What is the function of a pacifier and why should we use a pacifier?

Have you ever taken care of a baby in your life? Today, let's learn about the role of a pacifier and why we use it. If you want to know, let's learn together.

What is the function of a pacifier?

1. Bringing a sense of security. I think the most critical and important advantage is to soothe the baby's emotions. Many mothers who have used pacifiers should have this experience: when the baby is crying and restless, letting the baby use a pacifier can effectively calm his emotions, let him slowly calm down, and even make him feel safe and satisfied.

2. Sucking fingers: Babies will feel itchy when they are teething, and will keep sucking their fingers, which will undoubtedly increase the probability of the baby getting sick. If you use a pacifier, it can greatly alleviate their discomfort during teething and is clean and hygienic.

3. Develop the habit of breathing through the nose. Adults should all have this feeling: breathing through the mouth is much more comfortable than breathing through the nose. However, breathing through the mouth can lead to bacterial infection, which is why our throats become inflamed and infected when we have a fever, a cold, or a stuffy nose. However, letting babies learn to breathe with their mouths closed objectively develops the habit of breathing through the nose and also enhances their own immunity.

Why use a pacifier?

The sucking reflex is the survival instinct of mammals. When the fetus is bored in the amniotic fluid, it will suck its thumb to entertain itself. Therefore, the finger is the first pacifier that is naturally equipped. Some fetuses or babies may not be used to using the thumb, but prefer other fingers. The significance of this little trick is not only to satisfy the oral desire, but more importantly, the fetus is taking the "wilderness survival" course. If it is not fully practiced, the skills are not as good as those of its siblings. For example, mammals with multiple births, such as pigs, will definitely be eliminated and cannot survive. Therefore, babies need to continue to satisfy their sucking reflex to feel safe. Pacifiers do have a positive effect on children. As long as you see that the child wants to sleep and is irritable, put the pacifier in and he will calm down and fall asleep with a smile. Any caregiver should applaud the pacifier. Studies have shown that pacifiers can reduce the incidence of sudden infant death syndrome.

What should I pay attention to when using a pacifier?

1. Material. There are two materials for pacifiers on the market now, one is silicone and the other is latex. Silicone is safer, has little odor, and can withstand high temperatures.

2. Model. Babies at different ages need different models. For example, it is better for babies aged 0-3 to use round-hole pacifiers, which can flow out automatically. Babies aged 3-6 months can use M-sized pacifiers, and babies aged 6 months and above can use L-sized pacifiers.

3. Softness. Buy a pacifier that is both soft and chewy, otherwise the baby may bite the pacifier or even swallow it, which is dangerous.

4. Thicker ones. Some mothers think that pacifiers with higher transparency are better, but this is not true. The higher the transparency, the thinner the pacifier is and the easier it is to break, so it is better to choose thicker ones when buying.

5. Inner wall. The pacifier needs to be cleaned, but because the inner wall of some pacifiers is relatively uneven, sometimes if it is not cleaned thoroughly, there will still be a lot of bacteria hidden, so it is better to buy a pacifier with a smooth interior.

How often should I change the pacifier?

The life span of a pacifier is shorter than that of a bottle, and it may be easily damaged due to improper use or disinfection. Even if it is not changed, the bacteria gathered on the pacifier is still worrying. Therefore, it is generally recommended to change the pacifier once a month, but it depends on the wear and tear of the pacifier. There are latex and silicone pacifiers. Silicone pacifiers do not have the peculiar smell of rubber, are easily accepted by babies, and are not easy to age, heat-resistant, and corrosion-resistant. Silicone pacifiers usually have a service life of about 2 months. Latex pacifiers are made of natural rubber, which is very close to the nipple and soft. Babies like it more, but they usually need to be replaced after 3-4 weeks of use. If they are used for too long, they are easy to age and produce a rubber smell. However, they still need to be replaced in several stages. The first stage is used for 3 months, the second stage is 3 to 6 months, and the third stage is more than 6 months. The main reason is that the opening of the pacifier is different. The baby grows up day by day, and the pacifier needs to be replaced as the milk volume increases.