Pacifiers
Pacifiers have been around for centuries. The first recorded evidence of its use was found printed on a Sumerian sandstone tablet 3000 years ago. The Egyptians were also found to be using some forms of coral teething rings, each boasting an image of a child welfare god inscribed on them. Today, the pacifiers are used to sooth and calm infants, but although that recognized, many experts have pointed out several problems associated with its use. The questions and claims brought by these groups up are what put baby pacifier use into something common yet controversial.
So what are these questions and claims about baby pacifiers?
In the first place, many were drawn to the issue of pacifier safety. Several claims have it that although the pacifiers are highly capable of soothing a fussy kid, the prolong use of it can lead to malocclusion problems. Many dentists were concerned about this knowing that children who are kept sucking on a teething ring can develop secondary teeth misalignment. It has also been said that it can interfere with the child’s development of speech, and dipping the pacifier with anything sweet can further trigger these problems to happen.
Nevertheless, such claims were attacked by some positive views. Recent researches and studies have recommended parents to allow their kids to use pacifiers for hopes of reducing the risks associated with SIDS. Several health organizations and groups have supported this claim and the American Academy of Pediatrics is just one of them. This institution released a recent statement suggesting the use of this teething tool for bedtime and naptime. It must only be used though during the first year of the baby.
Following such recommendations, the production of pacifiers had increased in number. They are currently recognized by consumers as something made of flexible rubber nipple, with a handle and a mouth shield made of plastic. Just like the rest of the baby items available out there on the market, this teething material is offered in different colors and shapes. They also vary in sizes. Regardless of their forms, all of the pacifiers are designed and produced to be heated or chilled prior to using. This heating and chilling process is considered by experts as capable of alleviating the teething pains. They also work to stimulate the baby.
When using a pacifier, it is highly recommended that parents should not dip it with sugar or anything sweet. The idea behind this is that when a newborn is treated with a sweet pacifier, problem with botulism may appear. In relation to this, never try to clean the babies’ pacifiers with your own mouth. Instead, wash it with a gentle soap and water. You can sterilize it if you want.
Doctors also suggest the use of one-piece pacifiers. This option is said to be safer than the other for they don’t fall apart, then preventing any choking hazard. Check the nipple’s attachment and make sure that no gel or liquid is present inside it. According to several reviews, the pacifiers filled with liquid may look cool at first glance, but when used improperly, they can be messy. It can even be harmful when the baby bites it, releasing the liquid. Well, you can find the one-piece pacifier today at a number of stores. They are often molded with silicone, plastic, or a combination of these. You can ask a manufacturer to develop personalized baby pacifiers to ensure that everything right and perfect is used.
Finally, it is important for every parent to make sure that no pacifier is tied around an infant’s neck. If you want to keep the pacifier in place without holding it, you can buy baby pacifier clips.