The pacifier, good or bad idea?

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Extract from the article: The pacifier is a common object used to calm infants and help parents manage their baby. Although it can be a useful tool for some babies, the pacifier is accused of dental deformities of toddlers and of hindering the implementation of breastfeeding.

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The pacifier is a common object used to calm infants and help parents manage their baby. Although it can be a useful tool for some babies, the pacifier is accused of dental deformities of toddlers and of hindering the implementation of breastfeeding. But should we forbid it?

The pacifier is a very controversial subject. There are those who are for it and who do not hesitate to propose it to their child. And there are those who are totally against it. However, it seems interesting and important to put meaning behind in order to live one’s parenthood in an informed and assumed way on the use of this object.

Why use the pacifier

The benefits of the pacifier are well known. First, it can help calm infants by providing comfort in case of stress or discomfort. In addition, babies need suction to develop properly, and the pacifier can provide a practical solution to meet that need.

Also, according to a study by the « American Academy of Pediatrics, the pacifier is a means of preventing sudden death in babies. The Institute says: « Although the mechanism is not yet clear, studies have shown its saving effect. They would limit belly roll and prevent the baby from suffocating if his face sinks into the mattress. This can reduce sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in infants under 6 months of age. »

Disadvantages of the baby pacifier

Babies may become dependent on the pacifier to fall asleep, which can lead to sleep problems when the pacifier is not available. In addition, prolonged use of the teat can affect dental development, causing problems such as misaligned or twisted teeth. Teats, if kept too long, cause dental displacement in the long run.

In addition, the pacifier can be a bacterial nest and increase the risk of infections in babies. The use of the pacifier would also be associated with a speech delay. A 2015 study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found a link between oral motor movements and auditory perception of language. Prolonged suction of a teat but also of an inch would prevent on the one hand the children to identify certain sounds, and on the other hand to repeat them correctly. An additional reason to limit the pacifier as much as possible during the day, and to wean the baby quickly.

Using the pacifier can have advantages and disadvantages. The key is to know how to use it properly. It is up to the parents to decide whether the use of the pacifier is a good idea or a bad idea for their baby. It is also important to consider the advantages and disadvantages, discuss with pediatricians and follow the instructions for use to minimize risks and maximize benefits.

William O.