Why
Do Infants Use Pacifiers?
They
help infants to make the emotional transition from dependence to independence.
They give the child emotional and tangible comfort.
They have a calming effect on the child.
They can help an infant learn self-control.
They act as a substitute bridge for the representation of the mother.
(American Academy of Pediatrics,
2001)(Brazelton, 1992)
Pros
of Pacifier Use
Sucking
a pacifier provides comfort and soothes the infant.
It
is easier to break the child of this habit.
It is more passive and can cause less effect on the teeth and bone structure.
May reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome because the frequent
sucking may strengthen the muscles of the upper airway.
Comforts and soothes the infant.
Premature babies show increased weight gain when they can suck a pacifier
or finger.
(Brazelton, 1992)(Rowland,
1999)
Cons
of Pacifier Use
May
interfere with nursing, if offered before infant has mastered nursing.
May increase incidence of ear infections.
Could hinder growth and development of teeth and gums, if sucking occurs
after age 6.
May cause dental problems.
Unsanitary.
(Glick Dental Associates,
2000)(LaLeche League, 2001)
Parents
Thoughts About Pacifiers
Children
will give up the pacifier when they are ready to. Parents should
look for signs that their child may be ready to give the habit up.
Pacifiers can offer security to children in new situations.
Keeps germs from getting into the toddler's mouth because the toddler can
not put anything in the mouth while using the pacifier.
Can prevent choking because the toddler will not place anything in his
or her mouth while using the pacifier.
A pacifier can satisfy the infant's sucking reflex and help to relieve
stress of parents.
A pacifier is an easy way to quiet an infant quickly.
The pacifier can help an infant during the teething stage because it occupies
the infant's mouth.
(Parents' Club, 2000)
Expert
Thoughts About Pacifiers
Niemela,
Pihakari, Pokka, and Uhari (2000) conducted a study looking at the association
of pacifier use and the increased occurrence of acute ear inflammation
(otitis media or AOM) during an intervention trial.
The intervention also consisted of providing a leaflet explaining the harmful
effects of pacifier use and instructions on use restriction (Niemela, et
al., 2000).
The researchers looked at a group of 272 children at well-baby clinics.
The intervention also consisted of providing a leaflet explaining the harmful
effects of pacifier use and instructions on use restriction (Niemela, et
al., 2000). After the intervention there was 21% decrease achieved
in continuous pacifier use at age 7-18 months. The occurrence of
acute ear inflammation was decreased as well (29% lower with intervention
children).
The researchers went on to conclude that pacifiers seemed to be a preventable
risk factor for acute ear inflammation in children. The restriction
of pacifiers use should be limited to moments when the child is falling
asleep which will effectively prevent episodes of acute ear inflammation
(Niemela, et al., 2000).
If you are a mother who breastfeeds, several studies (Aarts, Hornell, Kylberg,
Hofvander, & Gebre-Medhin, 1999; Howard, Howard, Lanphear, deBlieck,
Eberly, & Lawerence, 1999) found that pacifier use in breastfed infants
are associated with shorter breastfeeding duration.
According to Howard et al. (1999) women who introduced pacifiers tended
to also experience breastfeeding problems consistent with infrequent feeding.
Even women who were highly motivated to breastfeed experienced shorter
breastfeeding duration with the use of a pacifier (Aarts, et al., 1999).
An interesting study (Lehtonen, Kononen, Purhoneen, Partanen, Saarikoski,
& Launiala, 1998) looking at the effects of nursing on brain activity
in newborns found that pacifier sucking had no significant effects on EEG
activity, yet, during breast feedings the EEG increased significantly.
There is some belief that incidents of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
may be reduced with pacifier use. There were two journal abstracts
that indicated that further studies needed to be done before the pacifier
could be recommended as a way to reduce the risk of SIDS. Since there
was some popular literature out suggesting that pacifiers reduce the likelihood
of SIDS parents should know that we were unable to find any conclusive
evidence.
Breaking
the Habit
Timing
is important. It is important to not break the pattern during toddlerhood
when the child really needs the object.
Wean the child gradually.
Allow the child to use the object only at certain times of day.
Be positive. Nagging and scolding will make the child feel guilty
and likely encourage the habit to continue.
Affirm that your child is growing up. Recognize the adult behaviors
that your child has accomplished such as toilet training, dressing self
and learning new skills. This will encourage your child to leave
babyhood habits.
Force doesn't work. Find ways for your child to be motivated.
Offer incentives.
Supply substitutions that require chewing.
Cut
the end off of the pacifier to change the shape and discourage sucking.
(Brazelton, 1992)
Sites
to Visit for More Info
Pacifiers:
Yes or No? Find out at LaLeche League International's website: http://www.lalecheleague.org/NB/NBNovDec95.html
Pacifiers and Sucking Habits. Check out this site by Children's Healthcare
of Atlanta: Dental Health Medical Library to learn more. http://www.choa.org/library/dental/pacifiers.shtml
Pacifiers and Thumbsucking: What Every Parent Should Know. Check
out this site by Dental Zone to learn more. http://saveyoursmile.com/parents/pacifiers.html
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