The pacifier debate often has people on both sides who are very militantly convinced that their position is the correct one. To listen to some detractors of pacifier use, you would think that giving your baby a pacifier will cause your baby to be ugly, undernourished, and dumb. On the other hand, advocates of pacifier use often neglect to tell you the risks involved in giving your baby a pacifier.

Benefits of using a pacifier can include:

– Soothing effect. Babies are born to suck. Sucking calms them and quiets them. Pacifiers are a convenient substitute for a mother’s breast when one is not available.

– Reduced risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Studies as recent as 2004 have demonstrated that infants who use a pacifier are less likely to fall prey to SIDS.

– Reduced risk of other disorders. There are a variety of other health risks that have been reduced by pacifier use.

On the other hand, pacifier use has been associated with a number of negative effects, including:

– Failure of breastfeeding. Switching from nipple to pacifier can be confusing and difficult, especially for very young babies. This can lead to inefficient sucking. In addition, it may decrease the amount of time that a baby will spend at the mother’s breast, and this in turn can affect the mother’s milk supply.

– Dental deformities. some research suggests that persistent use of a pacifier can lead to dental problems down the road.

– Risk of accidents. Some pacifiers may have a risk of choking, although most newer pacifiers have very little if any of this risk associated with them.

Most pediatricians recommend that pacifiers not be used in the first two weeks after a baby is born. Many recommend that pacifier use be stopped after the age of 1 year, although this will vary from one pediatrician to the next. If you are considering the use of a pacifier and have concerns, your health care provider may be able to offer you additional perspective on pacifier use.

Posted in Baby and Toddler

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