PACIFIER

                                                                           PACIFIER

A pacifier is an artificial nipple designed for babies to suck on for comfort.

      Infants have an intense need to suck that is separate from their need to eat. Fetuses may suck their thumbs before they are born, and some newborns begin to suck immediately. Infants suck when they are tired, bored, or in need of comfort. Some babies have a stronger need to suck than others and—next to eating and being held—sucking may provide the most comfort to an infant. Babies who do not suck their thumbs or fingers often rely on pacifiers.                              In Western societies 75 to 85 percent of children use pacifiers. Hospital nurseries commonly give them to newborns. Premature infants seem to grow better when they suck on pacifiers. Professionals refer to a pacifier as a transitional object that helps children adjust to new situations and relieves stress.                                                                                            Most infants cry because they do not yet have methods for soothing themselves. Some newborns do not have the coordination to suck their fingers or thumb. Although breastfeeding is the most effective way to calm infants, and their hands or thumbs can be placed in their mouths, pacifiers can be very helpful for discontented babies who cannot or will not suck their thumbs or fingers.                                                                                                                 Arguments for Pacifier Use                                                                                                         Pacifier use is controversial. Some physicians are completely opposed to pacifier use, whereas others view pacifiers as helpful if used in moderation. Pacifiers can be particularly useful for unhappy babies who are difficult to comfort. The child's energy goes into sucking on a pacifier rather than crying. Although pacifiers can give children a sense of calm and security well into their toddler years, pacifier use may be most effective during the first few months of life when fussiness,colic, and the need to suck are at their peaks.                                                     Pacifiers should only be used to satisfy the need to suck. They should never be used to delay or replace nurturing or feeding. As a child grows, a pacifier can be taken away, whereas it may be harder to discourage thumb sucking.For babies, pacifiers can be used for the following reasons:

• to sooth a baby to sleep 
• to help a baby to stay asleep when disturbed
• to calm a frightened baby
• to keep the baby quiet
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• The World Health Organization recommends against pacifier use. Disadvantages of pacifier use may include:
  
  • They may get dirty and thus contribute to poor hygiene.
  • If lost during sleep, the pacifier's absence may cause the baby to wake and cry.
  • The pacifier may prevent babies from using their mouths to learn about toys and other objects.
  • The pacifier may signal to a baby that crying is unacceptable even though crying is one of a baby's few means of communication.
  • The pacifier is an easy fix that may cause parents not to seek to understand what is bothering the baby.
  • Pacifiers may prevent children from learning how to comfort themselves.
  • Older siblings may give the baby a pacifier to quiet a baby in situations where the parents would not use it.
  • Many adults dislike the sight of babies with pacifiers.
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