The moment your little bundle of joy arrives, you’ll want nothing but the best for them. Babies are precious and delicate, they require constant love and attention to grow and develop healthily. Most parents immediately consider the big things like getting a crib, using the right diapers or shopping for appropriate clothing.
While these items are an inseparable part of your little one’s development, one small yet significant detail can change the trajectory of their overall well-being – using a soothing and easy-to-clean pacifier for newborn babies. Sure, these items may seem like a no-brainer but they’re actually more important to babies’ developmental years than you might think.
The Role of Pacifiers in Newborn Development
For babies up to six months, pacifiers can significantly reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) because they act as a barrier between the baby's nose and mouth, preventing suffocation. While there’s no direct cause for SIDS, research shows they can minimize some of the risks associated with the condition.
Not to mention the calming effects they have during fussy periods because they mimic the natural suckling reflex babies have while breastfeeding. This can comfort your little one during long flights, aid in sleep training and facilitate oral muscles development.
Contrary to popular belief, there’s no direct link between pacifiers and dental problems. If you use them correctly and until the specified age, it’s highly unlikely that they’ll cause issues when your newborn’s teeth start coming in.
You shouldn’t introduce them until you make breastfeeding a habit, which happens around 2 weeks to a month after birth. If you do that earlier, it can cause so-called nipple confusion and hinder the baby’s ability to latch onto your breast properly.
You can start weaning your bundle of joy off pacifiers after the six-month mark and discourage use after they turn one year old. Some reports suggest you can use them until the two-year mark, but you should consult with your doctor before making any long-term decisions.
How Do You Know Which Pacifier to Buy?
While you can follow the general guidelines when choosing a pacifier for newborn babies, a handful of factors can determine how good of a match you can find. Of course, this is a matter of trial and error and it all depends on how your little one reacts to each option.
Materials
Silicone and latex are the two most popular choices. The former is a sturdy, safe and non-irritating option, while the latter is softer and offers a more natural mouthfeel while being more susceptible to wear and tear. Silicone is also dishwasher-safe while latex needs to be washed by hand.
If your little one has a latex allergy, you could opt for a silicone model. This can minimize irritation and ensure a safe and happy baby at all times.
Shape
Round models are the most popular option for breastfeeding babies because they closely resemble the nipple and reduce the risk of nipple-dummy confusion.
While pacifiers don’t directly affect dental and speech development, but if your baby sucks on pacifiers for long periods, it can have some negative effects on the tongue, lip and chewing muscles. This can indirectly affect the way your child speaks in the future or how their teeth come in.
To minimize such risks, you can opt for orthodontic teets to keep your baby’s jaw in the right position while satisfying their need to suck. Some pacifiers also come with a flat base, which helps prevent tooth misalignment.
Size and Age Recommendation
Use the right size of a pacifier that fits your baby. As your newborn will have a small mouth, he needs a small-sized pacifier to fit comfortably inside his mouth and not strain himself. And later on with their growth, you can switch to larger sizes.
For instance, a 0-3 month baby should have a smaller one compared to older newborns Also, regularly inspect the size of your child's pacifier and replace it as necessary to keep him/her in a safe and comfortable state.
Cleaning and Safety Tips
Pacifiers are a great host to bacteria when not cleaned well enough; these may serve as infections that might be transmitted to your baby. Cleaning must be regularly done on your baby's pacifier by merely washing it with soapy warm water or placing it in some sort of sterilizer. In addition, you must check the pacifier for any wear and tear marks and immediately change it upon seeing a crack or tear.
Always select a pacifier that has a firm shield and that is larger than your baby's mouth to prevent choking. Never tie strings or cords onto the pacifier as this could lead to strangulation. Never dip the pacifier in honey or syrup as this only heightens the chances of tooth decay.
Introducing the Pacifier
Some babies just take a pacifier like a pro, and others will require some time to get accustomed to them. If your baby resists the pacifier, then try feeding or letting them nap, since that is one of their most relaxed states. Alternatively, you can try laying the pacifier on the baby's lips and moving it around in light motions to stimulate the baby's reflex to suck.
If the baby doesn't seem to want a pacifier, then don't force the issue. Every child is different, just like with anything else. Some will never take to a pacifier. Learn other ways of soothing your baby instead.