Common Misuses Of Pacifiers
Specialists have voiced valid concerns concerning the use (and abuse) of pacifiers. Not only can pacifiers cause ‘nipple confusion’ in an infant, it really is also associated with premature weaning. A newborn infant is driven to suck on anything placed in their mouths, which includes a finger or artificial nipple. In an ill, tiny, jaundiced or easygoing baby, this drive to suck might turn into a substitute for feedings, since the urge to suck is being satisfied.
Some babies may be satisfied with the very simple act of sucking, and if a weary mom or dad decides to try the pacifier in an attempt to get baby to sleep for a longer period of time or go further between feedings, it can result in such problems as poor weight gain, and in the nursing mom, mastitis, engorgement, a decrease in milk supply, or plugged lactation ducts. Pacifiers and artificial nipples are specially designed so they automatically stimulate the spot within the back of the baby’s mouth, between the tough palate and soft palate that stimulates the sucking reflex. This could possibly produce a ‘lazy baby’ who will have trouble drawing mom’s nipple into his mouth far sufficient back to that exact same sucking reflex is stimulated throughout feeding time.
The pacifier’s shape can even trigger changes in the arch of the soft bony roof of the mouth, molding it high and narrow around the shape of the pacifier. It’s incredibly critical to prevent two common, yet very harmful, practices when making use of pacifiers. 1st, do not tie the pacifier to a string to ensure that it is readily out there within baby’s reach must the urge strike. This is particularly harmful once baby becomes mobile and studying to crawl and roll, and could pose a strangulation hazard. Secondly, do not dip the pacifier tip in honey or some thing equally sweet, as this could introduce cavities in baby’s teeth. Generally speaking, infants and toddlers do not receive common dental checkups like older children and adults, so therefore if a cavity need to develop as a result of such a practice, it could result in severe harm and pain in baby’s mouth and teeth. And finally, be aware of the overuse or misuse of a pacifier.
If your baby is not fussy or upset, a pacifier is obviously not required. Be conscious of how you are feeling as a parent when you are offering a pacifier to your baby. Is it seriously to pacify baby? Or is it a lot more to pacify you?
The InterBabies.co.uk site gives information on babies advice and intranatal care.
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