Do teats have negative effects on children?
For years, pacifiers have been utilized to soothe and comfort crying infants. Yet, in recent times, there's been a widespread debate over whether parents should give their babies pacifiers. However, an expert refutes the negative claims made against these small objects.
One argument suggests that pacifiers negatively impact tooth alignment, disrupt breastfeeding, and hinder language development. If you search the internet for information about pacifiers, you'll mostly find reasons not to use them.
Childcare expert Nora Imlau, author of "My Competent Baby" and "Bonding Without Burnout," believes parents shouldn't worry if their child enjoys sucking on a pacifier. After all, pacifiers have been around for generations when it comes to calming down babies.
Since the '50s, pacifiers have been included in baby essentials and were even patented by Mapa GmbH in Germany. They serve an essential function: to help regulate and calm newborns and older babies down.
According to Imlau, "newborns and older babies have a strong sucking need. They can satisfy this need through breastfeeding, which is essential for when they're hungry. However, it can also be met when they're not hungry. Some mothers can handle it, while others can't." In such cases, a pacifier serves as an additional tool to help with regulation.
In Germany, pacifiers are even recommended for preventing sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Pacifiers at night keep babies from falling into deep sleep where they can potentially have sleep apnea, a risk factor for SIDS. While there are debates over whether breastfeeding has the same protective effect, most of the pacifier discussions fail to mention this official recommendation.
Despite the prevalence of these arguments against pacifiers, there's no scientific evidence to support their claims. "There's no proof that pacifiers lead to oral fixations. Use them moderately; children who use pacifiers moderately have no trouble with language development," explains Imlau. The only downside to using pacifiers is that they can increase the risk of middle ear infections.
"Moderate use" means using pacifiers when the child isn't regulated well, such as when they're tired or in an unfamiliar environment. But it doesn't mean using them all the time. They only need the pacifier when they're seeking comfort.
Some parents worry that pacifiers interfere with breastfeeding. If a baby is constantly sucking on the pacifier in the first few weeks after breastfeeding, they might develop a bad sucking pattern. To avoid this, Imlau recommends using pacifiers carefully, not immediately after birth, and only for a short time.
To ensure the best outcome, give the pacifier "sensitively and attachment-oriented." "This means understanding: My child has a need right now; it wants to suck, so it gets the pacifier. If it spits it out, wait before putting it back in. It's all about dose and handling."
Even though excessive pacifier use can cause dental issues, Imlau argues that this shouldn't be the primary concern. "Yes, too much sucking might result in the so-called 'lisping bite' that could lead to teeth misalignment. This might require braces later. But firstly, it might not happen. Secondly, children are multifaceted beings, more than just their teeth. They develop habits that provide emotional security."
Therefore, Imlau finds it problematic when medical professionals put pressure on families to make their children give up pacifiers quickly. "It's psychologically challenging to take away an aid they've become dependent on." Nonetheless, she also emphasizes that these babies can learn to do without the pacifier gently.
"So, leave it out occasionally, don't have it around all the time, and ask: Want to cuddle, or do you want me to tell you a story?" The key is to teach them alternatives to pacifier use.
Read also:
Question: Are there any health benefits associated with using pacifiers for babies?Answer: Yes, according to Nora Imlau, pacifiers can help regulate and calm newborns and older babies down, and they are even recommended in Germany for preventing sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Question: How do pacifiers affect language development in babies?Answer: There's no scientific evidence to support the claim that pacifiers lead to oral fixations or hinder language development in moderately using babies, explains Imlau.
