Baby pacifiers: types, review of the best models, expert opinion on the benefits and harms. Does a newborn need a pacifier? The benefits and harms of pacifiers

31.01.202127.05.2017

All about pacifiers. Review and brief description.

Babies have a natural need to suck, because this ability manifests itself already in the womb. During sucking, the entire maxillofacial apparatus is trained, the growth of the lower jaw is stimulated, which is necessary for it to take the correct position by the time teeth appear.
For many children, natural training during feeding is not enough, and additional training is needed between meals. Sucking is a basic instinct; at this time the baby calms down, feels safe, and therefore falls asleep better. If in infancy this instinct is usually satisfied through almost continuous breastfeeding, then with increasing intervals between feedings and periods of wakefulness, the need for a pacifier arises more and more often. Otherwise, the baby finds a replacement for it - a blanket or his finger. A pacifier is an alternative to the thumb, the sucking of which really has a detrimental effect on the formation of the bite.
All pacifiers must be individually packaged and hygienically protected. It makes sense to buy several pacifiers and let your baby choose the model “to suit his taste.” Let's go through all the selection positions.

Materials. Acceptable and Which pacifier is better: latex or silicone? – Each material has its own advantages. Light yellow, transparent or slightly matte latex is made from natural rubber and is therefore environmentally friendly. Latex is especially suitable for newborns. It is elastic and soft, so it is resistant to tearing and is harmless when destroyed. On the other hand, latex has a characteristic taste and smell that the baby may not like. Completely transparent liquid silicone pacifiers are resistant to temperature changes, so they do not lose their properties when boiled. Silicone has no taste or smell, so it is easier to wean off such pacifiers), but unlike latex it is not natural material. Latex pacifiers are less durable - the rubber will gradually lose its elasticity and begin to stick together, darkening when exposed to light. All this poses the least threat to silicone. But it is not very elastic, so it is prone to tearing; it is recommended for children under 12 months. Silicone must have a low content of toxic substances nitrosamines and low volatility. The pacifier must comply with the safety standard BS 71115. For example, Artsana, which owns the Chicco brand, periodically checks both raw materials and products for compliance with these standards.

3mouthpiece(or mouthpiece, protective ring, disk, base) is not only a decorative element, so it must be considered with passion. Pacifier mouthpieces come in traditional (one-sided notch) and figure-eight (double-sided notch) shapes. The disk must have ventilation holes (more than 5 mm). Thanks to these holes, saliva does not accumulate and the skin breathes. For the same reason, some manufacturers make the surface of the protective disk embossed.
You need to choose a pacifier of a size that matches the size of the baby's mouth - a base that is too large will make it difficult for the baby to breathe. In particular, this is why pacifiers have an age gradation: Canpol Babies, NUK, Chicco, Tigex, etc., from 0 to 6 months, from 6 to 18 months, over 18 months). The protective ring can be soft, made of latex or silicone (we are talking about models for sleeping), or hard, made of plastic.

Ring. For use at night, pacifiers with luminous rings containing a fluorescent substance are practical - they are easy to find in the dark. You can also buy a pacifier without a ring, which does not prevent your baby from falling asleep. However, when touching the face with the handle, the child can get caught in the ring, lose the pacifier and wake up.

Pacifier(rubber part) pacifiers. It should be soft, thin-walled, but at the same time durable. The softness of the pacifier is increased due to the air release valve. The shape of the rubber part is important. All reputable pacifier manufacturers are looking for the optimal nipple shape.
Most often, parents use pacifiers of an orthodontic shape (favorable for the correct position of the jaw and healthy growth of baby teeth) and anatomical (physiological, reminiscent of a female nipple). True, manufacturers see the appearance and location of the female nipple in the child’s mouth differently, and this is understandable: mothers and children are different. The following are considered physiological: a double-sided pacifier (always correctly positioned in the mouth) and a “cherry” pacifier (its other name is a round pacifier). In general, there are a great many types of pacifiers, and each brand makes arguments in favor of its own products, so in order not to give unhelpful universal advice, we decided to familiarize parents with the variety of models.

Soothing pacifiers(NUK) are equipped with a ring that can be easily turned and are designed for use while the baby is awake. Natirlich and Kiefergerecht translated from German is natural and ideal for the oral cavity. This concept from the German brand NUK is based on a patented physiological shape of nipples and pacifiers, developed on the basis of scientific research. They were carried out in the 50s of the twentieth century by orthodontic scientists Dr. Müller and Professor Balters. NUK pacifiers are ISO 9001 accredited. Another patented development of the brand is the NUK Air Sistem air valve system.

Night pacifiers(NUK) thanks to the flat button and the ability to fold the ring (some models do not have a ring), they do not squeeze the baby’s face while sleeping on the stomach. When sucking, pressure is created in the mouth, with the help of which the rubber part takes the correct position. The flat button and foldable ring prevent pressure on the face when sleeping on your stomach. The rubber part remains soft and flexible thanks to the Air System air valve.

Movable pacifiers Natiral Flex(Niby) effectively calm the child, for this they were awarded a silver medal in the “Best Children's Products 2006” competition. The moving nipple imitates the movement of the mother's breast and creates resistance to the baby's sucking movements, so the child is forced to “work.” This gymnastics supports the sucking reflex and develops facial muscles, preparing the child for speech. After such work, the little one gets tired, calms down faster and falls asleep. Ventilation holes and a textured surface on the protective disc prevent skin irritation. Traditional Niby bumps massage the child’s gums. These heart, circle, and butterfly shaped pacifiers (clear, neon and pastel colors) can be used day or night.

Natural orthodontic pacifiers with a “heart” disc contribute to the development of a child’s correct bite. Natural, anatomically shaped pacifiers with a butterfly disc provide maximum comfort, even when the baby is lying on his stomach. Natural and cherry-shaped pacifiers with a round disc are created according to the wishes of mothers whose children have a large palate (a large round nipple suits them). Orthodontists and pediatricians advise consulting a doctor about this nipple shape.

Physiological pacifier “drop”(Chicco) - an exclusive modernized pacifier with a natural shape. It was created as a result of in-depth research into physiology. The drop-shaped pacifier takes up minimal space in the oral cavity. The air release valve forces air out of the nipple, making it softer and reducing pressure on the palate. The anatomical butterfly-shaped disc pad does not interfere with breathing. The holes in the pad allow the skin to breathe and prevent irritation around the mouth. The pacifier is entirely made of safe, high-quality latex and does not injure the baby in any sleeping position. The pacifier is monolithic - this eliminates the risk of any part tearing off. The teardrop pacifier is good for newborns and for use during sleep. Subsequently, the child will easily wean himself off it.

Pacifiers for babies(Baby-Frank) have an age-appropriate pacifier size, but different sized mouthpieces - no matter what cheeks your child has, he will be comfortable sucking on such a pacifier. The manufacturer indicates that pacifiers from this German brand meet European quality and safety standards.

Pacifier with super soft mouth guard(Tigex) is made of non-irritating material - it does not leave marks on the child’s face.

Double-sided pacifier(Tigex) always takes the correct position in the child's mouth. Among its advantages: anatomical mouth protection (the pacifier takes the shape of a child's face), a movable ring, ventilation, soft and non-allergenic material, and a double-sided orthodontic nipple. Sets of pacifiers (2 pieces each) in convenient packaging (“World of Childhood”: classic silicone pacifier “droplet”), (0+, 6+); classic latex pacifier (0+, 6+). Pacifiers "World of Childhood") are designed taking into account the anatomical and age characteristics baby. Pacifier nipples are made from highly purified latex and soft silicone. Their design is closest to the anatomical shape of the mother's breast during feeding, therefore the natural mechanics of sucking are imitated. The pacifiers have a soft coating on the edges of the mouthpiece, holes for free air circulation and a movable ring. A completely separate type is medical pacifiers, which help mothers care for a sick or weakened child.

Pacifiers for premature babies(NUK) are clinically tested, designed for nursing premature babies in a clinical setting (supports the maturation of babies weighing up to 1750 g).
A pacifier for premature babies, with a very small cherry nipple and a small light mouthpiece (BabyFrank) - it is easy for a weak immature baby to suck on.

Electronic pacifier thermometer, with storage case (Baby-Frank). The measurement should take place no earlier than half an hour after feeding. By pressing the button located above the display window, the child is given a pacifier-thermometer and after 2-3 minutes his body temperature is determined.

Pacifier for administering liquid and dissolved medications(Baby-Frank) ensures gentle administration of drugs and precise dosage, facilitating the treatment process. It is made from clinically proven material, does not break, and is resistant to boiling.

Inhalation pacifier(Baby Frank) is useful for a runny nose. Cotton is placed in the lower half of a special container, the inhalation agent recommended by the doctor is dripped onto it and given to the child: he sucks the pacifier and at the same time inhales medicinal essential oils.

NEW
Scientists and manufacturers already know a lot about what pacifiers should be, but new products appear constantly. NUK offers a translucent icy design in trendy colours; integrated circulation channel; flat design, thanks to which the pacifier fits the baby's face; a ring that fits completely into the mouthpiece (the pacifier does not press).
New for the year from Nuby are “fun” pacifiers with maximum ventilation: they hardly come into contact with the skin. On the ledge of the protective disk there are funny images and mini-toys. These pacifiers also massage your gums.

YOU SHOULD NOT BUY A DACTOR IF:
– dark yellow latex rubber;
– inside the rubber there are hard plastic elements, hardening and unevenness;
– the tires are not marked with the manufacturer’s mark;
– the mouthpiece does not have a single recess for the spout or ventilation holes, its surface is rough, uneven, sharp;
– the ring is loosely attached to the base – the baby can tear it off and put it in his mouth.

You should not give your child a pacifier if its rubber is too soft, has little elasticity, or is inelastic. This can be found out by stretching it strongly - it should not be damaged (NUK, for example, tests each pacifier in production by stretching), and does not recover well (when the pacifier is no longer compressed, the rubber should immediately return to its original form).

Accessories
The cover (sometimes shaped) fits directly over the pacifier and allows you to keep the pacifier clean when not in use. Often, a transparent hygienic cap is sold complete with a pacifier. These accessories are especially convenient for walks, as are clips with chains and ribbons. The clip itself is pinned onto baby clothes, and a ribbon or chain is attached to the pacifier ring. There are also boxes for sale for two pacifiers at once - for twins.

Terms of use
Pacifiers need to be changed every three months, and the new one should be made of the same rubber as the old one.
Read the instructions first.
The pacifier must be doused with boiling water at least once a day and every time it falls on the floor or ground. Always sterilize your pacifier before use.
Never put a pacifier in your mouth.
Do not dip it in sweets and drinks - this provokes oral diseases and is harmful to growing teeth.
Do not leave the pacifier in the sun for a long time.
Do not leave it in the sterilization solution for longer than the recommended time.
Use three identical pacifiers at the same time (for replacement).
Soothers last longer if stored in a clean, dry, closed container.
Psychologists believe that frequent and prolonged (during the day) use of a pacifier leads to the fact that the child speaks less willingly and his desire to understand the world around him is not so strong.
Orthodontists are against frequent and prolonged pacifier sucking, because this is a factor in the appearance of malocclusion.

When to wean your baby off the pacifier?
The results of observations and studies say that the optimal time for this is the age of 5-6 months (when the baby is developing dynamically and achieving new results) and 1.5-2 years (when the child has better control over his emotions, sometimes spits out the pacifier on his own, showing his " adulthood").
To wean your child off the pacifier, you need to distract him from it. children's attention without showing it during the day; keep your little fingers busy with something.
Do not take the baby's pacifier away in a stressful situation (in a nursery, in a hospital, in a strange place).
Do not wean your child off a bottle with a nipple and a pacifier at the same time (from the bottle first).
Do not give a pacifier to an older child just to calm him down - communication with his mother will calm him down best.

On the question of whether to give a child a pacifier or not, parents and experts have long been divided into two camps. Some people think that a dummy is best helper mothers, others attribute to her harmful properties, from the formation of malocclusion to the impact on the child’s character. We decided to collect the most common myths about the pacifier and ask the pediatrician in detail Yaroslav Matveev, pediatric dentist Yulia Selutina and child psychologist Natalia Gorodulina to understand once and for all where the truth is and where the fiction is.

Yaroslava Matveeva (@doctor_yaroslava) Pediatrician

The sucking reflex is perhaps the most important reflex of a newborn baby. It is formed in the very first seconds of life and helps the baby eat. Of course, there are situations when the sucking reflex is absent - most often, this occurs in children with severe lesions of the central nervous system, in premature or weakened babies. Therefore, whether to give a pacifier or not is a controversial issue, and in each family it is decided individually.

There are children with a pronounced sucking reflex - if they suck on their mother’s breast every time to satisfy it, they will simply overeat. And due to the immaturity of the stomach, such children begin to regurgitate profusely - then, of course, a pacifier will only be for the good. If a child is eating well and gaining weight, but often cries and is worried for some reason, a pacifier can also help. This also includes cases when the mother releases milk very easily - the baby manages to eat, but does not have time to satisfy the need for sucking.

But if we are talking about children who are not gaining weight well, spit up profusely, and the mother’s lactation is poorly established, then it is impossible to replace the breast with a pacifier, otherwise we will simply provoke artificial feeding.

Is a pacifier a source of infection?

It’s not very often that a pacifier can cause an infection, but such cases do happen. For example, if a child has damage to the oral mucosa, then the opportunistic microflora that is in the air and on objects can cause stomatitis. There are also situations when a mother - a carrier of some virus or bacteria - licks a pacifier and then gives it to the child. And when he grows up, this happens with the spoon. This is also a predisposing factor for the occurrence of diseases.

If one of your relatives has intestinal diseases, then you need to be very strict about hygiene - wash your hands often and do not touch objects that the child can use, in particular the pacifier. Only a healthy person should care for the child.

Does a pacifier dull pain?

Yes, it's true - sucking a pacifier or pacifier can dull pain in children from the first months of life. Children from three weeks to three months suffer from colic, and peristalsis occurs precisely during sucking - due to this, milk moves through the esophagus into the stomach, and then through the lower parts of the digestive tract. In this case, the pacifier will help the baby get rid of gas and prevent colic. But besides this, you need to use other methods - place the baby on his stomach 10 minutes before feeding and massage with pressure movements.

In all other cases, we cannot use the pacifier as a pain reliever - the sucking reflex will not help dull the acute pain. This is rather a distraction, but you need to understand that if something is seriously bothering the child, covering his mouth with a pacifier is wrong.

Does a pacifier prevent your tongue from sticking in your sleep?

Adults have a disease - rhonopathy or snoring. It also happens in children with lesions of the central nervous system - while falling asleep, the muscles of the soft palate relax, it begins to hang over and block the upper respiratory tract. In this case, the tongue may retract and breathing may stop during sleep. Can a person suffocate this way? It’s unlikely, because during breathing disorders, nerves are activated and the brain centers are irritated by carbon dioxide, and the person either goes into a state of shallow sleep or wakes up.

In children, this condition occurs only in cases where the nervous system has not formed. Then, of course, the pacifier will be the restraining factor that will prevent the tongue from sinking. But this will in no way save the baby from drooping and overhanging of the soft palate, so such children should be observed by neurologists. We cannot say that a pacifier is their only salvation from sleep apnea.

This condition can also occur in children with an overly large tongue - for example, when there is a pathology of the thyroid gland. In this case, the pacifier will also help prevent tongue retraction.

Shouldn't a pacifier be given while breastfeeding?

It's possible, but not necessary. If breastfeeding has become established (and this happens in the first month of a child’s life), and the mother has enough milk, the child latch onto the breast well and is gaining weight (the gain in the first month of life is at least 800 g), then the pacifier can only be used as a calming factor . But we must understand that a child over two weeks of age sometimes cries and, as it seems to us, asks for the breast, not because he is hungry, but because he just wants to see his mother. It is important for him to be in her arms at this moment, but at the same time he smells the milk, and a natural reflex is triggered. If we understand that the child is full at this moment, we can offer him a pacifier. This way he will satisfy the sucking reflex and at the same time be close to his mother.

Eat interesting fact- those who have ever breastfed and who were helped by relatives or friends in caring for the child have noticed that when the mother takes the child in her arms, but does not give either the breast or the pacifier, the child cries and worries. And if at the same moment another person takes the child in his arms, he calms down. The thing is that the baby simply stops smelling his mother’s milk. This is very common mistake all mothers - transfer to artificial feeding due to the fact that during infant cries often. Mom thinks: “Now the child is eating enough.” But that’s not why he cried, but because he smelled milk (we wrote about myths about breastfeeding).

Does a pacifier cause problems with breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding mothers may have problems - but they have nothing to do with the pacifier. The first problem is stagnation, which occurs due to the fact that more milk is produced than the baby consumes. The mechanism of milk flow is fully formed only by the age of three months of a child’s life.

Milk stagnation can occur when the baby does not latch onto the breast correctly - in this case, the baby will not gain weight. There is another problem that occurs more often in the first weeks of a child’s life - the formation of cracks in the nipples due to improper latching of the breast. This happens both in first-time mothers and in those who give birth at long intervals. When the nipple is not ready for feeding, it loses its elasticity and the baby's strong sucking movement leads to cracks.

Yulia Selyutina (@stomatolog_selyutina) Pediatric dentist

In some cases, a pacifier is necessary. However, it is important for parents to know and remember that from a certain age, sucking a pacifier is equivalent to bad habits, so it is better to make an effort and wean the child in a timely manner. Otherwise, this habit can cause the formation of a malocclusion, and correcting it is a rather lengthy, labor-intensive and expensive pleasure.

Does prolonged pacifier sucking cause malocclusion?

If a child under two years of age has not gotten rid of the habit of sucking a pacifier, this can actually cause the formation of an abnormal bite. Moreover, this applies not only to pacifiers, but also to the nipple on a baby bottle.

With prolonged pacifier sucking (longer than two years), there is a high risk of developing an open or distal bite. In the first case, only the chewing teeth close, and there is no contact between the central teeth. It seems that the mouth does not close completely. And with a distal bite, the lower jaw at rest seems to be pushed back, and the central teeth of the upper jaw visually “stick out” forward. A gap is formed between the upper and lower incisors - often it is so large that a finger can fit in it.

Is malocclusion caused by poor-quality pacifiers?

It is important to understand that malocclusion is formed not because of the shape of the pacifier or the material from which it is made, but because of the duration of its use. No matter how modern and anatomical the pacifier is, using it for more than two years can lead to dental and maxillary deformities.

Do special orthodontic devices help wean a child off a pacifier?

If you have difficulty weaning yourself off the pacifier, you should consult an orthodontist who will help you find the right solution. Most often, in such cases, regular wearing of a special Stoppi vestibular plate from the Muppi brand is prescribed, which helps replace a pacifier if you have such a habit.

The plate is made from soft hypoallergenic silicone and has special side biting areas in the form of durable silicone bridges, thanks to which the plate fits comfortably in the mouth and effectively prevents compression of the upper row of teeth when sucked. If a child already has an open bite, with regular use of a preventive plate there is every chance that it will close naturally, since nothing prevents the child’s incisors from closing. But we must take into account that the Stoppi plate is recommended for children from two years of age - usually a few weeks are enough for the baby to forget about the pacifier. And to care for the record, just rinse it with warm boiled water after each use and never boil it.

Can speech therapy problems arise due to the habit of sucking a pacifier?

It's true - deformation of the position of the teeth can cause speech therapy problems. Most often, difficulties arise with the production of already difficult for many hissing and whistling sounds - for example, “s” or “sh”.

Is a pacifier a substitute for breastfeeding?

When sucking on mother's breast, the baby makes much more effort to eat than when sucking formula from a bottle with a nipple. This is good for training the chewing muscles, which is important for the prevention of certain dentofacial anomalies. However, even prolonged breastfeeding (over two years) can become an aggravating factor and affect the formation of malocclusion.

Natalia Gorodulina (@gorodulina_psy) Child psychologist, play therapist

When it comes to the question of whether to give a child a pacifier or not, I always advocate comfort for mother and child. You need to be guided by the situation and needs - there are children who categorically do not take a pacifier, and this is normal. And there are those who really need a pacifier - and this is also considered the norm. A tired, anxious mother who does not have the strength to smile at her baby is what is really harmful for the child. That's why main advice mothers of babies - less anxiety. Trust yourself and your intuition more and, if possible, avoid sleep deprivation.

Is a pacifier addictive to a child?

The sucking reflex is a mechanism with which a child is born and which is necessary for survival, because it is thanks to it that the baby eats from the first days. If we are talking about babies under two years old, then it’s not a matter of addiction - it’s just a way to satisfy the sucking reflex.

Does a pacifier reduce your baby's activity?

This is a myth. A child, captivated by a pacifier, is busy with something important to him - satisfying the sucking reflex. This is an important stage in development, and problems can arise precisely if this reflex is not properly satisfied.

Of course, the ideal option for a baby is the mother's breast, but breastfeeding is not always possible, so a pacifier is a normal alternative option. The sucking reflex subsides around 12 months, and some children themselves refuse the pacifier by this time. If not, then the appropriate age for weaning a baby off a pacifier is one and a half or two years (we wrote more about how to wean a child off a pacifier).

Do children accustomed to a pacifier or pacifier grow up less sociable?

Quite the contrary - children with a certain type of nervous system (impressive, sensitive, excitable or introverted) most often need a pacifier to calm them down. They grow up quiet and introverted, not because of the habit of sucking a pacifier, but because that is their temperament.

This also includes the myth that children who are accustomed to a pacifier move away from their mother with age. The emotional connection between a child and his mother is formed from birth and does not depend on the presence or absence of a pacifier.

Can an addiction to pacifiers develop into bad habits?

There are psychological researchers who claim that smoking is a consequence of an unsatisfied sucking reflex. So the connection with the dummy here is rather the opposite. As for the habit of biting nails, it, again, occurs in people with a weak type of nervous system who do not tolerate any stress and tension well. This is just their way of calming down and has nothing to do with the pacifier.

Does a pacifier calm your baby?

But this is true. As I said earlier, a pacifier helps satisfy the sucking reflex. Just as we feel good when we satisfy our hunger, our baby feels calm when he sucks on a pacifier. If, with the help of a pacifier, a child falls asleep faster and sleeps more soundly at night, the mother should definitely use it. Sound sleep - the most important condition health for both mother and baby.

Text: Anastasia Speranskaya

Orthodontic pacifiers (pacifiers) for babies are becoming increasingly popular. Let's talk about what it is, how to give it correctly and how long to use it. After all, the main difference from the usual one is precisely the more correct form, which completely changes its functionality.

Such nipples today are available in a variety of shades, types, sizes, from all kinds of hypoallergenic materials and help to calm the baby more quickly, which is especially appreciated by parents. It is very important to adhere to some rules, which will be discussed further.

What is an orthodontic pacifier?

The main feature of this nipple is its shape - part of it is beveled and flattened, which corresponds to a more natural position in the child’s mouth. Why did they do this? According to these parameters, it corresponds to the anatomical shape of the mother's breast when feeding the baby. This is how you can achieve the most correct grip with your mouth, as well as the desired formation of your bite.

What is an orthodontic pacifier used for? Like any other pacifier, it is given to the child to calm him down, stop crying, and whims. But due to its shape, it also additionally stimulates the development of the jaw apparatus, strengthens joints and has a positive effect on the position of future teeth.

How to make a choice?

When entering a store that sells baby products, it’s easy for new parents to get confused. After all, the offer of even just pacifiers represents a huge number of models, colors, sizes, materials, etc. Let’s try to determine what you need to pay attention to when choosing a baby pacifier for the first time:

The material from which its main part is made is the one that the baby will directly suck on. Recently, manufacturers have settled on two options - latex and silicone. The first is more natural, but has a slight aftertaste that some children do not like. The second one has hypoallergenic characteristics, is colorless and odorless, elastic and lasts longer.
The shape of the nipple can also be different - round, beveled, flat, etc. We point out that the orthodontic one is the most acceptable, since it completely follows the shape of the breast and in the best possible way corresponds to the natural position of the child’s tongue and jaws.
The size of the pacifier is important - you need to pay attention to the age of the baby for whom it is intended, indicated on the label. So, they are usually divided for children up to six months, up to one year and up to two or three years. Obviously, even having bought a pacifier correct form, but larger or smaller, you will harm the development of the bite.
Color - here the choice remains only with the parents, since for the baby it will not matter yet. The only thing doctors pay attention to is the wish that it be light, neutral tones. After all, a bright object in the child’s visibility range can distract his attention.
The price of such products fluctuates approximately in the same ranges and differs only depending on the brand, brand, and popularity of the manufacturer.

There are also nipples for bottles of different shapes, including orthodontic ones. If your baby will be fed formula, then it makes sense to choose it according to the specified parameters. This is the only way to be sure that many dental and speech therapy problems will be avoided in the future.

Separately, it is worth pointing out the duration of use of pacifiers made from different materials. Silicone ones are resistant to temperature changes and last much longer. Although over time they may begin to crack and lose elasticity. Latex ones are more fragile, a child can easily bite through them. In addition, such products often begin to stick together and need to be replaced with new ones.

Popular models

In the store you can find the following famous brands:

Avent (Avent) - silicone products are odorless and tasteless. Specially shaped wings reduce pressure on the child’s gums and are considered a very convenient option. Manufacturers have thought through ensuring daily hygiene by creating a separate cap for each product. They can also be washed in the dishwasher or sterilized in special devices.
Bibi (Bibi) - there are varieties of latex and silicone models. Clever holes on the wings of the base are designed for better air circulation, which prevents irritation of the skin around the mouth. The quality of the products is such that they do not deteriorate when repeatedly boiled. What parents will especially like is the opportunity to choose interesting and original colors with inscriptions or drawings.
NUK (Nuk) - the nipple is made from a particularly soft material, and its shape has a good recess, which provides space for the tongue. Sizes are designed for children from toddlers to three years old. Made of latex in such color options as gold, red and blue.
Dr.Brown (Doctor Brown) - silicone models without taste or smell. The manufacturer offers to purchase a set of two products at once. The comfortable shape and pleasant material help the child quickly get used to the device and happily accept it. The sizes are larger for newborn babies.
Tommee tippee (Tommy tippee) - silicone models with an emphasis on breathable wings at the base. It is thanks to them that it is easy for the child to hold the pacifier in his mouth and at the same time the skin does not become irritated from increased salivation. Parents will also like the original design and colors.
Canpol (Kenpol) - the manufacturer offers the widest range of nipples made of latex and silicone. At the same time, various shapes, colors, sizes will help you choose the most suitable one for your baby.

How to properly give an orthodontic pacifier?

Give the nipple with the beveled edge down, which will allow the tongue to move more. Make sure your baby doesn't turn it over in his mouth.
Be sure to process, wash and sterilize the product every day.
Before giving a pacifier to a child, you need to carefully inspect it for cracks or other defects.
It is advisable to replace silicone models with new ones every month, despite the fact that it has not deteriorated externally. But latex ones can be thrown away once every two months.
Doctors emphasize that a child should be weaned off even an orthodontic pacifier at the age of one.
Try to use this “helper” only when necessary, without abusing it. When the child falls asleep, you need to carefully remove the pacifier, because this is not a night toy.

Video: how to choose a pacifier?

In pictures, babies are almost always shown with pacifiers - they are considered an integral symbol of age. Is this item really so natural and necessary for a baby?

Everyone understands that a pacifier serves to calm the baby. The fact is that thanks to sucking, processes of extensive inhibition develop in the central part of infants - that is, in fact, calming. This is how nature intended it so that the mother would strive to put her child to the breast for any reason, as often as possible, because she begins to trace the relationship from her own experience: a lot of time at the breast - calm child. Frequent attachments, in turn, are the key to the formation of not only an effective, but also a deep psychological connection between mother and baby.

"Pitfalls"

The pacifier is designed to imitate the breast - to provide sucking, which does not provide either milk or connection with the mother. When a baby sucks on a kind of “mother’s surrogate,” he can really calm down. But at the same time, something is lost in this trembling couple - mother and baby. Let's take a closer look at the pitfalls that are fraught with the use of pacifiers.

If you use pacifiers, your baby will nurse less. On the one hand, now the mother will no longer need to put the baby to the breast every time she squeaks, because it is much easier to give the baby a pacifier. On the other hand, the baby himself will spend efforts not on sucking the breast, but on “artificial sedation.” Of course, a pacifier cannot satisfy real hunger. And you can’t fool a healthy, strong, especially grown-up toddler: he will continue to scream until his mother finally gives him the breast. But if the baby is weak and easily tired, and sucking a pacifier gives him false, but still calm, he can put much less effort into extracting milk from his mother’s breast. In such a situation, the mother’s breasts will lack stimulation, therefore, effective and long-term lactation will remain a big question. That is why pacifiers are among the items that are strictly vetoed during the period of lactation, especially in the first 5-7 weeks after birth.
If the mother has a tendency to offer him a pacifier every time the baby gets restless, she may well miss some situation that requires attention. After all, if the baby begins to be capricious, it means that he wants to tell his mother something about his condition. Maybe he's just hungry, or maybe he's in pain or sad. And in any such case, it would be good to first figure out what exactly is bothering the little one. Moreover, if the baby is used to sucking a pacifier almost constantly, the picture of his anxiety may turn out to be completely blurred. Perhaps there is nothing wrong with trying to alleviate the baby’s suffering by giving him a pacifier if you clearly know what is causing it at one time or another - for example, during painful teething, after some unpleasant interventions and manipulations . But even in this case, he still needs your attention, affection, and tenderness more. And even more so, if you don’t understand why your beloved child is capricious, you first need to figure it out.
Many parents note that the child sleeps longer and more peacefully with a pacifier. But there is also a downside to this approach. The baby wakes several times during the day or night, and in order to fall asleep again may require recreating the same environment in which he was used to falling asleep. So, if he is used to going to bed with a pacifier in his mouth, he may raise a terrible cry if he accidentally lets it out of his mouth in his sleep. You may find yourself in an even more unpleasant situation if for some reason you cannot provide your baby with a pacifier before putting him to bed - say, on the road or visiting, if you accidentally forgot to take it with you or it got dirty. You can be sure: unable to quickly adapt, the poor baby will begin to cry bitterly without his “duty sedative”!
It is unlikely, but it may happen that the baby gets used to the shape of the pacifier and begins to refuse the breast. Fortunately, much more often the opposite happens: babies refuse pacifiers because they are too different from the shape of the mother's nipple. But, at the same time, one must remember about this possibility, and the establishment of such unconscious reactions is most dangerous in the very early age- in the first 2-3 weeks after the baby is born.
Long-term use of pacifiers can be fraught with the formation of malocclusion (this is especially true for the use of round-shaped pacifiers, i.e., not orthodental ones).
Unnecessarily long use of pacifiers can significantly slow down the development of speech skills. This includes both abuse of the pacifier during the day (when the baby sucks on it almost constantly) and too late weaning from the pacifier (ideally, this period should not exceed the age of 1-1.5 years). The development of humming, babbling, verbal and phrasal speech may be delayed in the baby.

If a child is used to falling asleep with a pacifier in his mouth, he may raise a terrible cry if he accidentally loses it in his sleep.

In a word, the attitude towards a pacifier can be formulated as follows: an absolutely healthy person does not need a pacifier! Indeed, the baby should fall asleep when he has had enough of his mother's breast; nothing hurts him - therefore, even during wakefulness this object is completely unnecessary for him. He is actively exploring the world and always has the right to count on the attention and tenderness of loved ones - this means that they are always ready to take him in their arms, put him to their chest, caress and console him - and there is no need to seek reassurance in a surrogate. But if for some reason you decide to use a pacifier, some advice will be useful.

Pacifiers, like bottle nipples, can be made of latex or silicone. The latter seems to us to be a more hygienic material: it does not have its own odor, unlike latex, which has the smell of rubber, dust sticks to it less, and in addition, it is more durable and “tenacious.” Constantly check the integrity of the pacifier, especially if your baby has already acquired teeth. If you find cracks or breaks on the surface of the pacifier, change it immediately, because your baby may accidentally inhale small pieces of silicone or latex! Latex pacifiers require more frequent changes than silicone pacifiers.
Pacifiers come in different shapes: round or oblong, repeating the shape of the nipple, and beveled. The latter are most often called orthodental; they are more preferable from the point of view of forming a correct bite. If you do decide to offer your baby a pacifier, you will have to stock up on several to give him the opportunity to choose the shape to his taste. When replacing a pacifier, try to purchase the same one as the old one, so as not to cause indignation and scandal for the baby.
Not only the shape of the main part of the pacifier may differ, but also the plate, which does not allow the pacifier to be sucked deeper. Pacifiers are available with flat and concave plates. Some babies are not suitable for plates bent parallel to the contour of the face: their tight contact with the skin causes weeping and irritation. For such children, the most convenient will be plates curved in reverse side: They hardly touch the face at all. Some manufacturers apply a design with phosphorescent paint on the plates of pacifiers, which makes it easier for the baby to find them in the crib at night.
Never hang a pacifier around a baby's neck with a cord or ribbon: this is a suffocation hazard. Use special chains with clips at the end; they are convenient to attach to your baby’s clothes.
Use pacifiers in doses: say, only while you sleep or to relieve suffering during illnesses or unpleasant medical procedures, such as injections during vaccinations. A pacifier in the baby's mouth during the examination will be very helpful for the doctor. It will be useful for satisfying the sucking reflex and falling asleep more peacefully: if the child does not fall asleep while feeding from a bottle, then you can use a pacifier. Do not allow babies to suckle "surrogate" while awake. Let the pacifier be a little help for mom, but in no case a replacement!

Finger or pacifier?

Sometimes children try to independently replace the pacifier with thumb sucking. How should we feel about this? IN in this case, perhaps, the dummy still wins. Here are some thoughts:

Pacifiers are much less dangerous for a baby’s bite than a finger. Firstly, there are special orthodental pacifiers that promote the development of a correct bite (they have a beveled shape), and secondly, even standard-shaped pacifiers are much softer than a finger and therefore disturb the relationship of the jaws less.
It will be much easier for you to wean your toddler off the pacifier than on thumb sucking. Although most children, as a rule, stop thumb sucking themselves at the age of about 1.5 years, some cannot get rid of this bad habit even by school age. Indeed, it is very difficult to control the child in this matter, because the finger is always with you.

Alexandra Chomakhidze, pediatrician, researcher at the Scientific Center for Children's Health of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences

Comment on the article "Dummy: to give or not to give?"

I wanted to accustom my eldest to a pacifier, because... She was very capricious, but she didn’t take her in any way. I didn’t even try to train the second one, I was very calm and that’s how it was. But now I’m wondering whether to teach my son or not. He is not very capricious, he asks for the breast all the time, but only when we are at home. And on walks he behaves calmly. After this article, I am more inclined to believe that my baby does not need a pacifier.

02/03/2018 14:22:33, Zara K

The article is good. I've gained a lot of weight

06/04/2017 12:44:59, Victoria

My daughter is 1.5 years old. She sucked a pacifier until she was 10 months old, and then I quickly weaned her off, because by the age of one year there is no longer such a need to suck on anything. I think the article is not objective, since it only contains negative points. But the pacifier also brings benefits. Young mothers should not worry that the baby will suckle less or that they will get an infection. These are all very rare cases! I haven’t sucked a pacifier, so I still automatically put my fingers in my mouth when I’m worried. My niece didn’t suck a pacifier, so now at 5 years old she doesn’t want to sleep alone. Mom didn’t give me a pacifier, but she was restless. I had to constantly give her a tit, so I got used to sleeping with my mother all the time. And if you follow all the rules of hygiene and wean it off in time, then the pacifier will only benefit you.

08.11.2012 16:48:15, Ekaterina Mira

Total 8 messages .

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Is a pacifier necessary for a newborn - the advantages and disadvantages of using pacifiers

The use of pacifiers often causes controversy related to the quality of baby care. This issue must be approached wisely and not go to extremes. If the baby gladly takes the pacifier in his mouth, do not deprive him of a kind of “relaxation,” but if he resists sucking the pacifier, do not force the child.

Important!

Advantages of using a pacifier:

Satisfying the sucking reflex. The first reflex that appears in a baby is sucking. This reflex must be fully satisfied. When the baby sucks on his mother's breast on demand and has no shortage of feeding, he can ignore the pacifier, since his needs are satisfied.
By sucking a pacifier, the baby feels a certain security which is accompanied by calmness, good mood, the baby sleeps much better.
Doctors noted that when a baby uses a pacifier while sleeping, by 30% the risk of the syndrome is reduced sudden death(CBC) . To this day, this phenomenon is shrouded in mystery and is the biggest nightmare for parents.
Using a pacifier helps strengthen the baby's oral muscles . The sucking reflex especially needs to be developed in premature babies, because it has been proven that by sucking a pacifier they gain weight faster.
A pacifier is “less evil” than a baby’s finger. In the end, you can throw out the pacifier and the child will get used to the idea that the pacifier is no longer there, but if the baby has become like his finger, that’s where the real problem lies, since it is more difficult to wean such children from this process.

Disadvantages of using pacifiers:

Do not give a newborn a pacifier at least 1 month of age, otherwise it is possible to completely disrupt the GW. Also, you should hold off on using a pacifier if the baby does not feel the difference between the nipple and the breast. He must understand that the breast is a source of nutrition and energy, and the pacifier is only to satisfy the sucking reflex. You should first and then apply the nipples.
Children are addicted to pacifiers. In most cases, they get used to the pacifier, and this often leads to parents waking up in the middle of the night from the loud crying of the baby, who dropped the pacifier from his mouth and felt discomfort.
Pacifiers are dangerous if parents do not practice proper hygiene. Due to a microbial, unboiled pacifier, a child may develop dysbacteriosis or an infection may enter his body. Therefore, you need to carefully monitor what kind of pacifier you give him and boil it regularly.
If a mother chooses the wrong pacifier for her baby or the pacifier is simply not the right size for him, this may cause early.
A child’s bite is formed long before the first teeth appear. A The pacifier interferes with the formation of teeth and proper bite.

Each parent decides whether to give their child a pacifier or not. But if you decide to use a pacifier, do not delay this process, because the baby only needs a pacifier in the first year of life. After a year, using a pacifier is not harmless for the baby.

Which pacifiers are better: types of pacifiers by shape, material, size

If you decide to purchase a pacifier, then you need to approach the purchase of this product with knowledge, since pacifiers differ in shape, size and material. The tables below provide a classification of pacifiers to help parents determine the right pacifier model.

Varieties of pacifiers by shape

Types of pacifiers by shape	Pros	Cons
Classic– resemble old-style pacifiers with a rounded nipple.	You can give your baby the pacifier in any convenient direction. It is convenient for the baby to suck, as the shape resembles the mother's nipple.	With constant use, your baby may develop an incorrect bite.
Anatomical– have an oblong, flattened nipple.	They come in different sizes, so you can choose the appropriate option based on your baby’s weight. The shape corresponds to the structure of the baby's gums, so it is convenient for him to use it. This pacifier evenly distributes pressure on the baby's palate. Develops correct bite and prevents swallowing excess air.	Only the child’s personal dislike for the shape of the anatomical nipple.
Orthodontic There are several types: Cherry– for children with big skies. Butterfly– for babies who like to sleep on their tummy. heart– to form the correct bite.	Cherry pacifiers are the most popular, as their drop-shaped shape is most organic for a child’s mouth. The baby latch onto the pacifier like a mother's breast, so he is calmer for a long time. The heart pacifier reduces the risk of tooth deformation.	Some children do not accept this type of pacifier, but in very rare cases.
Pacifiers with protective disc . Designed to protect against swallowing of the pacifier.	The protective disc protects the baby from improper sucking of the pacifier.	The disc may be heavy and fall out of the baby's mouth. Sometimes the plastic sticks to the mouth. In this case, it is better to buy monolithic discs with a pimpled “breathing” structure so that the baby does not experience irritation and does not accumulate drool.

Types of nipples depending on the material

Types of pacifiers by type of material	Features/pros/cons
Latex	A latex pacifier is made from rubber, which is why it is so elastic and flexible. Well suited for newborns, and also indicated for premature or weak babies. Latex is short-lived, cannot be boiled, darkens in the sun, and increases in size with constant use. Sometimes latex causes allergies due to the protein molecules it contains. You need to change a pacifier made of this material every month.
Rubber	This material is slowly becoming a thing of the past. It is short-lived and can cause diathesis on the cheeks of babies. But when teething, rubber pacifiers will come in very handy.
Silicone	Silicone pacifiers are made from synthetic material. They are more temperature resistant (boilable) than latex. They are odorless, transparent in color, and anti-allergenic. However, silicone is more rigid in structure, so when teeth appear, you need to change the silicone pacifier to latex or rubber to avoid deformation of baby teeth. The pacifier needs to be changed every 5-6 weeks.

Pacifier categories by size	Features/pros/cons
Category A (from 0 to 6 months)	Designed for newborn babies and has a small shape. The downside is that you won’t be able to use such pacifiers for a long time, since as the baby’s weight increases, you need to use a different size product. There is also a category A for premature babies. Some manufacturers produce a line of these pacifiers with a weight rating of less than 1,750 kg.
Category B (from 6 to 18 months)	Usually, the manufacturer always indicates what age the pacifier is designed for, but children develop differently and you may not be able to guess the size.
Category C (over 18 months)	This category is not so in demand, as parents try to wean their children at this age. The downside is that if a mother needs a nipple of this size, it is harder to find it on store shelves.

Review of the best pacifiers for children

Popular pacifiers: price, features, pros, cons

Pacifier manufacturer	Price, rub.	Peculiarities	Pros and cons
Nuk Genios	280	A German brand for the production of physiologically shaped pacifiers. Patented product.	Orthodontic pacifier, soft and elastic. Safe for children's bodies.
Pigeon	150	Japanese brand of natural nipples for babies.	Inexpensive brand of orthodontic pacifiers. Beautiful design and hypoallergenic material are the main advantages of pacifiers from this manufacturer. Of the minuses: recommended only for children up to 4 months.
Phillips Avent	260	English manufacturer of quality pacifiers for babies.	Pacifiers have ventilation holes near the mouthpiece, which prevents irritation around the mouth. It has an anatomical shape for a baby's mouth.
Hevea	390	High quality rubber and latex pacifiers.	Pros: large assortment. There are beveled, round, and orthodontic forms of pacifiers. There are ventilation holes. Cons: expensive.
Bibi	290	Silicone pacifiers.	High-quality pacifiers for little ones. Minus: some children are allergic to the silicone composition. Expensive and small holes for ventilation.
Canpol babies	120	Polish brand of inexpensive pacifiers.	The manufacturer produces pacifiers of different sizes and materials. You can choose the desired option. The presence of an air valve, affordable price, high-quality material are the advantages of pacifiers of this brand.
Baby land	150	Silicone pacifiers of different sizes.	The brand is famous for its cheapness and quality. The only negative is the material, which is not suitable for every baby.
Chicco	270	Soft, anatomical, comfortable pacifiers.	Pros: functional pacifiers, 98% suitable for the child (not rejected by him), high-quality pacifier, reliable design. Disadvantage: ordinary, unpretentious design, latex will not last long.

To choose a good and high-quality pacifier, it is not enough to pay attention only to the brand and price. Focus on your baby's preferences and needs. Pay attention to the position in which your baby sleeps. For example, it is better to purchase a butterfly pacifier if your baby sleeps on his stomach. And if your baby has a big mouth, then without a doubt, buy the “cherry”.
Focus on the age and weight of the baby , then it will be easier to choose the right pacifier.
Give preference to hypoallergenic nipples , especially when choosing a product for a newborn.
Try purchasing several pacifier options for your baby. Even if it is a budget brand, you will be able to find a suitable model with less losses, and then, if you wish, buy a famous brand with a bright and colorful design of pacifiers.

Expert opinions: whether to give a pacifier

Doctor Komarovsky:

A very interesting thing that allows the baby to satisfy his sucking reflex and not disturb his mother. It’s an interesting thing, but not at all necessary - he doesn’t want to, and he doesn’t need to, you could even say this: he doesn’t want to, but that’s very good. If there are any problems with the amount of breast milk, the use of a pacifier is undesirable.

If you don’t make a cult out of a pacifier, then you can accustom your baby to it, because some children want to satisfy their sucking instinct, even after a hearty lunch, when they are absolutely full. Children follow their instinct, so saving them from this process is not good.

Consultant's opinion breastfeeding G. Eltonskaya:

Some people are able to live with a pacifier, others are not. And it doesn’t work out for much more mom! When using a pacifier, attachment definitely suffers. Those. quality of sucking. For some this results in serious breast problems, for others - nothing. In addition, there may be problems with the baby's health - hind milk contains immunoglobulins, and the baby does not receive enough of them if sucking is poor. In addition, he does not receive enough enzymes necessary for digestion, with all the ensuing problems.

Using a pacifier often leads to psychological problems: It can interfere with the establishment of a deep emotional connection between the baby and his mother. Wrote about this classic of psychoanalysis Donald Woods Winnicott :

Part of the love, affection, and gratitude intended for the mother is automatically transferred to the object that replaces her breast - a bottle or pacifier. If they provide a feeling of security when falling asleep, comfort in difficult times, and help to survive fear and discomfort, then the mother is perceived as very consumerist - exclusively as a food provider, and not as an object of deep and trusting relationships. By offering a pacifier in response to a request to attach to the breast, the mother herself refuses the tenderness that her long-awaited baby wants to give her, thereby alienating him further and further from herself.

Yu. Palchevskaya, breastfeeding consultant:

The use of a pacifier is justified only occasionally, during the absence of the mother and in the absence of another opportunity to soothe the child. Besides psychological moments, a pacifier almost always provokes an incorrect latch on the breast. Sucking on a pacifier, even an orthodontic one, can cause the formation of an incorrect bite, as well as, subsequently, speech defects.

W. and M. Serz in their book “Your Child” write:

Pacifier or finger: which is better?

We vote for the finger. It’s easy to find in the middle of the night, it doesn’t fall on the floor, it tastes better when the baby wants to suck, he has something to eat. Nipples get lost, get dirty, and constantly fall on the floor. Opponents of thumb sucking may say that when weaning a baby off a pacifier, it is easier to lose it than a finger. Indeed, intensive thumb sucking for three to four years can lead to abnormal tooth growth. Parents of tiny finger flukes, do not rush to find an orthodontist for them. All children suck their thumb for some time. Most will successfully pass this stage, and if the sucking instinct has been satisfied in infancy, the habit of thumb sucking is forgotten. (...)

Our advice: in the first weeks, the baby should only have his mother’s nipple in his mouth. If your baby really needs a pacifier, use it, but don't overuse it, and try to get rid of it as quickly as possible.