Here's what you need to know about using a pacifier for your baby, as told by pediatrician and neonatologist Dr. Atul Palwe at Motherhood Hospital.
Advantages of using pacifiers
- Soothes baby's emotions: sucking on a pacifier helps baby stop crying and makes baby feel more comfortable and happy.
- Can temporarily distract the child: Pacifiers are beneficial during vaccinations or blood tests, as they help divert the child's attention away from pain.
- Helps babies sleep well: Sucking on a pacifier helps babies fall asleep easily and sleep better.
- Reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS): Sucking on a pacifier at bedtime can reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
Disadvantages of using pacifiers
- Children will become dependent: Because children are used to the pacifier, taking the pacifier away makes them feel uncomfortable and cry.
- Can lead to dental problems: Your baby's teeth will become misaligned if he or she uses a pacifier for a long time. It can also affect the shape of his or her mouth.
- Children are susceptible to infection: Pacifiers contain a lot of bacteria, if not cleaned properly. Those bacteria can make children sick.
