Should I Let My Baby Use A Pacifier?


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Whether or not you should let your baby use a pacifier is a decision that you, as a parent, must decide. There are, believe it or not, people on opposed sides of the debate about pacifiers who can become quite adamant about their particular opinion. To hear some people describe it, you might think that letting your baby use a pacifier will cause your baby to be ugly, dumb, and even undernourished. At the same time, pacifier advocates sometimes gloss over or omit entirely the possible negative effects of pacifiers.

Those that say you should let your baby use a pacifier cite several benefits. A pacifier can have a soothing effect on your baby. After all, babies are born to suck. It quiets them and calms them. A pacifier is a convenient substitute for a mother’s breast when one is not available. In addition, some studies suggest that using a pacifier may actually reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Advocates of pacifiers also suggest that using a pacifier may also reduce the risk of having certain types of other disorders.

On the other hand, there are folks who do not think you should let your baby use a pacifier. These folks argue that using a pacifier may cause failure in breastfeeding. Switching between the pacifier and the nipple may be confusing and even difficult for young babies. This, it is thought, will lead to insufficient sucking, and even a reduction in the mother’s milk supply. Opponents of pacifiers also suggest that use may cause dental problems down the road. Finally, those who argue against pacifiers suggest that there is an increased risk of accidents with pacifiers.

It is worth discussing whether or not you should let your baby use a pacifier with your health care provider. The fact of the matter is that much of the rhetoric on both sides of the argument may be in error, or at least exaggerated.



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This entry was posted in About Your Baby.



 



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