Why use a pacifier?
Why use a pacifier?
The pacifier, baby's best friend, is a blessing for your child and a relief for parents. But we sometimes forget the panoply of other advantages offered by the use of this magical object. While there are alternatives such as the thumb, the finger or the comforter, there's no substitute for the famous pacifier.
The first benefit of using a pacifier, as we all know, is to soothe baby and make him feel good. Even in infancy, a child has feelings of stress, anxiety or irritation, and a pacifier is sometimes the only way to soothe them. That's why it's so important not to lose baby's pacifier, and why we always recommend a pacifier clip. Sucking on a pacifier brings back memories of feeding or bottle-feeding. In fact, sucking spreads the release of endorphins that give baby that feeling of well-being.
While the advantage of the pacifier may seem obvious to some parents, this object hides other positive aspects for baby. In addition, pacifier use plays an important role in reducing the risk of cot death. Researchers have confirmed this principle: sleeping with a pacifier contributes to baby's ventilation and breathing, thus limiting the risk of reflux.
As baby grows, he feels the need to touch and put into his mouth everything he finds in his path: this is when the pacifier becomes a source of distraction, keeping baby busy and concentrating on sucking. This reduces the anxiety some parents feel about the dangers of introducing other objects into their toddler's mouth. And this source of distraction also helps babies to stick to mealtimes, as it takes their mind off eating.
Another important aspect of the pacifier, for mom, dad and baby alike, is its pain-relieving effect. While there's no miracle solution to relieve baby's colic other than massaging his tummy or back, sucking on a pacifier does relieve baby's colic to some extent, so don't forget to have several personalized bodysuits for baby if he's colicky, so you can change him regularly.
The pacifier also helps to regulate baby's wakefulness and sleep cycles, as it helps him to fall asleep more quickly. Thanks to endorphins, the child enjoys a more optimal sleep, which also delights parents.
It plays a key role in premature infants in particular, as the use of a pacifier helps baby to take hold of the bottle, thus influencing feeding and the development of strength.
The action of sucking the teat also helps digestion: milk and soups, for example, are foods rich in fat and protein, and are sometimes difficult to digest. Sucking therefore helps to break down the food, ensuring better digestion.
On the dental side of things, sucking has the advantage of altering the alignment of teeth less, compared with the thumb. What's more, teething is sometimes painful for children, and biting and sucking can help relieve the pain. You can also find a teething ring for babies.
The pacifier also has a practical side, as it's easy to carry, store and find, thanks to pacifier clips that attach to baby's clothes.
It also improves articulation between sucking, swallowing and breathing, helping to prevent choking.
On the hygienic side, the teat can be sterilized, and can be changed or replaced when it deteriorates or is lost, compared with thumb-sucking. On the other hand, it helps your toddler resist the risk of allergies. In fact, even if a pacifier is more hygienic than thumb-sucking, it still contains microbes that help to secrete bacteria to boost the immune system. But it's an advantage to be taken with care!
The pacifier makes for a better transition between home and the other environments your child may face, such as nursery or school, as the sucking action of the pacifier reminds him of the space at home and so helps him to adapt more easily.
To reassure our parents, our teats are dermatologically controlled and tested. They are sold in pharmacies, so you can have total confidence in the product and be reassured about baby's safety. In fact, standards require that pacifiers be tested before they go on sale. Available in several sizes and models, they optimize our little one's and parents' peace of mind.
Finally, parents can control its use, which is only temporary.
As you can see, the pacifier has many attributes and is therefore an undeniable ally for both parents and your little treasures from a physical and physiological point of view. In fact, pediatricians recommend sucking with a pacifier rather than a thumb. Using a pacifier can therefore bring many surprises.