There are a few benefits as to why pacifiers should be given to babies.
Research has shown that pacifiers can actually help reduce incidences of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Babies who suck on pacifiers during sleep don’t fall into as deep a sleep as those who don’t suck on pacifiers. This means that if a baby stops breathing during sleep, they can more easily wake themselves up and start breathing again.
In addition to reducing the chance of SIDS, pacifiers have also been shown to provide comfort and can reduce a baby’s anxiety and stress levels.
Despite these benefits, there are some dental implications of using a pacifier. Continued sucking on a thumb or pacifier can negatively change the alignment of the teeth. Due to the obvious benefits of pacifier use, experts recommend that pacifiers are used until the child turns two years old.
Furthermore, it’s important to note that continued use of a pacifier could also increase the incidences of inner ear infections. The sucking action causes the auditory tubes to remain open for a long time, allowing the inner ear to become infected.
