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Should I Give My Baby a Pacifier?

By Lynn Shear, edHelperBaby

Should I Give My Baby A Pacifier?
           For most new parents, pacifiers find their way onto the baby registry, along with bottles, blankets, and bibs.  However, is a pacifier really a needed item?  Some say yes, some say no.

       The American Academy of Pediatrics currently recommends offering a pacifier at naptime and bedtime due to research that points to a reduced risk of SIDS when using a pacifier during sleep.  The reason behind this is not clear, but it is thought that the use of a pacifier keeps the baby from falling into too deep of a sleep.  Many parents testify to that fact, stating that their babies wake up if the pacifier falls out of their mouths.  Of course, that usually means that the baby will want the pacifier back in order to go back to sleep, meaning that a parent will end up getting up to give the baby the pacifier.  This can be irritating but is probably inevitable if your baby is attached to using the pacifier as he goes to sleep.  On this note, however, make sure to never tie the pacifier to the side of the crib.  This can be a strangulation hazard if your baby gets caught in the string.  Pacifier clips are fine, but use them during the day when your baby is awake.  They are best for times when your baby will be upright, such as in the car seat or stroller.

       All babies have a need to suck.  Sucking provides comfort as well as nutrition for a baby.  A pacifier can fulfill the non-nutritive sucking need of a baby without having to offer the breast.  However, remember that nursing is supposed to provide comfort to your baby, and he may want to nurse sometimes just for that comfort.  Most moms choose not to be complete human pacifiers, though, and a substitute in the form of a pacifier can be helpful.  Some babies will suck on their fingers.  However, a pacifier offers the convenience of parental control.  You can take away the pacifier but not the thumb!

       Some parents are concerned about the effects of pacifier use on breast-feeding and later dental health.  If you choose to use a pacifier, keep in mind that it should not be introduced until breast-feeding is firmly established.  This is usually after the first four weeks.  It is best not to allow any pacifier use before this time to reduce the risk of nipple confusion.  Regarding dental health in later years, there is no evidence at this time to suggest that pacifier use during the first year causes dental problems later.  However, be sure not to coat the pacifier in anything sweet, as this could cause problems once teeth start to come in.  Also, prolonged use while your child is a toddler or preschooler can cause dental problems, so be sure to take the pacifier away before that happens.  Talk to your pediatrician about when the best time would be to take it away from your child.  Many children give it up on their own between their second and third birthdays.

       Pacifiers may contribute to middle ear infections.  This link has not been completely established, but if you are concerned about it, consider taking away the pacifier once your child reaches six months of age.  The risk of SIDS goes down then and the risk of ear infections goes up.

       If your child is not interested in the pacifier, don't be concerned and don't force it.  Some children are naturally drawn to them and some don't want one at all.  Both of my own daughters would suck on one once in a while, but neither became attached to it.  They just considered them to be playthings.  With my second, I waited to introduce the pacifier until after she was four weeks old, which almost seemed too late for her to take to it.  However, I was much more concerned that breast-feeding be well established than that she take a pacifier.  When she was a few weeks old, she would suck on her fingers.  She is seven months old now and she has stopped that almost entirely through no action on my part.  She does nurse sometimes just for comfort, but it is not problematic.

       Pacifiers are neither good nor bad.  If your baby responds well to a pacifier, great!  You won't need to worry about him sucking his thumb.  If not, great!  You won't need to worry about getting up in the middle of the night to find the pacifier.  Either way, congratulate yourself on giving your child the first of many opportunities to make his own decisions.

   

Parent Homework - Choosing A Pacifier
           When choosing a pacifier, there are virtually no limits to the choices available.  There are a few guidelines to keep in mind, however.  Stick with a brand that is widely available and has a good reputation.  There have been many pacifier recalls recently and there is no reason to expose your child to a pacifier that may harm him.  Pick a one piece pacifier because the ones that have two pieces may come apart.  If you have any reason to believe your child may be allergic to latex, choose one that is made of silicone.  Silicone is also easier to clean than latex.  However, your child may prefer latex because it is softer.  It will wear out sooner, so be prepared to replace it quickly.  Some pacifiers may be listed as phthalate-free or BPA-free.  Neither one of these is a big concern because pacifiers sold in the U.S. have not been permitted to have phthalates since 1999, and BPA is not typically found in latex or silicone.  It is usually found in plastics.

       Nipple shape is a matter of personal preference.  You can buy several different kinds and see which one your baby prefers.  Pacifiers come in different sizes according to ages, so be sure to choose the appropriate size for your baby.  Whichever one you pick, make sure that the shield is 1 1/4 inches or larger so that your baby cannot put the entire pacifier into his mouth and choke.  Also, the shield should have ventilation holes to keep saliva from causing a rash on baby's skin.

       When you buy a pacifier, follow the manufacturer's recommendations to sterilize and clean.  Usually the recommendation is to sterilize before first use and clean regularly after that.  Some are dishwasher-safe, but the dishwasher can contribute to deterioration.  Gentle cleaning with a solution of vinegar and water will work just as well.

       Check it regularly to make sure that it is in good shape.  A well-loved pacifier can come apart and become a choking hazard or be the home of unwanted bacteria.  When you find a style that your baby likes, buy in bulk so that you can easily replace it and don't have to run to the store at 2:00 A.M. when baby is screaming and refusing to go to sleep without it.

       Keeping these guidelines in mind will make the process of choosing a pacifier simpler.  Now all you have to decide is whether to go with hot pink or baby blue.  Or green.  Or orange with polka dots....

   


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