What is the function of a pacifier? When should a pacifier be used?

From birth to one year old, babies are in the oral stage, during which they use their mouths to "explore" and soothe themselves to get satisfaction. Therefore, many newborns like to suck their fingers and are troubled by teething. So, what is the role of a pacifier? Let's learn about the relevant knowledge together with Encyclopedia Knowledge Network!

Contents of this article

1. What is the function of a pacifier?

2. When to use a pacifier

3. How to use a pacifier

What is the function of a pacifier?

From birth to about 2 years old, the baby is in the oral stage, and the baby will feel satisfied with oral activities. In addition to sucking to maintain growth and development, the sucking action can also promote the touch near the lips and tongue, and then get a happy sense of satisfaction. Babies who cannot fully satisfy the sucking feeling like to suck their fingers. This is particularly easy to cause skin damage and finger deformation, which is very ugly. If older children also have this habit, it may affect the development of their gums.

Therefore, on the one hand, pacifiers can make babies feel comfortable after sucking, and they can also be used to soothe babies to sleep when they are sleepy and irritable. Using pacifiers before bed can reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. If the child is unwilling to use it or the pacifier often falls out of his mouth, do not force him to use it.

When to use a pacifier

Pacifiers are generally used in three age groups. The first type of pacifier is suitable for ages 0-6 months; the second type of pacifier is suitable for ages 5-18 months; the third type of pacifier is suitable for ages 16-32 months. Children under 2 years old do not need to give up the habit of sucking pacifiers, because it can be used to train the baby's sucking and swallowing ability, especially for low-weight premature babies, which can help improve their oral and gastrointestinal functions and achieve self-soothing functions at the same time.

How to use a pacifier

1. Do not let your baby use a pacifier before he or she learns to suck breast milk. You should wait until at least 3 weeks after your baby is born before using a pacifier, because sucking a pacifier and a pacifier are different muscle tasks. Introducing a pacifier too early will interfere with the baby's sucking of the mother's nipple and affect the successful implementation of breastfeeding.

2. Don’t put a pacifier in your baby’s mouth immediately to calm him down when you hear him crying. You need to observe and analyze the reason why your baby is crying, and then decide whether he needs the help of a pacifier.

3. After helping your baby fall asleep smoothly, gently remove the pacifier.

4. Pay attention to the hygiene of the pacifier and do not bring bacteria into the baby's mouth. Clean and disinfect the pacifier every day. When it falls to the ground or comes into contact with dirt, clean it immediately.

5. There is no need to frequently change different types of pacifiers. Generally, it should be replaced every 1 to 2 months. If the pacifier is aged, cracked, deformed or damaged, it must be replaced in time.

6. Avoid hanging the pacifier around the baby's neck for convenience, as this will affect the baby's activities and may even get tangled around the baby's neck or arms, causing accidents.

7. Do not use the pacifier for too long. It is best to stop using it before your baby is 2 years old.