Raise your hands if you need some me-time in between constant running around and listening to your baby cry. That’s where a soother or pacifier could come in handy, smart mums!
Babies have a penchant for sucking, it comes to them naturally. This is how most babies soothe themselves, if you are lucky your baby will be able to self soothe without a pacifier but upwards of 60% of infants use pacifiers, according to studies. It is recommended that you opt for pacifiers that have ventilation, this enables air circulation and reduces the chances of your baby developing rashes around the mouth.
Like most things in life, soothers and pacifiers have their upsides and downsides. Here are the pros and cons of using a pacifier or a binky to calm your baby.
Pros:
Aids while breast feeding:
A pacifier helps your baby suck more rapidly; if your baby regularly uses a pacifier, chances are that he will start sucking faster. This means that he will finish his feeds quicker. Letting mothers rest for longer! Aah! That feels nice already, doesn’t it?
No SIDS:
There are studies according to the American Academy of Pediatrics which prove that a pacifier at night reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). We know your child’s sleeping position maters the most when it comes to reducing the risk of SIDS, but yes sucking the soother helps as well!
It’s a thumbs up!
Most moms know that thumb sucking can truly get out of hand. It is a hard habit to break. But here’s the good news: Babies who use the pacifier are less likely to suck their thumbs. And weaning babies off pacifiers is far easier than getting them to stop sucking their thumbs.
Less stress! Less mess!
A pacifier can act as a distraction and pain relief for babies and keep them calm and occupied during stressful situations like vaccinations, small injuries, meeting strangers for the first time, etc.
Helps preterm babies:
For premature babies (those born after only 32 weeks of gestation), it is recommended to use a pacifier to improve their fragile powers of digestion.
Cons:
Hinders their precious smile:
It is very important for a mum to ensure that her baby lets go of the pacifier by the time he or she turns 4. Long term use can affect the teeth. Sucking on a pacifier beyond the age of 4 often leads to dental problems like overbite and cross bite.
Keep your eyes and ears open:
When babies suck or swallow, the change in pressure behind the ears leads to a shift of fluids into the middle ear which can cause ENT infections. Thus it is recommended to use the pacifier only during nap-times and bedtimes.
Dear Smart Mums, we’d love to hear about your experiences with soothers and pacifiers. Please write in the comments section so other moms can read your insights as well.
You can check-out our range of pacifiers here
