Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using A Pacifier

Should children use a pacifier? That is one of the questions we are trying to answer in this article. You can find out more about the many pros and cons of using a pacifier.

Are there any disadvantages to using a pacifier?

There is no doubt that babies have a strong sucking reflex and some of them even suck on their thumb when they are born. This actually works to calm them down. There is no doubt that when babies are calm, so are parents. That is why there are many parents who love to give their baby a pacifier.

However, as it can sometimes interfere with breastfeeding, we recommend not using a pacifier during this phase.

Pros and cons of using a pacifier

• A pacifier can soothe both the baby and its parents.
• A pacifier can be useful when the baby needs to be put to bed and he or she is restless.
• It’s easier to break this habit than to get babies to stop sucking on your thumb.

Important data

Some evidence suggests that the use of a pacifier may reduce the risk of cot death. This is therefore a very important point to keep in mind.

However, others believe that using a pacifier is not a good idea as it can interfere with breastfeeding. That’s why experts often tell us not to give babies a pacifier until you have finished breastfeeding.

The Spanish breastfeeding community says:

• When breastfeeding newborns, it is best not to use a pacifier during the first few days. It is also best to avoid using it until you have established a breastfeeding routine, which usually takes a month.
• If the baby cannot be breastfed after a painful procedure, one should offer him or her a pacifier as a non-medical painkiller.

• To prevent adverse effects , use a pacifier only until the baby is one year old. This is where the risk of cot death is highest, and this is where the baby needs a pacifier the most.

They also stress that they still need to do more research into the link between breastfeeding, pacifiers and cot death. Professionals, meanwhile, should continue to tell parents about the benefits of breastfeeding. They should also tell parents how to prevent exposing babies to risk factors associated with cot death.

When babies use pacifiers for too long

According to the Spanish Society for Dental Care, “the non-nourishing pacifier can cause the lower teeth to move gradually forward. The teeth in the upper jaw tend to separate and protrude (overbite). When you suck on a pacifier, facial muscles are used together with the tongue, which can make the teeth stop being parallel. ”

Conclusion

According to the Argentine Pediatric Society, you should consider using a pacifier when you are not experiencing breastfeeding problems if the baby is exclusively breastfed. One should not insist if the baby rejects the pacifier. Finally, do not put sweet objects on the pacifier, which may be honey, for example.