Milkoholic Baby

From the moment they are born, babies try to adapt to the world with various reflexes. One of these is the sucking reflex. Sucking is not just for feeding for babies, but also fulfills the need for relaxation, security, and peace. Therefore, babies often soothe themselves by sucking their fingers or pacifiers. So, as parents, which of these two options should we prefer? Pacifier or thumb? In this article, we will address this question in detail.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Pacifier Use

Advantages:

• Soothing Effect: Pacifiers help babies calm down and fall asleep. Especially in babies with colic, pacifier use can be soothing.
• Reducing the Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): Some studies show that pacifier use reduces the risk of SIDS.
• Effect on Teeth and Jaw Development: Correctly selected and appropriately used pacifiers do not have a negative impact on teeth and jaw development. In some cases, they can even support jaw development.
• Hygiene: Pacifiers are easier to clean and keep hygienic than fingers.
• Ease of Quitting: Quitting pacifiers is generally easier than quitting thumb sucking.

Disadvantages:

• Interference with Breastfeeding: Especially in the newborn period, pacifier use can disrupt breastfeeding routines and lead to nipple rejection.
• Risk of Middle Ear Infection: Some studies suggest that pacifier use may increase the risk of middle ear infection.
• Dental Problems: Long-term and incorrect pacifier use can cause crooked teeth and jaw deformities.
• Dependency: Babies can become dependent on pacifiers and have difficulty falling asleep without them.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Thumb Sucking

Advantages:

• Always Accessible: Since fingers are always with the baby, there is no risk of losing or dropping them like pacifiers.
• Natural Relaxation Method: Thumb sucking is a natural relaxation method for babies and can even be seen in the womb.
• Compatible with Breastfeeding: Thumb sucking does not disrupt breastfeeding routines and does not lead to nipple rejection.

Disadvantages:

• Hygiene Issue: Fingers are more difficult to clean than pacifiers and have a higher risk of carrying germs.
• Dental Problems: Long-term thumb sucking can cause crooked teeth, jaw deformities, and changes in palate structure.
• Skin Problems: Continuous thumb sucking can lead to irritation, sores, and infections on the fingers.
• Difficulty Quitting: Quitting thumb sucking is generally more difficult than quitting pacifiers.
• Social Effects: Thumb sucking habits that continue in later ages can cause social anxiety and self-confidence problems in children.

When to Prefer Pacifier, When to Prefer Thumb?

• In the newborn period, it may be more appropriate to avoid pacifier use until the breastfeeding routine is established.
• In babies with colic, pacifier use can be soothing.
• In babies who have difficulty falling asleep, pacifier use can facilitate sleep transition.
• In terms of teeth and jaw development, orthodontic pacifiers should be preferred.
• Pacifier use should be limited to 2 years of age.
• In babies with thumb sucking habits, a patient and consistent approach should be taken to quit this habit.
• It is ideal for your child to stop these habits by the age of 3-4.

Methods for Quitting Pacifier and Thumb Sucking Habits

• To quit pacifiers, it is important to gradually reduce pacifier use and offer different relaxation methods instead.
• To quit thumb sucking habits, methods such as informing the child about the harms of this habit, applying bitter nail polish to their fingers, or wearing special gloves on their fingers can be tried.
• Never force your child on this matter.
• Be determined to make them quit. But you must determine the correct time.
• When your child does not suck their thumb or use a pacifier, praise them with kind words. Emphasize that thumb sucking harms their health.
• Actually, time is your biggest supporter.

In conclusion, both pacifier and thumb sucking habits have their advantages and disadvantages. As parents, we must make the best decision by considering our baby’s needs and characteristics. We must remember that every baby is different and every baby’s needs are different.