Pacifier use is a controversial topic between parents and pediatricians and it is one that will not be resolved anytime soon. Babies have a natural reflex to suckle which can calm and soothe them when nothing else will. The sucking action will calm babies and helps some of their jaw muscles develop properly.
Infant pacifiers are a healthier option for your baby than thumb-sucking. When your baby sucks on her thumb, she stands the chance of pushing her top jaw forward and her bottom jaw back, this can cause her jaws to misalign over time. Not to mention where has that thumb been? A dirty thumb can introduce germs into the mouth that could cause your baby to get sick. By using a pacifier, hopefully you will discourage the thumb-sucking habit from ever starting. You want to use your infant pacifier when ever you see her sucking her thumb, most often this is when she is tired.
Pacifier use at bedtime for the first year of life may reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Put your baby to bed with her pacifier, if it falls out don't put it back in.
Best Pacifier Practice
Your new infant pacifier should be boiled for five minutes, this will remove any manufacturing byproducts. Make it a habit to wash your baby's pacifiers often. This is important for pacifier use by infants six months or less of age. By using clean pacifiers you will be reducing your chances of introducing germs into the mouth that could cause your baby to get sick. A new baby's immune system just isn't fully developed at this age.
You have decided to go with the pacifier, buy several. Try different brands and nipple shapes, the best pacifier is the one she likes. Once you have found it, buy a few so you don't have to turn the house upside down looking for it.
Infant Pacifiers, What To Look For
- Latex pacifiers are softer and more flexible.
- Silicone pacifiers are firmer, tend to hold their shape longer than latex and are not damaged by boiling. They do cost more.
- Standard round nipple pacifiers have a long rounded tip. They are comfortable for your baby to suck on.
- Orthodontic pacifiers have a flat tip. They are designed to accommodate your baby's developing palate and gums. Orthodontic pacifiers have a smaller chance of developing overbite than those who choose round pacifiers.
- Neither standard or orthodontic pacifiers cause dental problems unless they are sucked on intensely for years.
- Choose a sturdy infant pacifier with a shield that is at least 1 1/2 inches wide. This will prevent choking. Without a shield a pacifier can easily slip into your baby's mouth and choke him.
- Choose a vented shield to protect the skin around baby's mouth. Without vents saliva may collect behind the shield. Your baby's skin will become irritated and cause a rash.
- Pacifiers come in different sizes. Make certain that your baby has the correct size for him. It is more important to choose the size and shape that your baby enjoys.
- Check your baby's pacifier periodically for signs of wear. If it looks discolored, thin, cracked or worn then replace it.
