The pacifier. No, we’re not talking about the critically panned 2005 Vin Diesel film, we’re talking about something much more controversial, divisive, and important: actual pacifiers for babies. They say that if you want to get into an argument with friends or family these days then all you have to do is bring up religion or politics at the dinner table, well we may as well add pacifiers to that list as well. Whether you love them or hate them or are somewhere in between, pacifiers can play a vital role in helping your child be soothed and even sleep better. In today’s article, we’re going to cover some of our pacifier best practices and philosophy to see if it can help you make the best decision for you and your baby.
Used As A Tool, Not A Prop
We believe that a pacifier should absolutely be used when raising and caring for a newborn child, we just believe that it is in the best interest of the child and the parent, that the use of said pacifier should be limited as much as possible. It is our philosophy that a pacifier has its crucial uses, but should not be a crutch or a Band-Aid to be placed over another underlying problem. As a tool, they can be used to help soothe the baby for short periods during certain times of distress like after a bath (when baby is cold), in the car (when we can’t stop the car and tend to the baby), a few minutes at a time during the bedtime routine, or prior to a nap to help bring on sleep via relaxation.
Brevity: The Soul Of Wit And Pacifier Use
The examples in the section above outline scenarios when you should use the pacifier for your child. They aren’t all-encompassing, but can help to give you a clearer idea as to when to deploy the binkie throughout your day. The key component here is the brevity. Once the baby has been soothed for a few minutes, or has fallen asleep, then the pacifier should be gently removed and kept on hand until baby needs it again. It is so easy to fall into the routine of letting the child keep the binkie for hours at a time because they seem to like it. That can be a mistake!
Reduce Pacifier Use To Aid In Development
We want to reduce the chances of your baby getting dependent on their pacifier, so it must be used sparingly. This enables your child to self-wean off of pacifier dependency and helps them be better equipped to self-sooth. Pacifiers used into the toddler years can cause dental and speech development issues, so it should be avoided. Overuse during infancy and pre-toddler ages can also cause issues like high pallets and distorted breathing. Try to wean your child off of pacifiers as soon as possible for your child and situation.
In Conclusion
Using the pacifier the correct amount can seem like a lot to manage, but we are happy to help. We hope these tips have helped you along your journey. If you have any questions about helping your baby to sleep better, finding adequate and professional newborn care help, please reach out to us HERE. We are experts in all things baby and sleep and would love to help!
If you have questions about your child, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We would love to help. Please reach out to us here! We always look forward to hearing from you.
