Ashwin Lewis
The use of pacifiers for newborn babies is a highly debated topic. While some parents swear by them, others are unsure of their benefits and drawbacks. Pacifiers, also known as dummies, have been used in various forms for thousands of years, with the modern version being introduced in 1909. They can be a great tool for soothing a newborn and helping them sleep, but there are also potential health risks associated with their use. So, what are the pros and cons of pacifiers, and when is it safe for a newborn to sleep with one in their mouth?
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What You'll Learn
Pacifiers can reduce the risk of SIDS
It is safe for babies to sleep with pacifiers, and they can even be beneficial. Pacifiers can provide great comfort to newborns, enabling them to satisfy their sucking reflex and self-soothe. They may also help preterm babies develop their sucking muscles so they can start feeding by mouth and gain weight faster.
Pacifiers can also help to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). SIDS is the leading cause of death in healthy infants, and while there are no tests to determine whether SIDS will happen, parents can take steps to reduce the risk. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends offering a pacifier to infants for all sleep episodes, including daytime naps and nighttime sleep, as a way to help prevent SIDS. This recommendation is based on studies that have shown pacifier use reduces the risk of SIDS, even under conditions that increase the risk of SIDS.
The protective effect of pacifiers is more pronounced when the baby is in an unsafe sleep environment, such as sleeping on their stomach or side, sharing a bed with an adult, or sleeping on soft bedding. However, the association between pacifiers and a lower risk of SIDS still holds even in a safe sleep environment. Pacifiers may help to keep the airway open during sleep by pushing the tongue forward and preventing the baby from sleeping too deeply, or they may help to clear more space for breathing around the nose and mouth. They may also help prevent a baby from rolling onto their stomach, which is a position known to increase the risk of SIDS.
It is important to note that pacifier use also has potential drawbacks. Babies may become dependent on them to fall back asleep, and they may be more miserable if they depend on a pacifier for comfort when they have a cold and can't breathe through their nose. Additionally, babies who use pacifiers after 6 months are more likely to get middle ear infections, thrush, and intestinal infections. For breastfed infants, it is recommended to wait until they are at least 3 to 4 weeks old and have settled into a breastfeeding routine before introducing a pacifier, as introducing it earlier may interfere with successful breastfeeding.
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They can also help with oral motor skills development
Pacifiers are commonly used to help newborns sleep. While some sources claim that it is safe for babies to sleep with pacifiers, others suggest that it may lead to dependence on the pacifier, which can cause issues when the baby wakes up during the night if the pacifier is not within reach.
Pacifiers can also help with oral motor skills development. Oral motor skills begin developing in utero and continue well beyond the preschool years. Oral development affects feeding, sleep and speech. Poor oral motor skills may lead to feeding and speech delays, picky eating, excessive drooling, teeth grinding and gagging. Pacifiers can be used as a tool to help with oral motor skills development. For example, a cylindrical-shaped pacifier like the Avent Soothie can be used to promote jaw, lip and tongue stability and dissociation. The soft, breast-like shape of the Ninni pacifier can also be used to promote a strong sucking pattern.
It is important to note that overuse of pacifiers can interfere with the development of lingual reflexes and tongue position. It can also negatively impact speech and language development if used for too long or if a child tries to talk with the pacifier still in their mouth. Therefore, it is recommended to wean babies off the pacifier by around 1 year old when they start to develop speech and language skills.
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Pacifiers can lead to dependence
While pacifiers can be a great source of comfort for newborns, enabling them to satisfy their sucking reflex and self-soothe, they can also lead to dependence. This dependence can hinder a child's ability to cope independently and cause sleep disruptions. If a child wakes up in the middle of the night and their pacifier is not in their mouth, they will require assistance in putting it back, which can impact their sleeping patterns and those of their caregivers.
Creating a habit of using a pacifier can lead to a child becoming overly dependent on it for comfort and soothing. This can make it challenging for them to fall asleep without it and may result in frequent waking if the pacifier falls out of their mouth during sleep. Additionally, prolonged pacifier use can cause dental issues and affect the development of a child's teeth and the shape of their mouth. It can cause the top teeth to stick out and the bottom teeth to grow inwards, potentially requiring orthodontic treatment later on.
To prevent dependence on pacifiers, parents can offer other sources of comfort, such as toys or blankets, and gradually wean their child off the pacifier. It is recommended to consult a pediatrician or family medicine provider for guidance on when and how to wean a baby from a pacifier. This process should ideally begin by the age of three, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, to reduce the risk of ear infections and other dental issues.
It is important to note that the risks associated with prolonged pacifier use begin to outweigh the benefits as a baby gets older. While pacifiers can provide comfort and soothe newborns, it is crucial to be mindful of the potential for dependence and take proactive steps to prevent it from becoming a hindrance to a child's independence and oral health.
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They may cause ear infections
While pacifiers have been shown to have benefits such as reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), they have also been associated with an increased risk of ear infections in infants. This risk is particularly pronounced in children under 2 years of age who use pacifiers continuously. The risk of ear infections is up to three times higher in these children, with a clear "dose response" relationship observed between continual and occasional users.
One theory suggests that the act of sucking on a pacifier alters the pressure in the Eustachian tubes, which connect the inner ear to the nose and throat, leading to infections. Another theory posits that the continuous sucking action brings bacteria from the throat into the ear canal, causing infection. Some doctors attribute the infections to the pacifier itself, believing it to be a conduit for bacteria entering the child's body.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that breastfed infants should only sleep with a pacifier once they are at least 3 to 4 weeks old and have established a successful breastfeeding routine. Introducing pacifiers earlier than this may interfere with breastfeeding.
To reduce the risk of ear infections, it is recommended that parents wean their child off the pacifier after 6 months, using it occasionally to soothe them to sleep, and discontinuing use entirely after 10 months. For children prone to ear infections, some doctors advise discontinuing pacifier use as soon as possible.
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Pacifiers are safe for breastfed babies
There are differing opinions on whether pacifiers are safe for breastfed babies. Some sources state that a newborn baby can start sleeping with a pacifier in certain situations. For instance, while bottle-fed babies can sleep with a pacifier from birth, breastfed infants should only sleep with a pacifier once they are at least 3 to 4 weeks old and have settled into a breastfeeding routine with no latching issues. This is because introducing pacifiers earlier than that may interfere with successful breastfeeding.
However, other sources claim that pacifiers are safe for breastfed babies, with some experts recommending their use. Research has shown that nursing mothers who introduce a pacifier are just as successful with nursing as those who don't. This dispels the myth of "nipple confusion" and shows that limiting pacifiers does not increase nursing success.
Pacifiers provide several benefits for newborns, particularly during their first 6 months. They may help preterm babies develop their sucking muscles so they can start feeding by mouth and gain weight faster. Pacifiers may also help keep the airway open during sleep by pushing the tongue forward, which can reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
It's important to note that there are some drawbacks and potential health concerns associated with pacifier use. Babies may become dependent on the pacifier to fall back asleep, and there is a risk of health issues such as middle ear infections, thrush, and intestinal infections if the pacifier is used after 6 months. Additionally, if a baby has a cold and can't breathe through their nose, they may be more miserable if they depend on a pacifier for comfort.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is safe for a newborn to sleep with a pacifier. Pacifiers are recommended as a preventative measure against SIDS and can help to keep a baby's airway open during sleep. However, it's important to note that prolonged use of pacifiers can impact the quality of sleep and cause night wakings.
Bottle-fed babies can sleep with a pacifier from birth, but breastfed infants should only sleep with a pacifier once they are at least 3 to 4 weeks old and have settled into a breastfeeding routine with no latching issues.
Pacifiers provide comfort and enable babies to satisfy their sucking reflex and self-soothe. They can also help to keep the airway open during sleep and reduce the risk of accidental suffocation or choking.
Yes, prolonged use of pacifiers can impact the quality of sleep, causing night wakings and early morning wakings. Additionally, continuous pacifier usage can delay speech development and impact a child's mouth development and breathing.
