The Cons of Using Pacifiers

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

04 Feb 2009 10:12 AM

Yesterday, I started discussing the controversial subject of using pacifiers to sooth babies. Pacifier use may seem second nature to some, but there is a lot of negative opinion as well. It is important to know all of the information, so you can make the best decision about using pacifiers. Also, know that you can decide to create your own plan for pacifier use, such as using them for the first six months, only after a few weeks, etc.

If you missed yesterday's post on the pros of using pacifiers, you can click here to check it out.

Con

Can be hard to give up. Even though you can toss the pacifier away, don't expect it to go well. While I got lucky, my experiences were not usual. The longer you rely on the pacifier, the harder it will be to terminate the relationship.

Linked to increased ear infections. A recent study in the medical journal, Family Practice found that there is a definite link between using a pacifier and recurrent ear infections. It could have something to do with the pacifier increasing nasal secretions, or the change in the dental structure of the mouth with a pacifier could also change the tube in the ear, making it more prone to infection.

Some concern about nipple confusion for breast feeding infants. Learning to breast feed can be a difficult experience for many moms and it is possible that using a pacifier can make it more difficult for a couple of reasons. Sucking on a pacifier requires different muscle skills than does getting milk from a breast, so you might want to forgo the pacifier or at least delay it until breast feeding is well established. Also, your infant may not be as motivated to try the breast if he is readily soothed by the pacifier. In my own experience, my kids would take the breast over the pacifier.

Prolonged use may affect the palette and the development of speech. This is a real concern with a number of studies behind it, and especially applies to children who are still using a pacifier past the age of two or three. There is a distinct lisp that has been linked to using pacifiers for a prolonged time.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.

Related Articles:

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A Dangerous Pacifier Practice

The Pacifier Wars

Co-Sleeping Versus Bed Sharing

Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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drnewmom (307) 05 Feb 2009 07:58 AM

According to the NICU nurses, our little guy used one in the unit, but he has only used it twice, for less than 1 minute each time since he has been home (7 months ago). I'm glad I don't have to worry about taking one away. I guess I'm lucky to have a content baby and don't see the need for one anyhow. On a side note, I personally think that if your child has to remove the paci from his/her mouth to have a conversation (full sentences) with you, they are TOO DARN OLD to have one!

Mary Ann Romans (26881) 05 Feb 2009 12:11 PM

We are battling the thumb here, which makes me long for a paci that we could toss away. :)

ZoefromGetPottyTrained (10) 12 Feb 2009 08:16 PM

Thank you for posting the CONS for pacifiers. It is very inforamtive! In my own experience, my daughter also chooses breast over dummy, and I don't like the idea that she will be crying out loud because she wants her dummy. Now I know I made the right choice.

Mary Ann Romans (26881) 13 Feb 2009 05:42 AM

My first born made the decision on his own (smart little guy) and the others followed. I once saw a mom try to force the paci into her child when he clearly didn't want it.