Pacifiers Unplugged. Safe Practices for Parents

Exciting November Segment: Pacifiers Unplugged. Safe Practices for Parents

What are the benefits and the potential risks to using a Pacifier?
Some benefits to using a Pacifier:
1. Helps soothe fussy babies.
2. Helps settle down infants to fall asleep
3. Helps to encourage and improve the sucking reflex.

Ways Pacifier can be harmful
1. It can cover underlying symptoms, such as a under-functioning tongue
2. It can shape the palate to be high and narrow.
3. It can cause teeth to come in flared.

It is suggested to start weaning the pacifier off by the 6th month but no later than 1 year after birth when most babies start teething but a better alternative is to try and replace the pacifier with a "chewing toy" such as the myomunchee (not sponsored by myomunchee) to help with soothing as well as development of the facial growth.

Also remember that every child is different and it is okay to take things a step at a time if you are trying to wean your child off the pacifier but if you are really struggling to wean your child off, it may be best to seek the help of a Healthcare professional as they may help figure out why your child is seeking the senses from the pacifier!