Posted on December 8, 2011 by admin | in Nanny
Generations of mothers have debated the pros and cons of pacifier use. Emerging studies show that there are some very real health benefits associated with pacifier use; here are some of the scientifically sound reasons why it’s okay to reach for that binky.
- Linked to SIDS Protection – Few things are as terrifying to new parents as the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. A recent study suggests that use of a pacifier can reduce the risk of SIDS by up to 61%.
- Provide a Physical Calming Effect – The action of sucking a pacifier stimulates brain chemistry, releasing stress-reducing chemicals that make your baby feel calm and soothes them on a chemical level.
- Helps to Prevent Thumb-Sucking – Both thumb-sucking and pacifier use can cause tooth damage after permanent teeth have erupted, but weaning a baby from a pacifier is much easier than breaking a thumb-sucking habit. Use of a pacifier can prevent that habit from ever forming, actually protecting dental health in the long run.
- Proven Sleep Aid – For infants that have trouble settling enough to sleep, pacifiers are a simple, low-fuss solution.
- Teaches Babies to Soothe Themselves – Some infants have a hard time learning to soothe themselves, leading to sleep-deprived parents and unhappy babies. The introduction of a pacifier can help them learn to soothe themselves.
- Possible Analgesic Effect – There are indications that the use of a pacifier can provide mild pain relief during injections and other uncomfortable procedures.
- Decrease Hospital Stays – Premature infants who used pacifiers typically had shorter hospital stays than their pacifier-free peers; they also made the transition from enteral feeding to bottles sooner.
- Easily Sterilized – For older babies who can get their fingers into all kinds of germy trouble, a pacifier can actually protect them from bacteria. If a pacifier is used to satisfy the need for comfort, baby won’t put his fingers in his mouth.
- Satisfies the Suck Reflex – Some infants have a suck reflex that requires more than feeding-time action. These babies have an actual, biological need to satisfy, and can become very distressed if this need goes unfulfilled. Pacifiers are the ideal size and shape to fulfill this need while keeping airways open and reducing pressure on the jaw.
- More Comfortable Mommies – At first glance, this may not be considered a health benefit that is provided to infants by pacifiers. However, a more confident and well-rested new mother is more in tune to her new baby’s needs than a frazzled one. First-time moms can especially have their confidence shaken by a baby that cries without cease and can not be soothed. The introduction of a pacifier can help mom and baby get some much-needed rest, allowing new mommies to approach the situation more calmly and confidently.
If a pacifier falls out of your child’s mouth while he’s sleeping, it can be tempting to pop it back in just to “make sure” they’re protected from SIDS. Pediatricians recommend that you leave the pacifier out if it falls out unnoticed.
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