A soothing delight
Written: Feb 19 '00 (Updated Feb 19 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Brightly colored and easy to find when dropped
Cons: Must be frequently washed
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| bonzobean's Full Review: Gerber Nuk Classic Pacifier |
My son has always been a bit of a self-soother, but doesn't seem to have an addictive personality, so pacifiers were never a big issue in our home. He finds one way to soothe himself and within a month or so, he's moved on to bigger and better things. He loved sucking on his baby-flavored fingers for the first couple months, but seemed to grow bored. He then experimented with a pacifier. I believe his brief flirtation with it was purely peer pressure which influenced him. Picture a slightly older cousin with the nickname 'Binks' (I think you get the picture) probably twisting my poor innocent's arm when we weren't looking saying, 'try this, c'mon you'll like it.' Peer pressure starts at such a tender age, but that's an epinion for a later time. Well, my son used a pacifier for about a month. However, he was fairly particular about his pacifier, not just any binky would do. His had to be a Gerber NUK pacifier. Perhaps it was the brand name. Only the best for my son. However, I do suspect the design and comfort afforded by this particular brand had something to do with his preference.
The NUK pacifiers come in many bright colors. My son seemed to spend half his time taking it out of his mouth and staring at it before popping it back in. These pacifiers are specifically designed to be similar to a mother's breast. Babies who are also breastfeeding tend to latch on to these pacifiers with relative ease. This pacifier did a wonderful job of soothing my son for the month that he used it. The need to suck is natural and calming. When not using a pacifier, a young baby may latch onto a toy or fist which may not be as beneficial and in the case of a toy, could be harmful depending on the toy. Gerber pacifiers come in several different sizes. Make sure you get one fitting your child's mouth. If you get one a size too small, your child will have a difficult time latching on and one too big is just uncomfortable for your baby. You'll want to make sure the shield around the pacifier is the right size and doesn't cover the nose. Here are the general size guidelines, but remember comfort level may vary from baby to baby. Size one is for babies from O to 6 months, size two for 6 to 18 months, and size three for toddlers 18 months and older.
There are a few things to remember with this or any pacifier. First, babies are always dropping their pacifier. This means that when your baby drops his pacifier and puts it back in his mouth, he's also getting a mouthful of germs. Wash those pacifiers frequently. We have a small rack in our dishwasher for small baby items. Check the pacifier once or twice a day and make sure there are no rips, gashes, or other breaks that could be harmful to a small child. Never tie the pacifier to a string. Some parents do this and attach the string to the baby. You're asking for trouble. Your baby could easily strangle himself with the string. And, please, never substitute a pacifier for the nurturing and love you can provide your baby. Sometimes a baby just needs to be held and be close to mommy and daddy.
Be warned there is a pacifier controversy brewing. According to unconfirmed reports, pacifier use in babies over a year are attributed to a higher rate of ear infections. Studies have also found that when pacifiers are used during the first month, complications arise in breastfeeding. It's best to wait a month or two before introducing a pacifier. If a pacifier is used frequently, it can effect the way the teeth come in or can push them slightly forward. However some doctors are not that concerned saying the teeth tend to 'right' themselves as the child grows older, and this concern is only in children who use their pacifiers morning, day, and night. The jury is still out on whether pacifier use in older children causes speech problems, but sounds like a good excuse to curtail use after a year or so.
As with any child product, always check for recalls. Remember, safety is your first concern. If this means you have to find another way to soothe your infant, so be it, but always make your child's safety your priority.
And, remember, the number one choice of soothing recommended by infants everywhere is just being held by someone who loves them.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
bonzobean
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Location: West Coast
Reviews written: 134
Trusted by: 220 members
About Me:
I think the mistake many of us make is thinking the-state-appointed shrink is our friend.
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