To Pacify or Not to Pacify: that is the Question

Welcome to the new world of parenting. One of the most common questions plaguing new parents revolves around the decision to give a pacifier or not. Pacifiers have been used for ages and prove to be very helpful and useful to new parents and babies alike. Sucking is a very natural and one of the most primitive actions of newborns. Babies enjoy sucking and believe it or not it is very soothing to them.

Most babies will get majority of their sucking during their meals, especially if they are breastfed. (Please dutifully note that the nursing mother should never allow herself to be a pacifier to her baby! Once the feeding is complete do not allow your little bundle of snuggles to continue suckling at the breast just for satisfaction.) It is cases such as this that a pacifier may come to the rescue. It is perfectly fine to allow your baby to have a pacifier after feedings if they desire to continue sucking.

Another common use of a pacifier comes into play when a baby is fussy. If you have already fed the little fellow, burped him adequately and snuggled with him and he continues to fuss a pacifier just might be the ticket to saving the sanity of everyone involved. Pacifiers help most babies fall asleep and studies have shown that pacifiers may aid in preventing SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

Let's also not forget that pacifiers are much easier to take away than a baby's thumb! Many have argued that thumb sucking is more natural but thumb suckers tend to suck their thumbs up until they are 4, 5 even 6 years old, whereas pacifier users tend to kick the habit after about a week of being ticked off when mom or dad take it away!

So we have discussed some of the ways and reasons pacifiers may be beneficial, let's take a look at some of the disadvantages they may bring.

First off, if you are breastfeeding it is often recommended that you hold off on introducing pacifiers (and bottles alike) until you and your baby have perfected your 'latch'. Like bottles, pacifiers may cause nipple confusion for little ones. After the first month or so you can introduce your breastfed baby to the pacifier if needed.

Pacifiers have also earned the notorious rap that they cause problems with developing teeth. While I can agree with the allegation you must keep in mind that thumb suckers are just as much at risk if not more! If you are concerned with your child's oral development you can consult with your Pediatrician and your Pediatric Dentist. They will be able to examine your little one and determine if there are any problems or if all is simply well.

Lastly, and most despicably, pacifiers result in quite the addiction. Taking away your child's pacifier may very well be a terrible disaster (or at least it was for me and my oldest child)! Some babies learn to depend on pacifiers so much that they simply cannot be without one, even during daytime hours. Pacifiers are wonderful to use at nap-times and bedtime, but I do not encourage the use of them outside of the times where baby really needs pacification.

That said, I am certain that you will make the best choice for you and your child. Like anything dealing with parenting you educate your self and then use your own sound judgement. Pacifying your child is one of the most natural and responsible instincts we have so do not feel guilty if you decide to offer up a little piece of plastic heaven to your new bundle of joy!