Pacifier: The Pros And Cons

Every mother’s nightmare is a constantly crying baby, and unfortunately, it is more of a reality for most of them. One clever person invented the pacifier, and it became a golden solution to the mums. It has since been used to sooth crying and fussy babies all over the world. With time, however, the rubber teat has proved to have a negative side too. It is therefore wise to learn about both pros and cons before getting one for your baby. When they grow a little you can start looking for baby toys newborn or toddler toys as a way to distract them, however;  here are some of the reasons for and against the pacifier, and they are worth some consideration:

THE PROS

A pacifier may save your baby from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

The exact cause of crib death is not known, but scientists believe it has to do with the part of the baby’s brain that controls their sleeping and waking up.

Babies that are put to sleep with a pacifier in their mouths have been found sleep less deeply than those who do not. This means that they wake up more easily and are less perceptible to the syndrome. Moreover, a pacifier helps to open up air spaces and make breathing much easier for the baby.

It helps to sooth the baby. You can also rotate this with teethers when they are old enough. 

This is the reason for getting a pacifier in the first place. There just doesn’t seem to be a better solution to a fussy baby than a pacifier in their mouth. It is actually a good way of exercising control over your baby. You decide when they can lie down calmly and flail their delicate little legs, and when you can sit down and cuddle them when they cry.

A pacifier is also helpful in dealing with the finger-sucking habit that is usually very hard to break.

They encourage breastfeeding

This is very important, especially for a mother experiencing postpartum depression.

THE CONS

Problems with the dental structure

Babies who suck on the pacifier for too long are likely to develop problems with their dental arrangement. Their gums are very malleable as toddlers and can easily be manipulated by pacifiers to crossbites and overbites.

Likelihood of contracting ear infections

The pressure exuded by the sucking of the pacifier can cause fluids to shift to the middle of the ear where they cause infections.

They may lead to over-dependence

It seems that sucking is a very good feeling for babies. They will keep doing it whenever they can, and when they can’t, there will be a tantrum and series of hysterics to contend with

It fosters ignorance in the mother

If whenever your child as much as opens their mouth in a manner that suggests crying you swiftly shove in the pacifier, then you may never really know why the baby is crying. On their part, they will start leaning on the pacifier as a comforter for anything wrong with them, and this can be very dangerous.

Every mother should be careful to use the pacifier only when necessary, and in the correct way. Make sure that it provides just enough comfort to both you and your child, and pluck it out when it is not needed. Another way to pacify a baby is making sure the air is filtered and supportive for the little one with diffusers and humidifiers.