Popular Pacifier in Malaysia

Most babies have a strong sucking reflex and some baby even suck their thumbs or fingers before they’re born. A pacifier (or soother) can be used to satisfy a baby’s need to suck. Pacifier makes parenting a lot more easier. There are many pros and cons of using a pacifier and it is your call whether to give your baby/ child a pacifier.

Generally, pacifier should be replaced after 4 weeks of use, for safety and hygiene reason. The pacifier should be replaced even earlier if it is damaged in any way. It is recommended to inspect the pacifier carefully before each use by pulling it in all directions to check its safety.

Advantages of Using Pacifier

• A pacifier might soothe a fussy baby. Some babies are happiest when they’re sucking on something.
• A pacifier offers temporary distraction. A pacifier might come in handy during and after shots, blood tests or other procedures.
• A pacifier might help your baby fall asleep. If your baby has trouble settling down, a pacifier might do the trick.
• A pacifier might ease discomfort during flights. Babies can’t intentionally “pop” their ears by swallowing or yawning to relieve ear pain caused by air pressure changes. Sucking on a pacifier might help.
• A pacifier might help reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Sucking on a pacifier at nap time and bedtime might reduce the risk of SIDS
• Pacifiers are disposable. When it’s time to stop using pacifiers, you can throw them away. If your child prefers to suck on his or her thumb or fingers, it might be more difficult to break the habit.

Disadvantages of Using Pacifier

• Your baby might become dependent on the pacifier. If your baby uses a pacifier to sleep, you might face middle-of-the-night crying spells when the pacifier falls out of your baby’s mouth.
• Pacifier use might increase the risk of middle ear infections. However, rates of middle ear infections are generally lowest from birth to age 6 months — when the risk of SIDS is the highest and your baby might be most interested in a pacifier.
• Prolonged pacifier use might lead to dental problems. Normal pacifier use during the first few years of life generally doesn’t cause long-term dental problems. However, prolonged pacifier use might cause a child’s teeth to be misaligned.
• Pacifier use might disrupt breast-feeding. If you’re breast-feeding, you might wait to offer a pacifier until you’ve settled into a nursing routine.

Difference Between Silicone & Latex Pacifier:

• Latex is a natural material. Silicone is an industrial material.
• Latex is soft and elastic but tends to deteriorate when exposed to high temperatures. Silicone is harder, has high heat resistance and less prone to aging.
• Silicone is odorless and taste-neutral. Latex can have a slight characteristic odor and taste from the rubber.
• Silicone is an allergy-friendly material. You should choose silicone if you have a latex allergy in the family.
• Latex pacifier should be scalded (No boiling & No microwave sterilization). Silicone pacifiers can be sterilised using boiling water and microwave.