your kids while they are sleeping.
- Don’t attempt to DIY a pacifier or reuse old bottle parts. These can break easily, and the pieces can get stuck in your baby’s throat.
Get Your Baby’s Feeding Essential at Ashtonbee
When your kids are ready to let go of their pacifiers and transition to solid food, Ashtonbee offers one of the best feeding essentials for your kids. Check out the features of Ashtonbee’s baby fruit feeder pacifier.
- This pacifier doubles as a feeder to safely transition your kids to solid food. It has small holes that allow small pieces of fruits and vegetables through for the enjoyment of your baby.
- It is composed of top-notch food-grade silicone that is free from phthalates, BPA, lead, and PVC.
- It has an easy-grip handle so your kids can hold it properly. It’s stain-resistant, dishwasher-safe, and a great on-the-go feeding tool.
- You can fill the feeder with breastmilk and fruit purees and pop it in the freezer for a baby popsicle.
Pacifiers: Yay or Nay?
We can’t deny that pacifiers are a part of raising newborns. So are they safe for your kids? Definitely! As long as parents know how pacifiers should be used, they can maximize them to give their kids comfort. We hope this blog post on baby pacifiers helps you answer debatable questions surrounding them.
In addition, if you’re looking for more high-quality essentials for your newborn baby, don’t forget to check out our wide collection of baby items. Shop with us today!
