Benefits of a pacifier
Handyland Design
Should you use a pacifier or not? Most parents are faced with this dilemma. Some believe that using a pacifier can make the baby too dependent on it and would rather do away with it. The truth, however, is that the baby is calmed and soothed by a pacifier. In addition, there are several other benefits of using a pacifier.
Why use a pacifier?
Using a pacifier has many advantages, such as:
It helps the baby soothe himself: Pacifiers make babies feel calm and relaxed. It also gives them a sense of security, which teaches them to soothe themselves. Of course, the calmer your baby is, the calmer you will be.
It reduces the risk of SIDS: Although there is no solid evidence available to back this theory, several studies that have been conducted on babies using pacifiers reveal that it reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by almost half.
It fulfills the baby’s natural suckling reflex: Even when the baby has just finished mealtime, the need to suckle may linger. Using a pacifier can help fulfill this need. The only thing that you should make sure is that pacifiers do not replace mealtime. Use a pacifier only after and in between the baby’s mealtime.
Are there any risks?
There are some cons of using a pacifier that you should be aware of to prevent these issues:
Using a pacifier is known to create ear infections in babies. Making sure that you clean the pacifier well and keep it
sterilized can prevent these infections.
They cause issues with the development of the teeth. This issue is only seen when the pacifier is used long term.
They must be weaned off it before they are two years old. After this age mark, the developing teeth may tilt or slant. It is harder for these defects to correct themselves after the age of two.
Some pacifier tips
Here are some simple tips to make sure that your baby is safe when using the pacifier:
Never use pacifiers that have strings, as they are a strangling hazard.
Make sure that the pacifier is BPA-free.
The pacifier should be chosen as per the age of the baby so that it fits the mouth correctly.
Choose pacifiers that have a shield with ventilation holes.
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