Pacifiers are the most sought-after tools when it comes to calming babies down. Pacifiers for babies are also known to reduce the risks of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This is because these objects help newborns satisfy their natural sucking reflex and soothe them. But parents need to ensure that they introduce their baby to the pacifier at the right age and also wean them off it at the correct time. But is it right to let a baby suck on the pacifier for long periods? Read on to know more about the pros and cons of pacifiers and when you should stop giving them to your infant.
What Is A Baby Pacifier?
Pacifier, also called soother or teether, is a small, nipple-shaped accessory that is put in the baby’s mouth to soothe him. Babies have a natural sucking reflex, which helps suckle from the breast (1). Since a pacifier resembles a nipple, a baby can be calmed and made to feel secure. It is for this reason that babies take to pacifiers quickly. Pacifiers are available in numerous designs. But, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a one-piece pacifier, where the nipple, mouth guard, and handle are all carved out of a single piece of plastic (2). You may take note of the below points while choosing a pacifier:
Pacifiers come in different sizes for different age groups. Therefore, you need to select the right one based on your baby’s age. For example, a toddler-sized pacifier would be too big for an infant; and an infant-sized pacifier too small for a toddler.
Single-piece pacifiers with a hole are the best as they allow circulation of air and prevent rashes around the mouth.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Pacifiers?
Let’s first see the advantages of pacifiers before knowing their disadvantages.
Advantages of a pacifier:
With the advantages done, let’s take a quick look at how pacifiers could be disadvantageous.
Disadvantages of pacifiers:
Pacifiers have their share of detrimental effects, but the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
Harmful effects are also subject to conditions:
The AAP states that there is limited evidence to blame pacifiers alone for troubled breastfeeding (12). The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) also asserts that it is unclear if pacifiers are bad for infants (13). In the absence of concrete evidence, we can say the benefits of a pacifier outweigh its drawbacks.
Should A Baby Be Given A Pacifier?
Yes, you can give the baby a pacifier, since you have now known that pacifiers have several proven benefits. Keep in mind the below points while introducing a pacifier.
Age of the baby: The baby should be at least four weeks old (almost one month) before you introduce him to a pacifier. By four weeks, breastfeeding is established, and thus a pacifier will not interfere with the process.
Does my baby need a pacifier?: If the baby uses a breast as a pacifier, then perhaps he needs more time with sucking reflex to soothe himself. Pacifiers make a good alternative for keeping the baby latched to the breast for soothing (1). If the baby won’t take a pacifier, then it is okay. Attempt again, but if there is a stiff resistance, then perhaps it is better to give a pacifier a pass.
Remember, it is finally your decision whether or not to give a pacifier to your baby. But in some cases it is a clear no.
When Should You Avoid A Pacifier?
Besides interfering with oral, dental, and ear health, there are other scenarios where it is better to not give your baby a pacifier.
Baby has trouble suckling: If you are having trouble establishing breastfeeding even after the first month, then pacifiers are not a good choice. They interfere with breastfeeding and eventually lead to nipple confusion. Pacifiers are also not ideal for babies that are unable to gain weight due to breastfeeding problems.
Babies with facial anomalies: Some babies with defects such as cleft lip may not take to pacifiers well. Doctors also recommend against the use of pacifiers for babies that have undergone any face or mouth correction surgeries (14).
Introducing pacifier may be easy, but how about discontinuing them at the right time?
When To Discontinue Pacifier Use?
Babies give up pacifiers on their own between two and four years of age. Most break the habit through peer pressure, and also because they are old enough to soothe themselves without pacifiers. The American Dental Association (ADA) considers pacifiers less habit-forming than thumb-sucking (11). Therefore, a baby will be able to quit the use of pacifier without any problems. However, some infants are hard to be separated from their pacifiers. In such cases, you need to intervene.
How To Make A Baby Give Up Pacifier?
Here are some tips to make an infant stop using the pacifier (15) :
Start reducing pacifier time: Cut down on the time the baby suckles a pacifier, or take it away from the baby for a fixed time in a day. If you face resistance, then distract the baby or involve him in an activity during that time frame. Gradually, cut down the time further, and soon you will notice that the infant becomes less dependent on pacifiers.
Use other ways to soothe: If a baby uses a pacifier to fall asleep, then try alternative ways that could potentially soothe the infant to sleep. Try swaddling, warm bath, or gentle massage before bedtime to help the infant relax and sleep without the pacifier. Identify triggers when the baby tends to use the pacifier the most, like when upset, and replace the pacifier with other soothers.
Make pacifier distasteful: By 24 months, a baby can eat all vegetables (16). Try rubbing the nipple of the pacifier with some bitter gourd juice, or puree of any bitter vegetable, or vegetables that the baby dislikes. The idea here is to make pacifier unappealing for the baby. Applying distasteful purees to the pacifier nipple is a neat trick when infants vehemently resist giving up the pacifier.
Hide the pacifier, and tell a story: Infants older than 24 months love listening to tales. So, why not say that the tooth fairy took their pacifier away? Involve the entire family in the act, and the little one will be convinced that his pacifier is gone for good.
If the baby does not give up pacifier until the age of four years, then you must take him to a doctor. Corrective measures through the use of counseling will help the little one give up pacifiers. Now that you know all about pacifiers, we answer a few commonly asked questions.
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