Pacifiers
As a parent ,your baby’s
comfort is your highest priority.Pacifiers
are one such soother for babies.It helps parents to calm down their cranky babies.Almost all babies have sucking
reflex.Some babies even suck their fingers before they are born.Sucking not
only helps them to get nutrition but also has a soothing and calming effect.Therefore many parents
prefer pacifiers as a great tool for calming babies.
The important point to remember
is that a pacifier isn’t an alternative for feeding,but if the baby is
irritated even after having feed you can use pacifiers.It is essential to
introduce pacifiers at the right age and ensure that the baby given up the
habit eventually.If you are breast feeding you have to wait for 3 to 4 weeks to
introduce pacifiers or until you have reached an effective nursing routine.
Like any other objects ,pacifiers
also have advantages and disadvantages.It depends upon the way and method introduced.
Advantages
-It soothes a cranky baby
-It offers temporary distraction
-It helps your baby to fall asleep
-It helps to lower sudden death infant syndrome
-It is disposable-when we want to stop pacifiers ,we can throw it away
easily,but if a baby have a habit of sucking fingers or thumb it wil be
difficult to get rid of the habit
Disadvantages
-Early use may interfere breast feeding
Breast feeding and
sucking are different actions,which may bring nipple confusion.It will
interrupt successful breast feeding.
-It can impact dental and oral
cavity health
Long term use can
affect baby’s dental health.Those who use pacifiers after 4 years have
misalignment of tooth.
-Risk of ear infection
Unclean pacifiers can
cause ear infection.Studies have shown that ear infection is high in babies
who use pacifiers compared to those who
don’t.
-Your baby may get addicted to
pacifiers.
Tips for using pacifiers
If your baby refuses to use
pacifiers ,try for next day or few days later.If baby still refuses don’t
force.Pacifiers are useful but not compulsory.
Also never use flavoured,sweetened,and scented pacifiers.These pacifiers
may cause dental issues and oral infections.Always keep it safe and clean.Also
don’t use broken pacifiers ,which may cause choking.
Never give pacifiers immediately after giving medicines
Don’t make your own pacifiers with nipples or any other materials.
When to stop?
As your baby become older ,it will become difficult to stop the
habit.Start to wean baby after 6 months older.If you want to give up the habit
slowly ,limit the use of pacifiers to sleep time or nap time only.But don’t go
for pacifiers after 2 years of age.
Pacifiers are the best solution when your baby fussiness becomes
uncontrollable.When used correctly pacifiers make an excellent parenting tool
that helps you to save many sleepless nights.
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