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Friends and family want to be helpful and are constantly giving new parents advice about everything from sleep habits to the pacifier. We all want to do what is right for our children, giving them the best as parents that we can, but so often there are so many different opinions it’s hard to know the right decision to make. So, should you allow your baby to suck a pacifier, and if so, how long? It is well established that sucking is a natural reflex for babies. This reflex begins while still in utero, as evidenced by ultrasounds showing babies sucking their thumbs in the womb. Sucking comforts babies and young children when they are scared or stressed. Children will suck their thumb, finger, hand, pacifier as well as any other object it holds like a blanket or clothing. Pacifiers are not really considered to be a problem in early years; but as children get older there is an increased risk of their teeth being pushed or pulled out of alignment. In addition, as children get older it becomes harder to separate child from his or her pacifier. Often children will simply suck their thumb or fingers once they give up the pacifier. Weaning your child from his or her pacifier can be difficult. Try finding a substitute object to comfort your child like a special stuffed toy or blanket. You can also arrange a system of rewards and prizes for your child as they progress in giving up the pacifier. Creating a chart with stickers for days your child is pacifier free will encourage your child’s progress. Another option is to expose your child often to others his age or older who do not use a pacifier. You child will see that it is okay to be without a pacifier. No matter what strategy you choose for getting rid of the pacifier, consistency is vital. Rarely will a child just give up the pacifier and never have another thought about it. So don’t give in to a screaming child. Finally, attention from you and your spouse is one of the most effective ways to ensure your child feels comforted and safe. In the end whether you give your child a pacifier or not is a personal choice, but without one the child will often just suck on something else and have to eventually be weaned. Learn more about baby carriage at our baby care website.
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