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Pacifiers, also known as soothers or binkies, are small, nipple-shaped objects babies can suck on. Parents commonly use them to calm their fussy infants or help them fall asleep. However, there is often debate about whether or not pacifiers are beneficial for children and if there is an appropriate age to stop using them.
Benefits of Pacifiers
There are several potential benefits to using pacifiers for young children. First, the sucking motion can be soothing and calming for infants, helping to reduce their stress and anxiety. This can be especially helpful during teething periods, when babies may be more irritable than usual.
Pacifiers may also help reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which is the sudden and unexplained death of an infant under the age of one. Research has shown that babies who use pacifiers while sleeping has a lower risk of SIDS than those who do not.
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“The use of pacifiers during sleep is a protective factor against SIDS.”
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2016)
Furthermore, pacifiers can help babies learn to self-soothe, which can be a valuable skill to develop as they grow older. This can lead to better sleep habits and less reliance on other soothing methods like rocking or being held.
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“Pacifiers can promote breastfeeding by allowing babies to soothe themselves without interfering with breastfeeding.”
Kramer, M. S., & Barr, R. G. (2013)
Risks of Pacifiers
While pacifiers can be helpful, there are also potential risks associated with their use. For example, prolonged pacifier use can lead to dental problems like misaligned teeth or an overbite. This is because sucking on a pacifier for too long can cause changes in the shape of a child’s mouth or jaw.
There is also some concern that pacifiers may interfere with breastfeeding. Babies who rely too heavily on pacifiers may not feed as often or as effectively, which can lead to poor weight gain or other complications.
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“Pacifier use is associated with a decreased risk of SIDS but also with a decreased likelihood of exclusive breastfeeding.”
Li, R., Magadia, J., & Fein, S. B. (2010)
In addition, using pacifiers for too long can make it more difficult for children to break the habit. Children who continue to use pacifiers past a certain age may have trouble giving them up, which can cause social or developmental problems.
Factors to consider when deciding whether or not to use pacifiers with your child
Age:Â The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting until a baby is at least 1 month old, and breastfeeding should be established before introducing a pacifier.
Sleep habits:Â Pacifiers can help soothe babies and promote sleep, but they should not be used as a substitute for feeding or to prolong sleep. Parents should consider their child’s sleep patterns and determine if pacifier use is appropriate.
Breastfeeding:Â Pacifiers can interfere with breastfeeding, especially if used too often or too early. Parents who plan to breastfeed should consult their healthcare provider before introducing a pacifier.
Dental health:Â Prolonged pacifier use can cause dental problems such as misaligned teeth or an overbite. Parents should limit the amount of time their child spends using a pacifier and monitor their child’s dental development.
Emotional attachment:Â Some children become emotionally attached to their pacifiers and have difficulty giving them up. Parents should consider the potential for emotional attachment when deciding whether or not to use pacifiers with their child.
Safety:Â Parents should ensure that pacifiers are safe and free from potential hazards, such as loose parts or choking hazards. Pacifiers should be replaced if they become damaged or worn.
Cultural and personal preferences:Â Finally, parents should consider their own cultural and personal preferences when deciding whether or not to use pacifiers with their child. While there are potential risks associated with pacifier use, they can also provide comfort and soothing for fussy infants.
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“Parents should consider a variety of factors when deciding whether or not to use pacifiers with their child.”
Marks, K., & Suskind, D. (2018)
When to Stop Using Pacifiers
Most experts agree that children should stop using pacifiers by the time they are 2 to 4 years old. This is because prolonged pacifier use can cause dental problems or interfere with speech development. Additionally, older children who use pacifiers may be teased or ostracized by their peers, leading to social or emotional problems.
To help wean a child off a pacifier, parents can gradually reduce the amount of time that the child is allowed to use it. They can also offer other forms of comfort and support, like cuddling or reading stories. It may take some time, but with patience and persistence, most children can learn to give up their pacifiers.
Pacifiers can be a helpful tool for parents, providing comfort and soothing for fussy infants. However, there are also potential risks associated with their use, including dental problems and interference with breastfeeding or speech development. Parents should aim to wean their children off pacifiers by 2 to 4 years old to avoid these potential problems. With patience and persistence, most children can learn to give up their pacifiers and develop other forms of self-soothing and comfort.
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“Children should be weaned off pacifiers between the ages of 2 and 4 years to prevent potential dental problems and speech delays.”
Brezina, P. R. (2019)
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2016). SIDS and Other Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2016 Recommendations for a Safe Infant Sleeping Environment. Pediatrics, 138(5), e20162938. doi: 10.1542/peds.2016-2938
Brezina, P. R. (2019). Pacifier use in children: Pros and cons. American Family Physician, 99(10), 590-594.
Kramer, M. S., & Barr, R. G. (2013). Pacifiers and breastfeeding: Proven methods to increase exclusive breastfeeding rates. Journal of Human Lactation, 29(3), 313-314. doi: 10.1177/0890334413484231
Li, R., Magadia, J., & Fein, S. B. (2010). Infant feeding and the use of pacifiers. Paediatrics, 125(3), 512-518. doi: 10.1542/peds.2009-1513
Marks, K., & Suskind, D. (2018). Pacifiers: A comprehensive review. Open Journal of Pediatrics, 8(1), 1-8. doi: 10.4236/ojped.2018.81001
Warren, J. J., Bishara, S. E., & Steinbock, K. L. (2001). Effects of a pacifier on sucking and swallowing functions in preterm infants. Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 15(5), 250-255. doi: 10.1067/mph.2001.117564