Most parents find that they go through a lot of pacifiers, especially in the early months. It’s not unusual for a baby to go through 10 or more pacifiers in the first year. So, how many pacifiers do I need? And what do you do with all those pacifiers when your child no longer needs them?
Does My Baby Require Pacifier?
The answer is no. Your baby does not need a pacifier in all cases. Many parents, on the other hand, report that pacifiers help their children sleep better, allowing them to get more rest themselves. Some infants are born without a preference for pacifiers and pushing them is pointless. However, if your baby takes a pacifier, they may sleep better at night while also improving their sleep.
Benefits Of Using Pacifiers
- Lower risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) – It’s possible that using a pacifier while your kid is sleeping stimulates their brain, encouraging them to breathe.
- The satisfaction of the sucking reflex – If you’re breastfeeding, your breastfed infant may just want to latch on and nurse for comfort. This is perfectly acceptable, but if you need to relax and the baby isn’t eating, a pacifier is an excellent choice. It aids in the development of your child’s sucking skills while also giving your nipples some rest time.
- Sleep better.
- Self-soothing – Pacifiers can also assist your baby in learning to self-soothe. This is an essential skill for babies to master. Newborns can’t yet form that reflex, so every little ache or worry will produce wailing. Pacifiers help them discover that they may relax without needing their parents’ assistance.
How Many Pacifiers Do I Need?
Babies frequently hide their pacifiers or misplace them in unusual locations, and they go missing at an alarming rate. Just like the number of feeding bottles and nipples, make sure you have at least two or three pacifiers on hand.
Is it better to buy bigger pacifiers? Not all larger pacifiers are better. For your kid, you’ll want to choose the correct size and form. Some of this is determined by your child’s age, while other elements are decided by their personal choice.
Pacifiers are generally designed to fit a particular age group. This makes it simple to pick the appropriate size for your kid. They usually fall within a few months of age, which we’ll discuss in greater detail later on in this chapter.
How Do You Know Which Pacifier Is Right For Your Baby?
Age And Stage
A right pacifier is generally categorized by month. The incorrect size may not soothe them effectively, and sizes that are too small might cause uncontrollable crying or choking risks.
Design And Shape
The most common shapes are orthodontic and round. Orthodontic pacifiers are popular among both parents and infants. Orthodontic pacifiers are easier for many babies to maintain suction on. So, how many pacifiers do I need? That typically depends on the amount of usage.
Ventilation And Shield
This implies it contains openings in the pacifier shield so air may flow through, which is safer for your infant. A larger shield also aids circulation around and within the pacifier.
Scented Or Unscented
Some scented pacifiers include fragrances like vanilla. The manufacturers say these odors help to calm infants. In the end, there’s no proof that scented vs. unscented pacifiers soothe babies differently or affect baby sleep.
Pacifier Nipple Symmetry
The symmetrical nipples referred to in pacifier descriptions are rectangular. This makes the baby more inclined to accept it and keep suction, especially if you have a tongue-tied youngster because the nipple replicates the form of a human nipple.
Safe Pacifier Material
Silicone is more durable than latex and has a reduced risk of breaking down. A natural rubber pacifier is also good.
When Should Your Baby Stop Using Pacifiers?
Still thinking how many pacifiers do I need? Knowing when the baby stops using a pacifier may help to sort out this confusion.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that pacifier usage should be stopped by the age of six months to avoid nipple confusion. This lowers the chance of recurring ear infections known as otitis media and dental problems. Weaning from pacifiers becomes more important as they grow older.
Risk of using pacifier for long time include:
- Pacifier attachment.
- Dental problems (when used for a long time).
Safety Tips For Pacifier Use
Sterilize Before Use
Before giving a newborn his or her first pacifier, make sure it’s clean. Boiling in a pot on the stove or microwaving in a bowl of water for a few minutes are two excellent approaches to sterilizing pacifiers.
No Sharing
It’s not always easy to keep your baby from passing his or her pacifier around. Babies enjoy sharing their pacifiers with their friends, which may be difficult to prevent. If at all feasible, try to avoid playing “pass the pacifier.”
Check Before Use
Always check your baby’s mouth to make sure they’re healthy before offering them a pacifier. Pacifiers may split or break, posing a choking hazard. They can also get dirty or accumulate foreign objects inside of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is it true that pacifiers prevent babies from getting hungry?
Ans: Pacifiers can assist with the opposite problem of overfeeding.
Q2: Is it true that pacifiers affect baby teething?
Ans: Pacifiers might hinder tooth development if utilized throughout toddlerhood, although they aren’t likely to impact teething in the early phases.
Q3: How many pacifier holders or pacifier clip do I need?
Ans: There are just a few of the baby’s pacifier clips required; one of which your baby will hold and the other you will keep in your diaper bag for travel.
Q4: How long should a pacifier last?
Ans: Every two months, regardless of the brand or style, replace your baby’s pacifiers. It’s not a good idea to put it in any sweet syrup or sugar because it might harm your child’s teeth.
Q5: Do you need to replace pacifier sizes?
Ans: After your baby reaches the age of six years, you should replace the pacifier immediately, or he or she may choke on a 0-6-month-old pacifier.
Q6: How many pacifiers do you need for a baby between the ages of 0 and 3 months?
Ans: For a baby between the ages of 0 and three months, you’ll need two to three pacifiers.
Conclusion
Now that you know how many pacifiers do you need and when to stop using them, hopefully, you can make a decision that is best for your baby.
The pros of using a pacifier are that it can help calm a crying baby, and it may reduce the risk of SIDS. The cons of using a pacifier are that it can cause dental problems if used for too long, and it may increase the risk of ear infections.
