Pacifier Dilemma: Benefits, Risks and Best practices for your child

The common belief passed down through generations is that pacifier calms down children, provide comfort, and make it a highly sort for object by parents.

Even though Health Professionals do not recommend its use, it has always found its way into the baby layette, Making its use a controversial topic.

Although pacifiers have been used to stimulate sucking in children with neuropathies, to coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing, and to reduce stress in painful procedures.

However, it is also associated with many harmful effects.

It prevents babies from achieving breast sucking and induces an early weaning. It can cause allergies and increased risk of dental caries and infections.

Eventually, the decision of whether to use or avoid the pacifier is for the family to make, and it is the responsibility of the health professionals to enlighten the family about the various pros and cons of pacifier use.