The “right way” to open a pacifier

Whether it is on TV or in reality, many mothers use pacifiers directly when they see their children crying. So, is the baby’s use of pacifiers more beneficial than harmful or harmful? How should we use the pacifier correctly?

The benefits of a pacifier

1. Sometimes when the baby starts crying, all kinds of methods are used to achieve little effect, but the pacifier can have unexpected effects at this time. It turns out that the baby’s complex of pacifiers is formed in the mother’s womb, and the fetus often sucks his own fingers in the mother’s belly, which not only exercises his sucking ability, but also obtains self-comfort.
2. Pacifiers can also improve your baby’s sleep. There are many babies who cry at night and sleep during the day, and a pacifier can comfort the baby better and help the baby form a regular sleep. The baby’s quiet sleep allows the tired mother to take time to rest, which can relieve the mother’s anxiety and irritability caused by the baby’s crying and noise, and is also conducive to the mother’s breastfeeding.
3. Some experts have found through surveys that children who use pacifiers while sleeping are three times less likely to suffer sudden death than children who do not use them. Sudden infant death syndrome often occurs at night, especially when the baby is in the prone position. When babies fall asleep with a pacifier, they generally do not sleep on their stomach, and they are more sensitive when sleeping. If they feel uncomfortable, they will wake up on their own initiative.

Disadvantages of pacifiers

1. Increased the incidence of oral infection and otitis media: When the baby uses a pacifier, the pacifier often falls on the bed or even the ground and becomes contaminated. In addition, the baby’s immunity is very low, and viruses and bacteria will attack the baby through the pacifier. thereby causing disease.
2. Long-term use may cause uneven teeth: If your child is a pacifier addict, be careful with his teeth. In particular, the quality of the pacifier used by the baby is not up to standard, which is more likely to cause the baby’s teeth to grow irregularly.
3. Some babies may be addicted to pacifiers: because the pacifier has a similar shape and taste to the mother’s nipple, and some parents use the pacifier as a universal artifact for coaxing babies, it may cause the baby to become obsessed with it. The pacifier forms a conditioned reflex that produces dependence on the pacifier.

How to wean off a pacifier

The best way is to divert your baby’s attention. You can use methods such as hugging him, talking to him, and playing games with him to divert your baby’s attention. Before going to bed, tell a story to make the child temporarily forget the existence of the pacifier. Parents should spend more time with their babies, try their best to meet their reasonable needs and give them a sense of security. Never use intimidation, punishment or coercion, which may have a negative psychological impact on the baby.