5 Binky Basics: What You Need to Know About Pacifiers
Fact: Babies can get fussy. Fact: Pacifiers can, well, pacify them. These two pieces of information are unanimously agreed upon, but the rest of the "facts" circulating around the benefits or harm of pacifiers are more fuzzy. That's why we went to our experts to set the record straight once and for all.
1. Pacifiers May Reduce the Risk of SIDS
TRUE: Several studies have found a decrease in the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in infants who use a pacifier. "The periodic movement of your baby's mouth while sucking keeps him in a lighter state of sleep, so there is less of a chance that he will stop breathing," says Jennifer Shu, M.D., a Parents advisor and coauthor of Heading Home With Your Newborn. "Plus, having a paci in your baby's mouth helps to keep his airway open," she adds, which could also help decrease his risk of SIDS. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests offering a pacifier when you put your baby down to sleep for the night. However, this doesn't mean that you need to offer your baby one if he doesn't take well to using a pacifier at bedtime. And if your baby does use one to fall asleep, you shouldn't feel obligated to keep popping the plug back in when it falls out during the night either.
2. Breastfeeding Newborns Should Never Use a Pacifier
FALSE: The threat of "nipple confusion" often makes new moms shy away from pacifiers, and it's in part why the AAP has recommended that nursing babies wait to use pacifiers until about one month of age, when breastfeeding is well established. However, more and more experts are questioning this prevailing wisdom, especially now that pacifiers are thought to reduce the risk of SIDS. In fact, a recent study conducted by researchers at Oregon Health & Science University Doernbecher Children's Hospital, in Portland, found that the percentage of babies who exclusively breastfed actually dropped after pacifiers were banned from the Mother-Baby Unit, and more moms ended up supplementing with formula. "Some babies can't meet their sucking needs by feeding alone," explains Freda Rosenfeld, a lactation consultant in Brooklyn, New York. So there's nothing necessarily wrong with a newborn using a pacifier, if she is gaining weight well and has recently been fed. Just take care to not offer a paci to your baby instead of your breast when she might be hungry.
3. Pacifiers Typically Cause Dental Problems
FALSE: For most babies, there's no harm done in the first two years. Your child's mouth is so malleable that whatever change a pacifier may cause in the palate and teeth could correct itself. If your child continues to use the paci into toddlerhood, it can lead to malocclusion (when the teeth don't align properly), such as an open bite in the front or a cross bite in the back. However, it's not just the age at which your child gives up the paci that's important, but how vigorously he sucks, cautions Dr. Shu. Gentle suckers put less pressure on their front teeth and may be able to hold on to the paci longer, even until age 3. On the other hand, babies who have a more energetic suck can develop visible problems with their bite around 18 months.
4. Using a Pacifier May Increase the Risk of Ear Infections
TRUE: Older babies who regularly use pacifiers have a third more ear infections than those who stopped using them at 6 months, according to a study published in Pediatrics. Some doctors speculate that it's because sucking changes the pressure in the ears. This pressure difference may prevent fluid from draining through the tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat. When fluid collects there, it can lead to infections. Still, the research isn't persuasive enough to make a case against pacifiers in general. And they're only a concern if a baby already suffers from frequent and recurrent ear infections, says Dr. Shu.
5. You Need to Wash Your Child's Pacis Frequently
TRUE: It's not news that they get germy--but just how dirty may come as a surprise. When examined under a microscope, used pacifiers were found to have fungi plus bacteria similar to E. coli on and within the nipple, according to recent studies by Richard Thomas Glass, D.D.S., Ph.D., professor of forensic sciences, pathology, and dental medicine at Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences. To eliminate some of the bacteria, experts recommend running your baby's pacis through the dishwater or hand-washing with hot, soapy water daily or whenever they're dropped. Store the clean, dry pacifiers in plastic zip-top bags for extra germ protection and during transport, suggests Dr. Glass. Plus, it's also a good idea to replace your pacifiers regularly.
Originally published in the February 2014 issue of Parents magazine.
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American Baby
Comments (2)
I am persistent with my comments - in particular because I am more than discouraged by the amount of grossly outdated OPINION PIECES available. Especially from a popular magazine in which mothers turn to for advice! This article was originally written/published in 2014 – However, it was actually merely updated ONLY with the small excerpt of studies that have shown benefits pacifiers may have regarding SIDS prevention – circa 2005. Otherwise, this entire article is based solely on outdated “research”- turned into nothing more than an opinion piece – which is irresponsible & dangerous, not only for babies but also for desperate new Mom’s seeking specific legitimate advice. It’s no wonder postpartum depression is on the rise. *** Try also searching info by changing your search bar wording, i.e.: “myths of prolonged pacifier use” or “pacifier use after age 4 not found to be harmful” or “using a Pacifier is safe before growth of permanent teeth” … the contrast of information is significant & could put those shamed mothers & their worries at ease. Examples of other advice: **** “After a picture surfaced [Beckham’s 4 yr old daughter w/ binki], suddenly everyone became a dental expert. How about a sigh of relief? Every child develops differently, and there is no definitive way of judging what is right for someone else’s kid just going by their age. As a pediatric dentist, I have good news: Thumb-and pacifier-sucking habits will generally only become a problem if they continue over a very long time. Regardless of your child’s age, I would highly recommend a ventilated pacifier, which allows air to circulate. This lowers the intensity of the child’s sucking habit and decreases the risk of growth and developmental problems. Furthermore; Most children stop these habits on their own, but if they are still sucking past the age of 4 or when permanent teeth begin growth, a habit appliance may be recommended by your pediatric dentist as a last resort. But make no mistake – I have seen kids find ways to suck their pacifiers or substitute with a different object even with an appliance in place.” ~ Misee Harris, D.M.D. – 2015 **** ”In my opinion, parents are often far too eager to stop things like pacifiers, security blankets, bottles, or anything else that soothes and comforts. I am not a speech pathologist, a doctor, or a psychologist, but in my 25 years working with parents, I have yet to hear of any damage done by prolonged use of any of these things. A close friend of mine let both kids have pacifiers until they were at least 4, and I can tell you they’re both university graduates with fulfilling employment and have never had any speech issues. One child needed braces, but virtually all kids get braces now. Once you’ve raised children and can look back at some of these things you were anxious about, you find yourself asking: ‘Why was I in such a hurry for him/her to grow up?’ In the span of a lifetime, early childhood is the tiniest little window. Children naturally let go of all of these things when they’re ready.” ~ Barbara Desmarais – parenting coach w/ 25 yrs of experience, a background in early childhood education. **** “I look at David Beckham’s 4-year-old daughter with a pacifier and I think… nothing. I’m certain that Harper goes to a reputable dentist who informs the family much better than public opinion about the dangers of pacifier. In my opinion, a pacifier has done its duty by age 3, keeping the child quiet and helping them sleep. But at age 4 or even 5, it’s not doing any damage. Children don’t get permanent teeth until they’re about 6 years old, so let’s stave off judgement until then. I’d bet that David and Victoria’s daughter is well-fed, educated, and gets the best things in life…and that includes pacifiers.” ~ Ryan A. Bell – well-known author on parenting, breast-feeding, and more. And finally, what ever it’s worth – MY OWN OPINION: **** A mother of 3 daughters – My (now) 20 yr old used a binki until about 2 yrs old. Naturally, without any mention or coaxing from us, she just stopped… just like that! My next daughter (now almost 16) wasn’t so easy. We tolerated MANY overbearing, opinionated comments; “she’s too old for that binki, when are you going to take that from her.” or “she’s going to need braces.” … She started losing her binkis, one by one, around 3. We would explain to her, “when they’re gone, that’s it, we won’t buy anymore binkis.” Just when we thought she had lost them all & was done with the binki phase – after going weeks without one – she’d appear out of nowhere – binki in mouth again! Every time we mentioned anything about saying goodbye to her binkis, she would cry, loose sleep. She was clearly traumatized by the threats. We tried convincing her to put her binkis in a beautiful shadow box over her bed – so she could see them & know they were safe… nope! We stopped fighting it and let her be. Finally, a few weeks before starting kindergarten, SHE DECIDED her binkis could stay home in her jewelry box. She still has them in that same jewelry box – untouched for more than 10 yrs – a nice comforting memory much like those who save their favorite stuffed animal. It’s important to mention that she is now a confident, straight A student with an amazing talent & passion for Theater & singing – none of which could be accomplish with a severe speech impediment or overbite. She could probably use braces – but 95% of her family has had braces as well. Lastly, my 3 yr old! Obviously, things have changed drastically from my 1st child to my last – but nothing more than my tolerance of judgmental people & the lack of REAL information available – including from my father in law – a RETIRED dentist! The snide judgement I’ve received about binki use, even as a infant – when he has ZERO knowledge about the SIDS research or anything newly discovered in the last decade. It’s a shame. My only hope is that science & research will continue to update the effects and/or myths as a whole, but until they do, know this: YOU DO YOU! No one has the right to harass you with their outdated opinions. Especially regarding what is best for your child.
Read More#4 is misleading and lists several reasons why it's inconclusive - therefore should have the bold word - FALSE! If not, at least INCONCLUSIVE... "Still, the research isn't persuasive enough to make a case against pacifiers in general. And they're only a concern if a baby already suffers from frequent and recurrent ear infections, says Dr. Shu." ... ** US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health - Abstract - "The aim of this review was to identify whether, in children under 2 years of age, pacifier (dummy) use results in an increased risk of ear infection (acute otitis media). The Cochrane Library, Medline, CINAHL and Embase databases were searched for cohort studies and randomised controlled trials that compared infants who used pacifiers with those who didn't or examined the effect of reducing pacifier use in a group of infants. One cluster randomised trial and two cohort studies met the review criteria and were available to be included in the body of the review. These studies show a clear increase in risk of ear infection to be associated with use of a pacifier that may well be causal. The risk of ear infections is up to three times higher in those who use a pacifier and there does appear to be a 'dose response' with continual users more at risk than occasional users. However, this relationship may be confounded by socio-demographic factors. Rather than advising a parent not to use a pacifier for fear of causing otitis media, advice in relation to this issue might best be restricted to pacifier users suffering from the problem in order to reduce the chances of recurrence." ** PLEASE NOTE: "in children under 2 years of age" ... NOT - as your opinion piece says - in "older babies" - which in itself is non specific, generalized, and not useful.
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