Pacifier: Yes or no?

Very practical, such a pacifier! It can calm your crying baby within seconds, satisfies the natural sucking reflex, and provides comfort. But there are also many opinions, criticisms, and myths surrounding the pacifier. To help you navigate through all of that and make the right decision for your little explorer, we have here the Key points about pacifiers summarized .

Why are pacifiers even available?

The pacifier is also called a "soother," and the answer is actually already contained in this word – a pacifier. calms and comforts Your baby. Your little explorer has what is called a “non-nutritive sucking need,” which means sucking that is not related to hunger or food intake. Even in the womb, they suck on their own fingers, and after birth, they often additionally suck on the hands of caregivers or on objects such as stuffed animals or clothing. This helps Does your baby also fulfill its need for closeness, physical contact, and affection? . Why it appears calming and comforting is clear. A Pacifier is therefore a daily helper for parents who want to soothe their baby's needs. Your baby itself could probably manage without it as well; many children even refuse the pacifier.

What are the advantages of a pacifier?

The pacifier calms, soothes, and helps your baby, to sleep to be found. A pacifier is always available and, unlike the breast, anyone can give it to the child. It relieved also nursing mothers and is also available if your baby is not breastfed or cannot be breastfed.
He helps your little explorer to relieve painful or sad feelings and to calm down. It is better than thumb-sucking because it is ergonomically shaped like a baby's thumb . This way, he damages your child's jaw significantly less. Additionally, you can limit the time your baby has access to a pacifier.

For premature babies, a pacifier additionally helps with the Activation of the digestive system . Premature babies are often fed through a tube and gain weight better when the sucking reflex is activated via a nipple, which also stimulates the release of digestive hormones.

What are the disadvantages of a pacifier?

Even with the pacifier, it is important to keep it to use with caution . Most of the time, your baby wants to communicate something to you through crying or screaming, and it often needs your voice, closeness, and physical contact. The pacifier is not a cure-all for every need. Additionally, doctors and midwives warn against dental and jaw misalignments caused by the use of a pacifier. It can hinder your baby from exploring things with their mouth during the oral phase. Prolonged use of a pacifier can also lead to the Language Development hinder , as it prevents young children from experimenting with sound formation by playing with their tongue and lips.

A pacifier can also be a breeding ground for germs and should must be cleaned and sterilized thoroughly . Not least, you will also have to wean your little explorer off the pacifier one day. Once the first little teeth come in , it is recommended to with the Pacifier weaning to start – that can be difficult for your little explorer.

In the video, LILLYDOO pediatrician Ariane discusses once again the advantages and disadvantages of a pacifier.

Yes to the pacifier – What should you consider?

If you still breastfeed your baby, it is better to avoid using a pacifier in the first few weeks. so that your newborn does not get a nipple confusion . After four to six weeks, it is the Breastfeeding generally so well established that the pacifier no longer causes harm. A good principle is to use the pacifier like a medication. So as often as necessary, but as infrequently as possible . Always keep in mind the above-mentioned "side effects". First, check what your baby actually needs and whether you can soothe it without a pacifier; the pacifier should never be the first calming measure. For breastfeeding babies, the pacifier does not replace non-nutritive sucking at the breast. You should never limit the time at the breast and not replace it with the pacifier either. Your baby should always be able to put the pacifier away independently; you should never force it to suck on the pacifier. Additionally, it is recommended to remove the pacifier from your baby's mouth after falling asleep.

So that your little explorer can use the pacifier safely, are Cleanliness and Hygiene very important. Rinse the pacifier frequently with hot water and sterilize it regularly (daily during the first 6 months; once your baby enters the oral phase, the frequency can be reduced). There are various options for cleaning the pacifier. In specialized stores, there are special devices that sterilize pacifiers (and bottles) with very hot steam. Additionally, there are sterilizers for the microwave. You can also simply sterilize your baby's pacifiers in a pot of hot water on the stove. For this, you should always use the same pot and dedicate it solely to sterilization, so that no bacteria from food are transferred to the pacifiers. This way, you can disinfect pacifiers made of all materials, However, you should check them regularly . Especially latex pacifiers can become porous due to the high temperatures and must then be replaced. Never take the pacifier out to clean it , thereby you can transfer cavities- and herpes bacteria to your baby. Under no circumstances should you ever dip the pacifier into sweet foods or drinks. This can also cause your baby to easily develop cavities.

Which pacifier should it be?

When purchasing a pacifier for your baby, there are a few things to consider. A möglichst flat pacifier shield and a small, flat, flexible teat are especially orthodontic and gentle for the first teeth. New are pacifiers in cherry shape, which are designed to mimic the natural movements of the nipple and are therefore particularly suitable for breastfeeding infants. Additionally, the pacifier should be as lightweight as possible and have a sign with air holes , so that your little explorer gets plenty of air. It is not necessary, by the way, to let the pacifier "grow" with your baby – the nipple doesn't grow either. Most pacifiers are made of latex or silicone. Both materials have individual advantages:

Latex pacifier are very elastic and durable. They are bite-proof and thus especially suitable for babies who already first teeth have. (But then it will be time to wean your little explorer off the pacifier soon anyway). Additionally, latex pacifiers attract less lint and dust and are environmentally friendly to dispose of. However, they are also somewhat less heat-resistant than silicone pacifiers.

Silicone pacifiers are tasteless and odorless. They are very soft and especially suitable for babies who do not yet have teeth. They are more heat-resistant, but slightly less elastic and more prone to cracking than latex pacifiers.

Additionally, there is still Natural rubber pacifiers . They are especially tear- and bite-resistant and pleasantly soft.

"Pacifier, yes or no?", like many aspects of everyday life with a baby, you must also answer this question very individually. Whether your baby needs or even wants a pacifier, and whether the pacifier can make your family life easier, is something only you can decide. You now have some important information at your fingertips. And for all other questions, your midwife will surely be happy to help you. We wish you a wonderful baby time!