Selecting a Baby Pacifier – Pros, Cons & Tips

When it comes to baby pacifiers, some parents like to use them while others don’t. Most people don’t give their kids pacifiers because they don’t want to deal with the problems that are associated with weaning them off. Weaning them off a pacifier isn’t difficult as long as you follow the right instructions. When choosing a dummy, make sure they comply with Australian standards.

Using a Baby Pacifier

There is a lot of debate about whether pacifiers are good or bad for your child. Some believe they are necessary while others don’t, the decision ultimately rests with the parents or guardian. If you are planning on buying a good quality baby dummy at CMC Gold or elsewhere online, read through these pros and cons before you decide.

Advantages

• Many babies like to suck their thumbs, they have a strong sucking reflex that has a calming effect on their body. This is why many parents rank them as much have items.
• If you have a fussy baby, there is a good change a pacifier will help to soothe them. Some babies are happiest when they are sucking on something.
• Some babies find it easier to fall asleep with a pacifier, if they have trouble settling down, a pacifier may do the trick.
• Pacifiers are used during flights as they help your baby to “pop” their ears as they plane climbs to a high altitude.

Disadvantages

• When you give your baby a pacifier, it can sometimes disturb their breastfeeding routine. They understand the subtle difference and it can lead to less frequent breastfeeding.
• If your baby uses a dummy to sleep, they may become dependent on it. When the pacifier falls out of their mouth, they’ll continuously wake up and cry.
• Prolonged pacifier use can lead to dental problems such as misaligned teeth.

Which One is Best?

When you are shopping for any kind of baby items, whether it be clothes, dummies or cots, you want to get products that meet a certain standard. There are many things to consider when choosing a pacifier for your baby. You should opt for a one-piece model that has a soft nipple, two-piece pacifiers tend to break easier.

Make sure the pacifier has a good grip just in case it gets caught in your baby’s mouth and you need to pull it out quick. When you choose the right pacifier for your baby, it has many advantages. A good quality dummy can go into the dishwasher and it will have a firm plastic shield with air holes. This ensures they won’t be able to fit the entire dummy in their mouth.

If you are bottle feeding, you can introduce the pacifier early. If you are breastfeeding, wait until 6 – 8 weeks before introducing it. Using a pacifier comes down to the parents, it is your choice whether you purchase a dummy or not. If you do decide to use them, make sure they are kept clean and properly sterilised.