Pacifiers

As long as there are babies, there will always be the debate over the pros and cons of pacifiers. Some parents swear by them, while others are vehemently against giving their baby a pacifier. Obviously, there are positive and negative points regarding pacifiers, and sometimes, the child will basically take the decision away from the parent anyway, especially if that child just refuses to use a pacifier at all.

Until recently, the positives of pacifier usage were typically based on how well that pacifier soothed and comforted baby. While of course this is still important, a stronger case is being built based on new recommendations from The American Academy of Pediatrics. A revised statement concerning the usage of pacifiers has many pediatricians recommending that parents encourage their babies to use pacifiers at bedtime. Research has shown a connection between pacifiers and a reduced incidence of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

These findings by themselves make a compelling argument for the use of pacifiers in a baby's first year of life. At the same time, pediatricians are still promoting the "back to sleep" campaign. In fact, although some parents still put their babies to sleep on their sides, the back position is the safest position for your baby.

Babies need to suck, and they may not get this need satisfied when bottle or breastfeeding. A pacifier can give your baby the extra sucking time that he might need, and this additional sucking is important for baby's early development.

While the revised statement from The American Academy of Pediatrics may help parents make up their mind regarding the decision of pacifier use, there are still valid arguments against pacifier usage. Many pediatricians discourage pacifier use simply because of the correlation between pacifier use and the increased incidents of ear infections. Also, babies who use pacifiers for an extended period of time and for longer than the first year of life may have an increased risk of abnormal jaw development.

Breastfeeding babies may develop nipple confusion if a pacifier is continually used. In fact, there has been a correlation found showing a decrease in breastfeeding among infants who consistently use pacifiers. However, mothers who want to use a pacifier and continue to breastfeed may be able to find success with a little guidance from their local lactation specialist or from a breastfeeding group such as the La Leche League.

As with all of the other decisions that parents must make regarding their children, however, pacifier use should still come down to a personal decision based on what is best for you and your baby. You should continue to weigh the pros and cons and make an informed decision.

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