Can I use Pacifier for Baby? Are artificial nipples or soothers good?

What are Pacifiers?

Pacifiers are a form of artificial nipples on which a baby or toddler sucks. It is made of three parts Nipple, Guard, and a Ring. These artificial nipples are made of a material that feels more like a mother’s nipples. Babies have a strong sucking reflex and you may be aware that most babies suck their fingers even while they are in their mothers ’ womb. Hence the action of sucking nipples in these pacifiers is thought to calm the baby. These were initially made using rubber and are currently made of plastic or silicone.

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Reasons Pacifiers are used

1. To calm the fussy or crying baby.

2. To offer comfort during vaccinations.

3. To help babies wean breastfeeding.

4. To overcome discomfort during air travel.

5. To break the thumb-sucking habit.

What does Science say about using Pacifier?

Indian doctors do not recommend thumb sucking and below are some reasons which shall help you decide on it.

1. Interferes in Breastfeeding 

Early introduction of Pacifiers will reduce the stimulation and in turn, mothers will produce less breast milk. Hence it is advised to never introduce pacifiers before 6 weeks of age. When babies are introduced to solids post 6 months they tend to breastfeed to satisfy their sucking reflux than filling their stomach. Most of the time when they habituate pacifiers they breastfeed less missing the most important nutrition.

2. Nipple Confusion 

Pacifiers are artificial nipples and can easily create nipple confusion. It implies that these babies will have latching issues and further will be forced to bottle feed or formula feed.

3. Dependence

Babies getting used to anything unnatural can cost a lot on their health and behavior. It will become very difficult to wean them off these Pacifiers.

4. Dental Troubles
When a baby gets habituated to sucking regularly on a Pacifier his teeth structure can get compromised. Speech-language professionals also claim that there have been reports of speech disorders in kids where prolonged use of pacifiers was observed for more than 2-3 years. 

5. Germs & Infections
Hygiene is the main factor to be considered while using anything artificial. With pacifiers easily being exposed to germs it can lead to various health issues mainly hampering gut health. Babies can easily pass on oral thrush to mom’s nipples.

6. Lowers Weight Gain
Many a time’s babies try to satisfy their hunger by sucking nipples and eventually they burnt out more energy without gaining any nutrition. And when at the breast they drink less as they are left with no or fewer calories to suck from the breast. This naturally leads to lowering weight gain in babies.

7. Ear Infections

The sucking motion associated with pacifier use hinders the proper functioning of the Eustachian tube or middle ear functioning. This leads to fluid collection in the ear causing ear infections in babies.

 8.Choking Hazard

Pacifiers come in 2 or 3 part models. There are chances that the pacifier breaks apart and the nipple may be a possible choking hazard when babies can easily swallow it.

Do’s and Don’ts while using Pacifiers

1. Don’t introduce Pacifiers before 6 weeks and break the habit before they are 10 months old.

2. Do use the best quality BPA free Pacifier and replace it more often.

3. Don’t use any sweeteners on these pacifiers.

4. Do limit the offering and sterilize it more often.

5. Don’t tie the pacifier around the neck and throw it when damaged.

How to break the habit?

1. Break the habit as early as 8 months.

2. The time is right – not during any growth spurt or phase.

3. Start by limiting usage.

4. Calm them by breastfeeding, distraction, or by using other toys.

5. Keep them close – hug or storytelling.

Any habit is difficult to break. Why create a habit for your baby when you know there is more bad than good to it. It’s a non-nutritive addiction and I would say NO to it. Breastfeeding is the best. None of the drawbacks mentioned above can be ever associated with breastfeeding like hygiene, addiction, or ear infection. So stay strong, go all gaga about breastfeeding but NO PACIFIERS.

Video: Can I use Pacifier for Baby? Are artificial nipples or soothers good?

• Video in Hindi – बच्चो को निप्पल दे सकते है?
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