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The Parent Times>
Soothers Use?
February 1, 2010
SOOTHER USE?
There are many different views on this subject whether soother use is good for babies or not. Soothers, also called dummies or pacifiers have been studied for their advantages and disadvantages for quite a long time. Of course everyone has their own opinions but here are some of the advantages parents and studies have found:
a. helps premature babies especially when they are
transferring from being tube fed to bottle fed;
b. sucking is natural to babies and they use sucking to
soothe and calm themselves; and
c. growing evidence that soothers may play a part in
protecting babies against SIDS (Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome).
A bit more information on the last point. Studies have found that soothers play a role in preventing SIDS for a couple of ideas:
a. the bulky external handle of the soother keeps baby’s
nose and mouth clear of covers and soft bedding; and
b. the sucking action helps improve the way baby controls
their upper airway.
Further, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) study found that the overall risk of SIDS was halved by soother use, and as a result of this finding AAP now recommends that you should use a soother every time you put your infant down to sleep. They do recommend that you do not introduce a soother until breast feeding is well established which usually means around one month of age.
Of course there are will be disadvantages as well. Some of the disadvantages found were:
a. soother use could lead to problems with breast feeding;
b. dental problems if you use the soother too long; and
c. possible ear infections.
If you do decide to try use a soother and the baby accepts the soother there are a couple of things to remember:
a. limit the use of the soother to certain times, i.e. to
help calm baby when they are upset;
b. use an orthodontic soother;
c. keep the pacifier sterilized;
d. NEVER dip the soother in anything sweet such as honey;
e. check often for cracks, splits or holes;
f. wait for baby to need the soother rather than it being
an automatic response;
g. don’t let the use of a soother become a habit; and
h. NEVER force a soother on a baby.
A good way to use the soother is to use it as a LAST resort. Always try to solve things first. If you use the soother too often it becomes a habit and will later be harder for you to take the soother away from your child.
Of course when you decide to take the soother away there are some things to make this transition easier for your child:
a. decrease the soother use time bit by bit;
b. limit the use of the soother to ONLY certain times;
c. if the child is old enough let them be involved in the
decision to stop using the soother;
d. use some type of reward chart ie. stickers;
e. give your child a teddy bear or blanket instead of the
soother for comfort;
f. MOST important, once you have made the decision to stop
the use of the soother DO NOT waiver your decision!
Of course all of the above are just suggestions. Every child is different and reacts differently to situations. Some infants will NEVER take a soother and some children will be able to stop the use of a soother easily while others have a very difficult time.
In the end it is the parents decision whether to introduce a soother to their infant or not!
Email me and tell me your views on what you think about soother use? Or any ideas you may have on the topic. I look forward to hearing from you.
PRODUCT OF THE MONTH
These are the Child ID Kits that we promote! They are complete with areas for all of your child’s information, picture, contact information and fingerprint spaces for each of their ten fingers. The kit comes with a ink strip as well for your convenience. One other feature I particularly like is the DNA sample. The Kit comes complete with 2 swabs and easy to follow instructions on how to take the sample of your child’s DNA. The swabs then are place in a self adhesive envelope and kept in your freezer. This KIT is KEPT with YOU! NO part of the KIT is sent to anyone to store for you! YOU KEEP IT!
These KITS are SO important to have for each of your children. These kits are also not only for babies but for teenagers as well. Children of ALL ages go missing! For more information on these kits visit my website and click on the Child ID Kits page. If you still have any questions PLEASE email me! Also in my August 2009 newsletter these Child ID Kits are discussed.
EMBARASSING MOMENTS!
We are starting a new section in our newsletter but we need your help! Have you had an embarrassing moment caused by your child? If you are a parent, I think everyone at one point or another has had their child do or say something which causes you to feel embarrassed. Email us your story for a chance to have it published in next months newsletter! We look forward to hearing from everyone!
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