If Your Going to Give Your Baby a Pacifier Here Are Some Good Things to Know
When you choose a pacifier there are several things to keep in mind. You will want to get a pacifier that is an orthodontic pacifier. Choose one that is labeled for the correct age group that your baby is in and has a soft nipple. Make sure that the pacifier is one piece to avoid choking hazards, two piece pacifiers have the potential of breaking apart, and is not made with the chemicals diisononyl phthalate or phthalate esters. It is helpful if the pacifier that you choose is dishwasher safe.
Once you have the pacifier that you chose you will want to boil it before you offer it to your baby. You will want to rinse the pacifier off with warm water with every use and if your baby drops it on the floor. By keeping the pacifier clean you will prevent any tooth decay that a dirty pacifier can create.
There are some concerns when you offer your baby a pacifier. Many breastfeeding challenges can occur when a baby is nursing and using a pacifier. Nipple confusion, decrease in milk supply and your baby not speaking up when they are hungry are all things that can occur if you introduce a pacifier to your baby. It is extremely recommended that if you feel you have to give your baby a pacifier that your nursing relationship is well established before you do. Ear aches are another thing that studies have shown to be more likely to occur when a baby uses a pacifier.
If you have a baby that sometimes just wants to suck on something and not eat it can be a time to use a pacifier if you can not get them calm any other way. If your baby is full, drinking milk but spitting up or vomiting because they are so full but still want to suck on something, and still wants to suckle, you may offer a pacifier as long as you feel that your nursing relationship will not be harmed by it. If your baby is fussy, never offer a pacifier as a first attempt to calm them down, and when you do offer a pacifier to your baby make sure their belly is full first. When babies fall asleep while sucking on a pacifier and the pacifier falls out of their mouth never pop it back in.
There are some things that you will want to make sure that you don't do with a pacifier. Never flavor the nipple of the pacifier with anything, sugar water, honey, etc. Be cautious if you want to use a pacifier with a strap that clips to your baby's clothes. The strap should never be long enough to wrap around you baby's neck and never put your baby's pacifier on a necklace like strap and around their neck. Don't give your baby a pacifier that has been worn down, especially if your baby has teeth.
Not all babies will take a pacifiers and they should never be encouraged to, only offered. Moderation in use of the pacifier is the key to helping a baby not become dependent on a pacifier or harm a breastfeeding relationship.
Published by Chey Conner
I'm a mom with a 4 year old boy. My articles are inspired by my interests that continue to grow. Thank you for taking the time to read my profile, I hope you find some articles to enjoy below. View profile
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- Choose one that is labeled for the correct age group that your baby is in and has a soft nipple.
- Many breastfeeding challenges can occur when a baby is nursing and using a pacifier.
- Never flavor the nipple of the pacifier with anything, sugar water, honey, etc.
3 Comments
Post a CommentI was having major problems with my son's binky addiction! My friend absolutely raved about the cut method, and all of the psychology behind it. She emailed me a link to a site that has a free publication ( www.bye-bye-binky.com -supported by advertisements) on dropping the binky, so I tried it. Very cool stuff, worked beautifully for my son. Four days later he did not want anything to do with his binky. Highly recommended! I am also interested in others experiences with this method.... Bella
Good things to know
Mine never would take a pacifier. It is a good reminder, though, not to ever put anything on the pacifier to convince the baby to put it in his or her mouth.