Baby Pacifiers: Pros And Cons

Over many years, numerous parents have become dependent on soothing their crying babies with a pacifier. It is a very effective baby product that quickly puts calm and quiet.

Though it is recommended to avoid using pacifiers in the first few weeks to one month of life, it is still the parents' decision if they will introduce it later on. Before you let your infant try it, read the pros and cons of baby pacifiers and weigh which side you're on. Here are some points to help you decide:

Pros:

1. Lower The Risk Of SIDS.

WebMD sites that, "Pacifier use during naps or nighttime can prevent sudden infant death syndrome."They added, "Doctors aren't sure how it works, but if you give your baby a pacifier while she's asleep, you might lower her risk of SIDS by more than half."

2. Soothes A Crying Baby.  

Aside from shutting the mouth from crying, the pacifier satisfies the babies sucking needs. The gratifications of the infant's physical and psychological needs are met through sucking as based on Freud's Psychosexual Stages of Development.

3. Puts The Baby To Sleep.

Having a pacifier in their mouths will soothe a baby to calm down from crying, and most scenarios will lead to putting themselves to sleep without the help of their parents. Babies can learn to self-soothe as they go to sleep.

Cons:

1. Distracting Dependency.

The baby might become overly dependent on the pacifier that it can interfere with breast-feeding. The little babies might prefer the feel of rubber nipples over breast-feeding and result to choose milk bottles over their mommies.

2. Dental Problems.

Mayo Clinic writes, "Prolonged pacifier use might cause a child's teeth to be misaligned or not come in properly." Some babies continue their dependence on pacifiers until the teething age. They can use the pacifiers but it is important that they would not be using it long-term.

3. Ear Problems.

Nina L. Shapiro, M.D., assistant professor of pediatric otolaryngology at the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine told Fit Pregnancy that, "Pacifier sucking promotes fluid collection in the ears, which can lead to ear infections."

Debates on the pros and cons of the use of pacifiers have been heard over generations. The decision to introduce one to your infant is your choice; use your knowledge on its pros and cons to your advantage.