To Suck or Not To Suck....
Nov 24 '01
The Bottom Line Above all, it should be a choice made by parents and child whether to use it or not, when to take it away, and how to do it.
As a parent, I have heard many bits of advice regarding everything you can think of. One controversial subject being whether or not my child should have a pacifier. I read many articles, heard reasons why they should not have one and why it's OK. So I have finally came to my own conclusion: it's OK for awhile.
When my son was first born, a pacifier was very calming to him. That's the whole point, let them be calm and relaxed. There's enough stress in their little world, so they need all the help they can get. As he grew older, it still held the same effect with a touch of habit. When I knew he could survive the day without one, the precious pacifier was put up and reserved for naps, car rides (he doesn't do car rides well without one), bed time, and not-so-happy moods.
As for causing problems with his teeth and causing ear problems, this just wasn't the case. His teeth (as few as there are) look perfect, and we've only had one earache that was due to winter and a cold. My family also has a major problem with ears, so I would say he's off to a better start than some of my relatives.
When it comes to "shape makes a difference", it really doesn't. It's all a matter of preference to parent and baby. Look at the shape of bottles and Mom. Both different, but both satisfying to the young one. I know there are debates about bottles, too, but that is a whole different opinion.
What about how they look? Ask yourself this - would you rather have a upset baby or one calmly sucking away at a favorite pacifier? There is a time to say, enough is enough, and to let the child deal with fussiness on their own, but I would have to say not until they are toddlers. This is another totally controversial subject, too, and should be left up mostly to the child. Weaning them must be done with extreme care as babies and toddlers get use to certain routines. Like I had said before, start by putting it up during play time. Then exclude it from naps, then bed. We are to the point were the pacifier is the last resource when attempting naps, and only in special situations where he is extra fussy during play time.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
karadawn
|
|
Member: Kara Kelso
Location: Iowa
Reviews written: 18
Trusted by: 0 members
|
|
|
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.