For years, the question of whether or not to use a pacifier has been debated across the world, by parents, experts, doctors, etc. When it comes down to it the choice is the parents for sure, but the desicion is really up to the infant. Some babies will take one and others won't .
For me personally I chose to use one with Ajay (my son) and I plan to use one with the new baby as well (If he takes one)! For the undecided parents out there I decided to provide some of the pros and cons of using a pacifier in hopes that I will shed some light and help you with making you decision!
For me personally I chose to use one with Ajay (my son) and I plan to use one with the new baby as well (If he takes one)! For the undecided parents out there I decided to provide some of the pros and cons of using a pacifier in hopes that I will shed some light and help you with making you decision!
The Downside
Ear Issues....
A study published in Pediatrics proved that pacifiers were the cause of 25 percent of ear infections in children under the age of three who attended daycare. ( I have yet to experience this issue)
Dental Issues....
The most common problem associated with using pacifiers is concerning the teeth. Weening a child off the pacifier is one of the most difficult tasks to date. Children who suck a pacifier pastthe age of two run the risk of developing an overbite or their teeth begin to stick out (buckteeth). Even though they will lose their baby teeth, there is still a chance that their permanent teeth will come in improperly.
So What Now?
Use of the pacifer before the age of two will not cause any harm but the goal of having them weened before they turn three will be very important in the dental health for your child!
GOOD LUCK!!!!
Images provided by avent.com and dreamstime.com
Ear Issues....
A study published in Pediatrics proved that pacifiers were the cause of 25 percent of ear infections in children under the age of three who attended daycare. ( I have yet to experience this issue)
Dental Issues....
The most common problem associated with using pacifiers is concerning the teeth. Weening a child off the pacifier is one of the most difficult tasks to date. Children who suck a pacifier pastthe age of two run the risk of developing an overbite or their teeth begin to stick out (buckteeth). Even though they will lose their baby teeth, there is still a chance that their permanent teeth will come in improperly.
So What Now?
Use of the pacifer before the age of two will not cause any harm but the goal of having them weened before they turn three will be very important in the dental health for your child!
GOOD LUCK!!!!
Images provided by avent.com and dreamstime.com
The Upside!
Reduces the risk of SIDS....
SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is the sudden unexplained death of a child under the age of 12 months. Studies show that the use of a pacifiers while babies sleep reduces the risk of SIDS by 90 percent. This was the number one reason why I used a pacifer!
Soothes the fussy baby...
Often times pacifiers come in handy when your baby is fussy in between feedings. They also are very good for when its time for baby to get those shots or medical procedures done at the doctor's office.
Good for preterm babies....
Pacifiers serve as a health benefit for preemies! Studies have shown that premature babies who were introduced to the pacifier gained weight faster and experience fewer complications
Reduces the risk of SIDS....
SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is the sudden unexplained death of a child under the age of 12 months. Studies show that the use of a pacifiers while babies sleep reduces the risk of SIDS by 90 percent. This was the number one reason why I used a pacifer!
Soothes the fussy baby...
Often times pacifiers come in handy when your baby is fussy in between feedings. They also are very good for when its time for baby to get those shots or medical procedures done at the doctor's office.
Good for preterm babies....
Pacifiers serve as a health benefit for preemies! Studies have shown that premature babies who were introduced to the pacifier gained weight faster and experience fewer complications