Ask a
Doctor
Donna L. Sterling, MD
Riverside Pediatric Associates
4885 Olentangy
River Road
Suite 2-10
Columbus, Ohio 43214
Phone: (614)
276-7878
Q: What are the pros and cons of pacifiers?
A: Sucking is a natural way for newborns and babies to soothe and comfort themselves. Sucking often begins in the womb even before the baby is born. The use of a pacifier is a safe way for babies to satisfy their sucking needs beyond feeding.
Recent studies have also shown that use of a pacifier offers some protection against SIDS. One advantage of pacifiers over thumb or finger sucking is that it is much easier to get rid of a pacifier once a child is older. However, some babies rely on a pacifier to fall asleep and often wake up when the pacifier falls out.
When using a pacifier follow these general guidelines:
- Be sure to wash pacifiers frequently to prevent the spread of germs.
- Never tie the pacifier to the crib or your baby. This could cause serious harm.
- Be sure to buy the correct size of pacifier depending on your child's age.
- Never use a pacifier in place of a meal or to delay meals. This could interfere with your baby's feeding schedule.
- Once a child is learning to talk, it is a good time to get rid of the pacifier!
Read More:
Pacifiers
– are they good for your baby?