We’re going to talk about baby pacifiers, whether you call them pacifiers, or binky or call them pacifiers and so on. Perhaps this is one of the first things your baby should be crying for. Maybe as a parent, you are wondering whether giving a baby a pacifier is the best option for your baby or not. Maybe it’s not just you, most people ask about baby pacifiers, is this a good alternative to silence it?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), using a pacifier for babies is not dangerous. Pacifiers are safe for use on babies and have long been practiced by parents. Even the AAP states that giving a pacifier to a baby can provide other benefits, one of the benefits of a pacifier is to reduce sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
But you should know that there are many types of pacifiers on the market today. So, as parents of course we have to know how to choose the right pacifier for your baby. So, in order for your decision to be right, you certainly have to know the difference between each pacifier and what you are looking for from the pacifier, so make sure you can calm the baby just by giving the pacifier when he cries.
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What Types of Pacifiers Are Available?
Pacifiers are made in a variety of styles, colors and materials. But you should know that in general pacifiers fall into two categories: orthodontic and conventional pacifiers. The basic difference between the two types of pacifier or binky is in the shape of the nipple.
To get an orthodontic pacifier you don’t have to come to an orthodontist. This name only gives the meaning that the shape of the nipple is specially designed to shape like a breast, the bottom is flat, and the shape is square. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, orthodontic pacifiers allow a baby to “tongue thrust,” this is the push a child does when he feeding the milk.
Different from conventional pacifier, where the pacifier shape is round like a small ball. So, which pacifier is better for babies, whether orthodontic or conventional, let’s pay attention to the following review.
Conventional vs. Orthodontic Pacifiers
Whatever the type of pacifier usually can still stop the baby’s crying. However, each type of pacifier will have an effect on the baby’s bite. A study published in the International Journal of Pediatric Dentistry found that the use of either conventional or orthodontic pacifiers can have an influence on the likelihood of malocclusion, or misaligned teeth. So, as a parent you should know to choose the type of pacifier with the least chance of tooth misalignment.
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If you are concerned about the effect of the pacifier on the baby’s mouth and teeth, it is worth noting that the use of orthodontic pacifiers is not likely to contribute to this problem. In a study published in Progress in Orthodontics, it was noted that orthodontic pacifiers had less impact on a baby’s teeth or mouth when using a pacifier. The results of research in the International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry also provide the same conclusion where conventional pacifiers tend to affect the baby’s teeth and mouth which is known as “open bite” or also known as “buck teeth”.
How to Choose the Best Pacifier for Your Baby
This is our core discussion today. Now that you know a few types of teats and the type of teat that has the least effect on an open bite, it’s time to find out what type of teat is best for your baby. Maybe before you choose the best pacifier, there are a number of things to consider, here we will explain more clearly.
How to Choose the Best Pacifier for Your Baby
This is our core discussion today. Now that you know a few types of teats and the type of teat that has the least effect on an open bite, it’s time to find out what type of teat is best for your baby. Maybe before you choose the best pacifier, there are several things for your consideration, here we explain more clearly.
1. The pacifier’s construction
A good pacifier should ideally be formed from a single unit and have no moving parts, no liquid interior or built-in gadgets, the University of Rochester Medical Center notes.
2. The size of the pacifier
Furthermore, in choosing the best pacifier for babies, you should also pay attention to the size of a pacifier. The size of the pacifier must be appropriate for the age of your baby. Also pay attention to the size of the guard that is located between the nipple and the nipple ring. According to the AAP, to reduce the risk of choking, the diameter should be 1.5 cm.
3. The design of the pacifier
In addition to the size and shape, you also need to look at the design. As the AAP says, you also want to avoid having a pacifier stuck to the baby’s neck or in his hand, as this could be dangerous for the child.
That’s the procedure for choosing the best baby pacifier, hopefully with this information you can find the right and best pacifier for babies. If you have a number of questions then contact your pediatrician for more complete information.
