Pacifier: a helper or an unnecessary habit?

The appearance of a baby in the family is always accompanied by many questions, one of which is whether to give the child a pacifier. This seemingly simple accessory causes controversy not only among parents, but also among pediatricians, speech therapists and psychologists. For some, a pacifier is an indispensable helper, for others - a source of possible problems in the future.

Supporters of the pacifier argue that it helps the baby calm down faster, fall asleep and feel safe. After all, the sucking reflex in newborns is very well developed, and a pacifier can replace the breast in situations when the mother cannot be nearby. This is especially true in the first months of life, when the child is just adapting to the world around him.

However, there are those who are categorically against the use of pacifiers. Some experts believe that long-term use of a pacifier can negatively affect the formation of the bite and even slow down the development of speech skills. In addition, the child may develop an addiction, due to which he will have trouble falling asleep without it and will be anxious when it is not there.

The issue of hygiene is also important. Pacifiers need to be carefully processed to avoid getting germs. If the pacifier often falls on the floor or is not used according to age, this can provoke the development of dental and infectious diseases. Therefore, it is important not only whether you use a pacifier, but also how you do it.

Some mothers find a compromise: they give the child a pacifier only in certain situations - for example, at night or when traveling. This approach allows you to avoid forming a persistent habit, but at the same time helps to cope with certain difficult moments.

Ultimately, the decision about whether the child needs a pacifier remains with the parents. There is no universal advice, and each baby is individual. The main thing is to observe the child's reaction, listen to his needs and take into account the recommendations of specialists, without going to extremes.