What are the advantages and disadvantages of pacifiers? When can I use it? When should I stop?

Some mothers may think that pacifiers are convenient and would like to use them, while others may feel uneasy about using them.
We will introduce you to some things you might not know about pacifiers, such as what kind of effects they have and how long they can be used for.

What are the benefits of using a pacifier?

A pacifier is an item for babies that looks like a baby bottle with a handle attached to the nipple, and is placed in the baby's mouth. It is a baby's instinct to latch onto something when it touches its mouth. In most cases, they will use it without any resistance.

A pacifier that is soft and easy to suck on has the same calming effect as when breastfeeding.
The biggest benefit of using it is that it helps your baby stop crying and sleep better. Many senior moms find it helpful for their children to be quiet while they are out and about. It also prevents thumb sucking.
Thumb sucking is a natural behavior for babies, but if you continue to do so, there is a risk that your baby's fingers will get rough or their latching may become worse, so it may be a good idea to have your baby use a pacifier instead.

A baby who has been crying for no reason will calm down and fall asleep smoothly, which will help reduce stress for the mother.

Are there any disadvantages to pacifiers?

If you keep it in your mouth for a long time or use it for a long time, it may have a negative effect on the way you close your lips and chew your teeth.

Also, crying is a form of communication for babies, so if you make it a habit to put a pacifier in your baby's mouth when they cry, not only will they not be able to understand the reason for their crying and deal with it, but you will also be depriving your baby of the opportunity to develop their communication skills. Please observe your baby carefully and make good use of the time by making eye contact and talking to your baby.

When they are around 5 to 6 months old, they begin to learn about the tastes and shapes of various objects by bringing things they can touch into their mouths and sucking on them. The disadvantage of using a pacifier all the time is that it deprives your child of this learning opportunity.
Also, children begin to speak and memorize words around the age of 1, but this becomes difficult if the child's mouth is covered.

When can I use it?

When I listen to the experiences of senior mothers, there are many who say that they have been using it since the newborn stage, right after birth.
A wide variety of pacifier products are available from many manufacturers. Some products can be used by newborns, so please check the age range before purchasing.

However, this does not mean that you should actively use it, so you can just try it if you feel the need. Some babies don't like pacifiers. In that case, don't force your child to use it, just wait and see.

How long can I use it?

Pacifiers are useful when you want to stop your baby from crying, but we recommend that you use a pacifier before the age of 2.

The Japanese Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has warned that long-term use of pacifiers can lead to problems with teeth alignment and occlusion, as well as the way children close their lips and use their tongue. However, the Pediatric and Pediatric Dental Health Review Committee, which is comprised of pediatricians and pediatric dentists, has reported that even if a dental checkup reveals an abnormal bite, children up to the age of two will often improve if they stop using a pacifier.

Ideally, you should start preparing your child to graduate from using a pacifier at around one and a half years old, and complete the process by around two years old. Even if you have trouble letting go completely, try to keep it short or less frequent.
In addition, problems such as occlusal alignment and mouth closing are more likely to occur if children suck their thumbs a lot, even more so than with pacifiers, so if your child has a habit of thumb sucking, measures must be taken at the same time.

How do you choose a pacifier?

Choose the one that matches the size of your baby's mouth, depending on their age. Newborn babies are small and soft, and as they grow, they grow in size and the material becomes harder and more durable.

The material is also one of the points to check.
Pacifiers are made of silicone or natural rubber. Silicone is durable, easy to maintain, and inexpensive. Natural rubber has the great advantage of being soft and easy for babies to suck on, but it is less durable and more expensive.

Ease of cleaning and disinfection is also important. Since it is something you put in your mouth, it is essential to keep it clean at all times. Disinfection methods include boiling, heating in a microwave, and using disinfectants. The methods of use vary depending on the product, so please check and carefully consider the product before purchasing.