The Pros of Using Pacifiers

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

03 Feb 2009 10:48 AM

Whether or not to give your baby a pacifier can sometimes be a controversial subject. Many parents are for it, and many are against it. How can you sort through al of the opinion to make the best decision for your baby and your family? Maybe I can help.

I have three children. When each was young I introduced the pacifier after a few weeks. My oldest son took it happily until the age of about four months when he then spit it out and wanted nothing to do with it afterward.

My middle child, a daughter, was interested more in her thumb than the pacifier, and refused "the plug" immediately. In fact, if we even put it near her she fussed.

My youngest child, another son, again took the pacifier for about three months, then just as his older bother did, he spit it out and would not take it again.

So what are the pros and cons of using pacifiers?

Pro

Can be tossed away, unlike a thumb, When it is time to give up the pacifier use, you can simply toss them out. Breaking my daughter of the habit of sucking her thumb is proving difficult, since that thumb is always with her. I can't employ the usual strategies such as giving the thumb away to the babies, trading the thumb in for pirate loot or any of the other tactics you might see on Super Nanny.

Linked to decreased risk of SIDS. Pacifier use in infants has been linked with a lower risk for SIDS. The theory is that sucking on the pacifier may help keep the airway open in a young baby.

Can sooth a baby. Whether it is three in the morning or in the middle of church, many a parent has relied on the magic ability of the pacifier to sooth and quiet an infant. It is almost like a miracle sometimes.

Check back again tomorrow when I cover the other side of the discussion, the cons to using pacifiers.

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:

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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