Pacifiers: Use wisely to avoid adverse effects

Pacifiers can have many unexpected benefits, but also have potential risks to your baby's health and development that you need to be aware of.

Some babies will cry when they leave the breast even though they are fed enough and suck their thumb to replace the nipple . This makes many parents worry, wondering whether or not to let their children use a pacifier. In fact, using this substitute can bring many benefits, but parents have to let the baby use it properly and not overdo it.

What benefits do pacifiers bring to your baby?

When becoming parents, especially for couples who have just experienced the feeling for the first time, loving and pampering their children is one of the highest priorities. The use of a pacifier to breastfeed is also a way many parents apply to make their baby happy.

Some babies just need to be cuddled, caressed and latched on by their mothers while breastfeeding is comfortable and enjoyable. However, there are other babies who cannot leave it, even when they are not hungry. If your baby still wants to latch on after having breast milk or bottle milk, a pacifier may be the only solution. Pacifiers are not a substitute for nutrients, but can still satisfy your baby in some cases.

Besides, this "toy" also brings a rather unexpected benefit. Some studies show that infants who use a pacifier at bedtime and at lunchtime have a lower risk of SIDS ( Sudden Infant Sleep Death Syndrome ). These studies do not accurately indicate how pacifiers themselves help prevent SIDS, it just does suggest a strong link between their use and lower SIDS risk. In addition, the habit of sucking on a pacifier is easier than the habit of sucking the thumb in children.

What are the downsides of using a pacifier?

Using pacifiers can increase the risk of middle ear infections in babies and young children. When babies are under 18 months of age, the risk of this disease is usually very low, so it is recommended that your baby use a pacifier until he is about 1 and a half years old (when the baby's need to latch is greatest) and after It will be better to start weaning the baby.

If you are breastfeeding, wait until your baby knows how to breastfeed before you can use a pacifier. Some opinions suggest that sucking a pacifier too soon can easily lead to the baby rejecting the real nipple. This comment has no exact basis.

Even so, sucking on a pacifier and breastfeeding are two different movements, requiring its own technique, so it's best to wait until your baby can suckle well and your milk supply is already. Available in abundance first. Use a pacifier at 1 month of age, after the baby has been fully fed.

Regularly latching on pacifiers will become a habit and this makes many parents worry. If you want to avoid struggling to get it out of your baby, wean your baby when he is 1 year old. Being careful not to overdo it will help ensure your baby is not dependent on it.

Can using pacifiers harm the development of baby teeth?

Young children are less likely to have tooth decay if they stop using a pacifier by 2 or 3 years old. Usually babies will get rid of the previous word (when they only have baby teeth), so their teeth will not be affected. This also means that the longer the baby uses the pacifier, the greater the risk of affecting the development of the teeth.

If you have other questions, ask your doctor or dentist to make sure your baby has strong teeth and no problems in the future.

6 wise mother principles to use when giving babies a pacifier

1. Don't force your baby

Mom, let me decide instead of putting a pacifier directly into the baby's mouth. If you accept it right away, it's okay, but if you refuse, mom shouldn't force it. You can try again next time or simply find another way to make your baby happier and more excited.

2. Only use when the baby is not hungry

It is best to let your baby suck a pacifier between meals when you are sure your baby is not hungry and avoid using it as a way to delay breastfeeding or as a substitute for care. mom. Instead, a pacifier is helpful in situations where your baby needs to be comforted, for example while shopping at a supermarket, shopping mall or sitting in a car.

3. Pacifiers are not the only way to comfort your baby

Moms try to let your baby suck on a pacifier at naps and at night. If it falls out of the mouth while the baby sleeps, don't put it back in your mouth. When your baby is fussy, first try to soothe with other ways, such as cuddling, holding the baby or singing and then think about using a pacifier.

4. Be careful when wearing a pacifier on the baby

Parents do not tie pacifiers around the neck or in the crib. Your baby may unintentionally strangle himself with those ropes. It would be safer to attach a pacifier to your baby's clothes with a special clip made specifically for this.

5. Clean the pacifier

First of all, you should choose which one is safe and suitable for your baby and clean it thoroughly by washing it often with warm water. As soon as you see small cracks appear or other signs, you should replace immediately.

Do not clean the pacifier by putting it in your mouth. Adult saliva contains bacteria that can cause baby's tooth decay as soon as baby's teeth begin to pop out of their gums. You should also not dip a pacifier in juice or sugar as this can cause tooth decay in your baby as well.

6. The time should not let your baby latch on

In some of the cases below, a pacifier will have the opposite effect:

Your baby is having problems gaining weight

Baby has an ear infection

The use of a pacifier can protect a newborn from SIDS (sudden death while sleeping in a newborn). So, do not worry too much if your baby is too interested in this item. However, to be safest with your baby, consult your doctor before deciding whether to give a pacifier or not!