Using Pacifiers – Common Mistakes Parents Make
Experts raise lots of concerns over the use or abuse of pacifiers in many ways. Pacifiers are associated with causing ‘nipple confusion’ in infants and premature weaning. A newborn is born with the natural instinct to suck on anything that is placed in their mouth, such as a finger and even an artificial nipple. A baby that is easygoing or ill, jaundiced or small may develop sucking as a substitute to feeding, if their urge is suck is being answered at every whim. Babies can easily get used to the idea of sucking if they find it soothing, and an anxious parent may find it an easier solution to give their baby a pacifier, if it helps the baby to sleep better for longer periods inbetween feeds. This can result in problems like a poorer weight gain, and for a mum who is breastfeeding, this can cause engorgement, mastitis, plugged lactation ducts and a decrease in their milk supply. The Sucking reflex in a baby is between the hard palate and soft plate at the back of their mouth, so artificial nipples and pacifiers are designed in such a way to simulate that very spot. The pacifier can actually cause changes in the arch of the soft bony roof inside the mouth, so that it moulds itself high and narrow to the shape around the pacifier. This may create a ‘lazy baby’ causing them to have trouble when they draw mum’s nipple far back enough into their mouth to simulate the same sucking reflex that they have during their feeds.
Avoiding the two common and very harmful practices of using pacifiers is very important for your baby. The pacifier should not be tied so that it is within your baby’s reach at all times should they get the urge. Once a baby becomes more mobile and is learning to roll and crawl, they risk the dangers of strangulation. It is also not a good idea to dip the pacifier into something sweet such as honey, as this could introduce cavities in your baby’s teeth. Infants when they are so young do not go for regular dental checkups like the older children and adults, so you want to avoid any harm that could come to your baby’s teeth which will result in a lot of pain and discomfort.
Finally, beware at all times that they you do not use a pacifier excessively. A baby that is obviously not crying or being fussy, will not need a pacifier so don’t encourage it. Think before you give your baby a pacifier – are you really soothing them or yourself?
About the Author
Abhishek is an expert Baby Shower organizer and he has got some great Baby Shower Secrets up his sleeve! Download his FREE 117 Pages Ebook, “How To Have A Roaringly Successful Baby Shower!” from his website http://www.Childbirth-Guru.com/121/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.
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