Do You Know How To Choose The Best Pacifiers For Your Baby?

The use of pacifiers in babies is surrounded by more than one debate. However, if you decide to use it, you have to know some keys to choose the best pacifier for your child.

If you have had or are going to have a child, at some point you will wonder how to choose the best pacifiers for your baby. You will look for the highest quality one, but you will find yourself facing a great variety. However, what do the experts say?

In the following lines we share some tips so that you know how to choose the best pacifiers for your baby. Because every day you inform yourself to provide your child with the best for his health  and this is an aspect that should not be neglected either. Keep reading!

Pacifier, yes or no?

Before going on to choose between the best pacifiers for your baby, surely you will consider whether or not you should buy them. Like everything in the world of babies, there are great debates for and against each option, as evidenced by this study published in Anales de Pediatría .

The use of the pacifier is very common in many cultures as a comforting object for the baby. However, there are different opinions regarding the form, the material and even the time of use.

• In general, its biggest advantage is its relaxing effect. Today it is even claimed that it could reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, as evidenced in this work carried out by professionals from the Norbert Wiener University, Lima, Peru.
• Instead, opinions against are centered on the possibility that this non-nutritive sucking habit could harm breastfeeding. It is also related to dental malformations, recurrent acute otitis media and a higher risk of accidents, among others.

General recommendations

Despite this widespread debate, there is consensus on three recommendations regarding the pacifier:

• Do not give the baby a pacifier before the first fifteen days of life.

• Gradually restrict it from 8 months.
• Delete it completely when it turns the year.

How to choose the best pacifiers for your baby?

First of all, when choosing the best pacifiers for your baby,  you must take into account some factors, such as age, if the little one has difficulties breastfeeding, etc.

There are some general indications regarding the form and the material that we detail below. However, do not forget to specify what your baby’s needs are when advising you.

1. The form

When choosing the pacifier you have to think about whether you can perform a proper cleaning. You can see that the shape does not make holes or spaces that can keep moisture and promote the appearance of mold.

It is also important that the pacifier is all in one piece. That is, it does not have, for example, the handle that can break, which would imply a great risk for the baby.

2. The material

The most suitable material for your baby’s pacifier is Bisphenol A-free, medical-grade soft silicone. This substance, known in its abbreviated form as BPA, is linked to different diseases such as hormonal disorders and cancer.

Keep in mind that the material will be at a warm and humid temperature. These factors facilitate the release of this compound and other toxins. Therefore, pacifiers with BPA are strongly discouraged.

As for the material, it is also important to take it into account when considering cleaning. Unlike silicone, for example, latex more easily promotes the growth of bacteria.

3. Specific needs of pacifiers for your baby

• There are special pacifiers to facilitate breastfeeding. They mimic the shape of the nipple and even have a similar texture that adapts to the pressure of the baby’s mouth. These pacifiers force you to position your tongue in the same way as if you were sucking.
• There are also pacifiers specially designed for premature babies, even those born before 30 weeks. They are lighter and smaller and mimic the shape of a newborn’s thumb.
• Lastly, orthodontic pacifiers promote proper development of the oral cavity. They are shaped properly for good growth of the mouth and teeth. However, not all babies like it and, in addition, if the position is changed it is no longer effective.

In short, when you have already chosen your pacifier, keep in mind that your baby also has to like it. Sometimes it is possible that they pay more attention to the striking aspect or that after trying it they do not like it. Therefore, be patient and follow these tips to at least ensure the highest quality and safety for your child.