Using infant pacifiers is a subject that's been debated and beaten to dead for years. Doctors as well as parents will continue this debate with no resolution in the near future.
Binkies, dummies, soothers, or whatever name you decide to call them, these little devices have been calming and quieting fussy and sick babies for many years in some form or another. But, why is there still so much discussion about something that's been used for so long? Because as with most anything, there are pros and cons to consider, especially when it comes to something as important as your baby and his or her development.
The Up Side Of Using A Infant Pacifier
Some babies are simply happier and feel comforted when they have something to suck on, greatly helping mom to also feel happier and comforted when their fussy baby is now content. And, as any mom can tell you, there's always something to do, and a pacifier can help to "buy" you a few extra minutes when baby decides it's now time to eat and you haven't yet prepared a bottle or don't have a comfortable place to nurse.
You may also want to have a pacifier handy for visits to the pediatrician for times like shots or blood work or other potentially frightening or painful procedures.
Keep in mind that infant pacifiers are disposable at any time, and they should be thrown away after a certain amount of usage, however, if your baby decides that he or she would rather suck on their thumb or fingers and doesn't have access to another one, you may find it's much harder to break this habit when the time comes.
There is another plus that new moms may be completely unaware of. There has been recent studies that have found a positive link between the use of pacifiers and reducing instances of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Much like the cause of SIDS, the reason pacifiers seem to have a positive effect is also still unknown although research is ongoing.
The Downside Of Using A Infant Pacifier
While there are undeniable advantages to utilizing a pacifier for your baby, there are also a few disadvantages that you will want to take note of. You probably wonder why so many mothers have objections toward pacifiers, and there are actually a few good reasons. Pacifiers used too early on in a baby's development may hinder the baby's ability to breastfeed. The reason for this is that they might actually experience difficulty differentiating between the breast and the pacifier.
One thing that you don't want is your baby ending up dependent on the pacifier. Regular usage at bedtime may start something you wish you never had. You are going to be rather dismayed when they spit it out in the middle of the night, and refuse to sleep until you replace it.
Using the pacifier too much can lead to painful rashes on the face and lips and prolonged usage can lead to a host of dental problems.
Normal usage throughout the first years of baby's life is fine according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, but continuing on after that may cause the top teeth to slant outward and cause the upper and lower jaws to be out of alignment.
If you do decided to use a infant pacifier, then you should definitely try out several different ones. Once you find the one she likes best, buy several of them. the last thing you will want to do is tear up the house looking for it.
Kat Goodman has been providing Just Baby Nursery Bedding (www.just-baby-nursery-bedding.com) with quality articles for the past year. For more information on infant pacifier use and other baby related topics, the resource section provides useful information to new mom's and dad's.
Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Babies Articles Via RSS!
