Newborns and pacifiers: A guide to using a pacifier safely

What is a pacifier?

Let’s go back to basics: what is a pacifier? Here are a few facts to help you understand what a pacifier is before we explore newborn pacifiers use.

•  A pacifier is usually a silicone nipple given to an infant or young child to suck upon.
• The standard pacifier has a nipple, a mouth shield, and a handle.
• The mouth shield and handle are there to prevent the child from choking or swallowing it.

Now you know what it is, why is using a pacifier so common? There are three key points to be aware of when it comes to newborns’ pacifier use:

1. A pacifier’s primary purpose comes down to the fact that newborns are born with an instinct to suck.
2.  Whether they are bored, tired, or needing comfort, this sucking instinct is separate from their need to eat.
3. Some babies prefer to suck on their thumbs or fingers, and others prefer pacifiers.

Newborns and pacifiers: How pacifiers affect your baby

A pacifier provides a very calming, soothing effect on your baby. Below are some reasons behind newborn pacifier use:

• Helps your baby fall asleep..
  
• Calms your frightened baby.
  
• Aids in digestion.
  

As you can see, these reasons all have one commonality: they keep your baby calm by satisfying their innate need to suckle.

Pacifiers: pros and cons

Whether you choose to give your baby a pacifier or to suck on one of his or her fingers, let’s have a look at what do soothers do, and of course, pacifiers’ pros and cons.

Benefits of the use of a pacifier for your baby

If you’re thinking about using a pacifier, there are several benefits. Here are some of the most common reasons parents choose to opt for newborn pacifier use:
 

1. Satisfies the suck reflex.

The first benefit of a pacifier is that it meets a baby’s need to suckle. While the breast or bottle can usually satisfy this need, pacifiers can help to soothe your baby in-between feeding sessions. However, keep in mind that pacifiers are not to be used as a replacement or to delay mealtimes.
 

2. Encourages baby to self-soothe.

Another benefit of using a pacifier is that it can encourage your baby to self-soothe when he or she is crying or upset.

3. Soothes your baby during painful procedures.

If your baby is due for a vaccination or for blood to be drawn, a pacifier is great way to reduce the pain and keep your baby calm at the doctor’s office.

4. Helps baby fall asleep.

Parents often ask, ‘can a baby sleep with a pacifier?’. The pacifiers can be used when helping your baby to fall asleep, right before nap time, or after a feed; most babies find sucking soothing. Stay close to your baby while the pacifier works its magic.

5. You can monitor your newborn’s pacifier use.

Unlike thumb sucking, you can monitor when your baby uses a pacifier. This gives you the ability to limit use or take it away at your disposal. It also makes breaking the habit easier when the time comes.

Tip: If your baby is going to use a pacifier, you will want to ensure that it is the right pacifier. Explore the different options available and make sure you adapt them to your baby’s development.