Are pacifiers good for your baby?

A pacifier is one of the must-have items for a newborn for many parents. Babies naturally feel the urge to breastfeed, as this is the movement they use to suckle or bottle feed. For every new mother, the physical and emotional well-being of the child is without a doubt the top priority so that your child develops in a healthy way. When it comes to pacifiers, there are many opinions and theories. Learn more!

Pros 1. Provide comfort

A pacifier is a great way to keep your baby comfortable and also give you a little break. A pacifier gives your baby the ability to suckle at the breast and is one of the first soothing tools your baby can enjoy.

Pros 2. Helps the child to sleep

While a pacifier may not improve your baby's sleep quality, it can help him fall asleep faster. Whether formula-fed or breast-fed, your baby has an innate desire to breastfeed. Breastfed babies often want to breastfeed when they fall asleep because it is soothing.

Pros 3. Reduces the risk of SIDS

SIDS is the leading cause of death in children under one year of age. Studies have shown that using a pacifier reduces the risk of SIDS while sleeping. Not only will this help your child, but it will also give you peace of mind at night knowing that your child is safer while sleeping.

Cons 1. Addiction

Your child may become dependent on a pacifier. If your child uses a pacifier to sleep, you may experience bouts of crying in the middle of the night as the pacifier falls out of your child's mouth.

Cons 2. Nipple confusion

If you want to breastfeed, it is important to wait until the feeding process improves. Your baby uses a different sucking technique when using a pacifier or bottle compared to breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding requires more effort and a special technique to extract milk from the breast. Giving a pacifier too soon can negatively impact your relationship with breastfeeding. Your baby may grow up preferring a pacifier over breastfeeding because it takes effort.

Cons 3. Chocking

Be sure to choose a pacifier with a base that is at least an inch and a half in diameter. This size prevents the pacifier from getting stuck in your baby's mouth or throat. Also, look for a pacifier with vent holes in the base in case it ever gets stuck in your baby's mouth.
Make sure the nipple is not damaged. If a baby sucks too hard on a two-piece nipple, it may fall apart and cause choking. Since pacifiers wear out over time, check them regularly for strength and buy new ones if necessary. If the material of the pacifier becomes weak and breaks off, the piece may be swallowed by the child.

Tips

Get the right pacifier. Use a brand that is free of bisphenol-A (BPA). We recommend getting the NUK baby pacifier from Baby Comfort.
Don't secure a pacifier to your baby with a cord -- it’s a strangling hazard.
Get the right size. Match it to your baby’s age to make sure it fits her mouth.
Don't let kids share a pacifier. You don’t want them to share germs. Also, wash pacifiers in soap and hot water to keep them clean between uses.
Pick a pacifier with ventilation holes in the shield to let air in.
Give the pacifier as is. If you sweeten it, it can damage your baby’s teeth.
Try giving your baby the binky at nap time and bedtime.
Offer the pacifier between feedings when you know he's not hungry

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