Effective Barrier to Germs & Reduces Chances of Choking
Mar 17 '00 (Updated Mar 20 '00)
There are two VERY important functions of pacifiers that seem to be overlooked. We all know about the “security” factor created by pacifier use, and that this use also meets the high sucking needs of infants. But I’m writing to tell you that pacifier usefulness doesn’t stop when your infant turns one. In fact, in my mind, the need for it increases. Let me explain why. . . .
A Brief Clarification(added 3/20/00): I am not suggesting that anyone encourage their toddler-aged child to START a brand new relationship with pacifiers. If your child doesn’t like or use them, that is great! This is one less thing for you to wean them from later. And I certainly don’t encourage my daughter to use her pacifier in most situations…ONLY when I notice she is putting things into her mouth. As she gets older this happens less frequently, so she is using it less and less.
What a pacifier keeps OUT of your baby’s mouth.
My daughter Ali is 16-months-old right now, and still using a pacifier. My pediatrician isn’t at all concerned about Ali’s continued fondness for her paci. When I shared my unique and strong feelings about a pacifier’s continued usefulness (during the toddler months), he was impressed. He mentioned that it he thought the topic would make an interesting research study. . . What do you think?
Germ Barrier
Most babies and toddlers are “touchers”. They touch everything they can get their hands on. Unfortunately, you can not always get to the things they want to touch before them. So many times the things they explore include dirty shoes, rocks, dog toys, bugs, and the like. These things (all things really) carry GERMS.
When I bring my daughter to playgroup, I often stick her pacifier in her mouth. This means I have less to worry about in the ways of her touching other kids (so many mothers bring sick children to playgroup . .why?) and the toys and equipment they have all touched and put in their mouths. During the winter months when cold and flu germs run rampant, I also encourage her to use it when we are with large groups of people. I also feel better about bringing my daughter out when SHE has a cold, because she is unable to mouth things with her pacifier in her mouth; thus, less of her germs spread. In the food store, her pacifier keeps her from sucking on the shopping cart bar. The threatening situations are endless.
I am proud to say that my daughter only got ONE cold all winter! She is around people and children often. I myself had a bad case of the flu this year, and although Ali shared some pasta off of mommy’s fork the day she caught this nasty bug, my daughter did not catch it. I really believe (in addition to being breastfed) that one of the main reasons she was so healthy this winter is because I have made a point of using her pacifier as a barrier to germs.
Reducing Choking Opportunities.
How many of your friends and family’s houses are childproof? I’m talking about being REALLY baby-safe? I’m willing to guess that not many of them are. And one of the most prevalent hazards is that there are usually MANY items in a toddler’s reach that can fit into their mouths. This is especially true if there are older children in the house. While it is nice (a common courtesy) to pick up before an expected baby or toddler arrives, many people who no longer have little ones “forget” to scan the areas for chokables. Anything that will fit in a toilet paper or paper towel cardboard cylinder is considered a choking hazard. Add to this long list of items that qualify, things that can get “stuck” in your child’s mouth, like round objects that won’t fit all the way in their mouths, but are not easy to get out when pushed in. At a recent holiday party at a relative’s house, I inserted Ali’s pacifier the moment I saw Barbie doll shoes lying on the floor. (An irrelevant tip: I usually bring 4-6 socket covers in my diaper bag too. This means less getting up to remove baby from electrical sockets.)
Don’t be ashamed!
So PLEASE don’t be embarrassed about continued pacifier use. There is nothing wrong with a child up to the age of around 2 or 2 and a half (per my pediatrician) using his or her pacifier if they are still receiving comfort from it. And if you also think about these two additional uses for it, you will see that a pacifier can be “mommy’s best friend” as well. Until she stops putting everything in her mouth, I am NOT worried about my daughter’s pacifier use. I'm happy that she finds comfort in it. Maybe when she turns two I will "think" about weaning her of it.
I hope I have given mothers of toddlers a reason to feel better about pacifiers.
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sgentile
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Location: New England, United States
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I'm a mother who focuses on safety, fun, & value. I write from experience.
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