Enjoy Baby Pacifier

A pacifier might help reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Sucking on a pacifier at nap time and bedtime might reduce the risk of SIDS.  It’s a good idea to wait 3 to 4 weeks before introducing a pacifier, especially if you are breastfeeding. This can help establish good feeding.

We have six (6) in a roll.

What Are the Cons of a Pacifier?

Below are some of the side effects of pacifier use:

• Increased risk of ear infections: Sucking onto a pacifier leads to fluid collection in the ears which may increase the risk of ear infections in babies. However, this risk is lower in babies who are under 6 months of age.
• Nipple confusion: This is a major issue that most new mothers are concerned about. When a baby gets habituated to sucking on a pacifier, there is a chance that they may struggle to adjust to sucking from the breast. To avoid this, it is best to establish a regular routine of breastfeeding or nursing your baby. This can then be followed up with an introduction to the binky. It is important to note that once the baby is well adapted to feeding, which happens within 1 month of birth, nipple confusion is a rare possibility.
• Dependence: Some children are so dependent on pacifiers that they are not comfortable without it. The use of a baby pacifier should thus be limited.
• Possible dental troubles: Abnormal shifts in the teeth structure are triggered with high-pressure sucking. This disrupts regular growth and disallows a beautiful dental form from appearing.

Dos

• Offer a binky only at nap time. There may have been a couple of times when you’ve offered your little baby her pacifier, just to calm her down in the day. However, it is best to accustom the baby to pacifier use only during sleep times.
• Sterilise your binky. It is best to regularly rinse and clean the pacifier. Also, avoid repeated use of the same pacifier. Try replacing it once every few days. Sterilising the pacifier after use and after it was dropped can be the best way to maintain hygiene. Storing in zip locks, when not in use, is also advised.

Don’ts

• Do not offer a binky when the baby is hungry. You must understand the child’s hunger and feed her accordingly. Offering a pacifier may lead to dependence and decline in the baby’s health. Thereafter, the nursing routine may be affected.
• Do not offer binky to a baby who has not gained sufficient weight. If a baby has not gained the requisite weight, then it indicates a lack of sufficient milk and nutrition. Immediately, the feeding cycle must be looked into and tracked properly.