Soothing Your Baby: How to Choose the Right Pacifier for Your Infant

source: todaysparent.com

 If you're a new parent and find it tricky to settle your crying baby, a pacifier can be a lifesaver! Designed to soothe and calm even the fussiest little ones, pacifiers will help you comfort your little bundle of joy. But, with so many different types available, how do you know which one will be right for your baby?

Check Out the Different Types Available

As with everything else, your baby is likely to have a preference for one type over another, and with all babies being different, a little trial and error will come in handy. Regardless of your type, remember that a safe and easy-to-clean newborn pacifier is paramount for calm and content babies. These are the types to lay your hands on every time you go shopping.

Open vs. Closed Shield

The widest portion of a pacifier is called the shield because it keeps your baby from putting the entire thing in their mouth. When in use, open-shield pacifiers' large opening in the shield provides for great airflow. This is especially helpful for premature babies or newborns because their faces won't get overly large. Furthermore, open-shield pacifiers avoid irritating or rubbing their skin.

Contrarily, closed-shield pacifiers are a more conventional kind that appears to satisfy the majority of babies. Their faces are further protected by the additional material, and they typically have ventilation holes for airflow. 

One Piece or Multi-Piece   

Indeed, a one-piece pacifier is just what it sounds like. Because they are composed of a single piece of material, they are extremely robust, safe, and easy to clean. Your baby's risk of choking will be significantly reduced if there are no extra components.

Older babies are typically better suited for multi-piece pacifiers since they allow them to be somewhat independent by being able to put it in and take it out of their mouths. These pacifiers are shaped and appear classic, and you can enjoy the wide selection of colours and designs.      

Teething Pacifiers

Your child may find a teething pacifier to be of great assistance when they begin to experience teething. These uniquely crafted pacifiers can relax your child while also providing relief for sore gums and erupting teeth. Teething pacifiers' distinctive shape allows them to fit farther back in the mouth, where their molars can comfortably chew. To provide further comfort, place them in the refrigerator for a few hours, since the cool feeling may help temporarily numb your child's gums.

Pick the Right Size

Finding the ideal size may be a real challenge for first-time parents as there is a wide range of sizes available. A newborn pacifier that is too small may be rejected by your infant since it won't feel comfortable in their mouth, while a pacifier that is too big could present a choking threat. Certain pacifiers are appropriate for infants of every age. But we would advise being mindful at all times and adhering to the age range.  

Newborn pacifiers may also be labelled as small, medium or large. Babies six months and under often use small pacifiers; those between six- and eighteen-months old use medium pacifiers; and those who are eighteen months and older use the large ones.

Material Does Matter

In terms of materials, the silicone is the most common one. It’s a top choice for parents because silicone does not hold odours as well and can typically be cleaned in a dishwasher. However, since silicone binkies are stiffer than pacifiers made of natural rubber or latex, babies may reject them.

Unlike parents, babies are fans of latex pacifiers. Latex is softer and feels more like a real nipple. However, latex may wear out faster and is often not dishwasher safe. Also, keep in mind that some infants have a rare latex allergy and should not use pacifiers that contain this material.

All "natural rubber" goods that aren't latex are created using a synthetic form of "natural" rubber. Because these binkies are among the softest available, babies find them more pleasurable to chew on, which is why they are frequently drawn to them.

Safety Concerns

source: whattoexpect.com

A pacifier's lifespan is limited. Age and use cause the breasts to deteriorate. So, it is usually advised to change them as soon as the pacifier begins to exhibit wear. The frequency and force with which your child sucks on the pacifier will dictate the rate of wear.

Avoid using string or ribbon to fasten your baby's pacifier to his clothing as this poses a risk of strangulation. Use a suitable pacifier tether in its place. This particular leash is short enough to not pose a safety risk and snaps onto garments with ease.

Older children are not supposed to use pacifiers. Beyond the age of two, using a pacifier can have an impact on your child's oral development. If your kid is prone to ear infections, you may want to wean him off a pacifier around his 6-month birthday or avoid using them altogether. Inner-ear infections have been linked to the use of pacifiers, particularly between the ages of 6 months and 2 years.

Before using a pacifier for a newborn, always clean it, and never put it in your mouth. It should be cleaned with warm water and mild soap before use. You may also sterilise it by immersing it in boiling water for five minutes. Always keep an additional pacifier with you when you go out, and if they fall, you may clean them using pacifier wipes.