Why pacifier works

Pacifiers can be very helpful to parents in those early months. Pacifiers help babies soothe themselves during periods of crying. Here are some things to think about as you are deciding if and when to use a pacifier. As you are deciding on what is best for your infant, here are some possible benefits and drawbacks of pacifier use. For premature babies in the intensive care unit, pacifiers can shorten hospital stays and help tube-fed babies learn to use a bottle.

If you are breastfeeding, it's advised that you delay introducing a pacifier until breastfeeding is well set. It's safe to introduce the pacifier when:. For most nursing parents, this is usually when your baby is about 3 to 4 weeks old. If you have chosen to feed your infant formula, you can introduce a pacifier immediately after your baby is born. May create breastfeeding difficulties, especially if introduced before breastfeeding is well set. Pacifiers may hide feeding cues in breastfeeding babies.

Feeding cues are ways that your baby tells you that they are hungry. Eventually, this can affect your milk supply. Myth and truth here! Some babies have no problem giving up their pacifiers and are ready to do so quickly.

Others may need more time to say good-bye. This is because babies become attached to their pacifiers and the comfort it brings. Weaning will be a learning and compromising experience for you and your little one, but with love and patience you will help your baby reach this exciting milestone. Find tips and ideas for weaning in our pacifier guide for parents. References Pillai Riddell RR et al. Non-pharmacological management of infant and young child procedural pain.

Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Effect of restricted pacifier use in breastfeeding term infants for increasing duration of breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding and dummy use have a protective effect on sudden infant death syndrome. Acta Paediatri. Moon RY. On the aetiology of malocclusion. Br J Orthod. Latest revision In: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, editor. The reference manual of pediatric dentistry. Pillai Riddell RR et al. SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths: Evidence base for updated recommendations for a safe infant sleeping environment.

Butler R, et al. Pacifier use, finger sucking, and infant sleep. Behavioral Sleep Medicine. Jaafar SH, et al. Effect of restricted pacifier use in breastfeeding term infants for increasing duration of breastfeeding. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Nowak AJ, et al. Oral habits and orofacial development in children. Accessed Sept. Thumb sucking, finger sucking and pacifier use. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Products and Services Book: Obstetricks.

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