Every “must-have” product list for expecting parents will most likely have pacifiers named within the first ten items. In addition, it is usually plural in form as one pacifier can potentially cause a new parent to pull his or her hair out trying to remember where the pacifier was last seen. Yes, most new parents have several scattered around the house, stuffed in diaper bags, and in the car. This is possible by not only the affordability of pacifiers, but because almost every retail store, pharmacy, grocery store and corner store carries has them in stock and ready to purchase. There are several proven advantages to introducing a baby to a pacifier, but less known are the disadvantages. Here is a breakdown of why most new parents use pacifiers, potential problems to watch out for, and tips on making your child's pacifier experience a happy and successful one.
Advantages
- soothes fussy babies
- distracts a baby’s attention
- helps babies fall to sleep
Disadvantages
Although there are many advantages to using pacifiers, there are known drawbacks as well.
- May interfere with breast-feeding success.
If a pacifier is introduced too early to a newborn baby, it may interfere with the baby’s want to breast-feed. Wait until the baby is fully able and willing to breast-feed before offering him a pacifier to satisfy his natural sucking instinct.
- A baby may become dependent on his pacifier.
If a baby is given a pacifier too often, he may develop a dependency on it. It is best to alternate different methods of soothing a baby instead of consistently reaching for his pacifier. Problem solving using different tactics offers more opportunities to learn more about a baby’s likes and dislikes and to become even closer to him.
- May increase the risk of middle ear infections.
Although middle ear infections are generally at their lowest from birth to six months of age, studies have suggested that the pressure from the sucking motion hinders the eustachian tube from functioning normally. The eustachian tube is what keeps the middle ear open and clean.
Tips, Tricks and Solutions
There are many things new parents can do to avoid the circumstances and disadvantages listed above.
Establish good breast-feeding practices first, then introduce the pacifer.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting to introduce a pacifier until the baby is one month old, so be patient.
Consider silicone pacifiers over latex.
Some babies may develop an early allergy or sensitivity to latex.
Let the baby tell you when he is ready.
If a baby does not accept the pacifier on the first few tries, then put the pacifier away and try again later. Never force a baby to accept a pacifier before he is ready.
Choose a brand that is dishwasher-safe and comes as one piece.
Make life a little easier by purchasing dishwasher-safe pacifiers. Choosing one-piece over two-piece pacifiers is not only easier for new moms and dads, but it also avoids a potential choking hazard should the two pieces come apart.
Keep all pacifiers clean.
All new pacifiers should be cleaned and completely dry before introducing them to a baby. It is recommended to boil new pacifiers for five minutes to remove any chemical residues and then washing them with soap and water before letting them air out to dry. Older pacifiers should be cleaned on a regular basis and examined for signs of deterioration, such as cracked nipples.
Try alternative ways to soothing the baby.
Pacifiers should not be the only method new parents rely on to soothe their babies. Try:
- rocking the baby differently
- playing calming music
- feeding the baby, or
- giving the baby a relaxing massage!
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