Do I give the baby a pacifier yes or no?
There are many benefits that the pacifier brings to the health and tranquility of the baby, we tell you some of them to help you decide whether to use it or not.
If you are about to give birth to a baby or if you have just had one, surely you are already thinking about buying or giving him the pacifier. Perhaps that is why it is necessary for you to know the benefits and cons of this object that almost 100% of babies use.
Index
REDUCES THE RISK OF SUDDEN DEATH
This is one of the main benefits, since there are numerous studies that show that using the pacifier in babies reduces the risk of sudden death .
In newborns who are breastfed, it is recommended to wait several days before giving the pacifier. That is, it would be necessary to wait until the mother’s breastfeeding is well established for the baby to start using the pacifier. Approximately, from the half month of life, when the risk of sudden death begins . On the other hand, in babies who are not breastfed, the use of the pacifier can be introduced more immediately.
When the baby is sleeping, if he wakes up with a start, with the pacifier he will suck immediately again and this will also help him to fall asleep faster and more calmly. Therefore, this is another of the benefits of using the pacifier at night.
HELPS CALM THE BABY
It is very normal that when the baby cries the pacifier is put on him to calm him or reassure him . And it is that another of the benefits or pros that the pacifier has is its calming effect.
It is very normal that on certain occasions, for example when the newborn is ill, it becomes more restless and restless. Sucking on the pacifier will help you release that tension that builds up in bad times. So if your baby suffers from colic, do not hesitate, the pacifier will be the remedy and will help him to rest better.
However, against the positive position of reassuring the baby in the face of colic , there is one of the cons. Many specialists argue that sucking on the pacifier causes the baby to swallow more air than normal . This could cause them to accumulate causing gas and, therefore, more discomfort for the baby.
REPLACES THE THUMB
It is very common that if the newborn does not find the pacifier, he uses his thumb as a substitute. This, a priori, may seem like a good thing. For example, during the night, the pacifier may fall off, but the thumb allows it to stand still. Only the baby will be in charge of regulating the suction.
But the problem comes when it comes to breaking this sucking habit. If your baby sucks his thumb, it will be much more difficult for him to leave the area . The pacifier can be removed by parents whenever they want. But the thumb is always on the baby, in his sight, so he can turn to it whenever he wants.
HELP PREMATURE BABIES
If your baby was born prematurely , that is, before nine months, the sucking reflex may not have well developed and established. Therefore, the use of the pacifier for them is important, to ensure that this suction is established in a normal way. The pacifier will help stimulate this reflex.
HEALTH PROBLEMS IN THE MOUTH
There are also specialists who point out arguments against the pacifier because it especially affects the oral health of the baby.
Deformations in the palate or delay in the growth of the jaws , are two of the main cons that are indicated as consequences of the use of the pacifier. Also, these problems would be present if the baby sucks his thumb.
Malocclusion , that is, the misalignment of the teeth or protrusion , the growth of the front teeth out of their natural position, are also problems pointed out by specialists. These would require the baby to need orthodontics and braces to correct it in the future. There could also be a reverse bite problem if pacifier use extends beyond 3 years.
Babies who use a pacifier for a long time may see cavities appear earlier. Washing the pacifier well and getting used to brushing the child’s teeth early is important. If there are food remains in the pacifier, every time the child puts it in his mouth, he will be favoring those cavities.
If the baby uses the pacifier for a long time, ulcers may also appear on the part of the palate , since the friction is constant.
Again, the constant use of pacifiers is associated with a higher frequency in the occurrence of otitis in children s , ie, an infection in the ear. If the child has an infection, as simple as a cold, he is much more likely to suffer from that otitis because the transport of pathogens to the ear is modified. The fact that the baby sucks on the pacifier increases the transport of microorganisms to the ear and therefore, otitis occurs .
DEPENDENCE
It should also be noted among the cons that, almost always, the use of something entails a dependency. If your baby gets too used to wearing a pacifier, he may no longer want to be separated from it . Therefore, it is important that parents regulate its use and not always when the baby demands it, they give it to him. Thus, when they want to remove it, they will have less problems and will see less resistance from the child.
ACCIDENTS
It is not advisable that if the child is playing, for example, they wear the pacifier , since if it falls it can cause the baby to hurt itself because it is stuck.
You also have to be careful not to hang the pacifier on the baby’s neck, which is something that is usually done. Above all, you must be sure that the baby does not fall asleep with the hanging, to avoid strangulation.
A SAFE PACIFIER IS ONE THAT …
– Be in one piece, to prevent any of them from detaching and swallowing by the baby
– That the size of the nipple is adequate so that choking does not occur
– The neck of the pacifier is large enough so that the child does not swallow it
– Must have holes for air to pass through
– When signs of deterioration are seen, switch automatically
Dr. Tabriella Perivolaris, Sara's mother and fan of fashion, beauty, motherhood, among others, about the female universe. Since 2018 she has been working as a copywriter, always bringing to her articles a little of her experience and experience as a mother and woman.