Do Pacifiers Really Harm Babies? Our Expert Weighs In

'Babies get used to pacifiers and then don't breastfeed', 'Mothers give their babies a pacifier when they can't handle a crying baby', ' Pacifier weaning is difficult', the warnings were just too many and arrived way before I delivered my baby.

I wasn't certain of investing in one amidst all the negative debate around it. However, I eventually got one post- delivery following a consultation with my gynaec. Over time, I realised that pacifiers eased discomfort and also helped the baby fall asleep quickly.

For me, they were saviours on days my baby wouldn't sleep and it got strenuous for me to cope. However, soon I got to know about pacifier shaming. It was a thing! Pacifiers were frowned upon and I was subjected to it too. I was apprised that it would get tough for me to form a bond with my baby if I continued the use of a pacifier for long. I was told that I should quit my job and become a stay-at-home mom rather than using a pacifier for my weeping newborn;yet another unsolicited advice.

I wondered why society can't put an end to mom shaming. Moms are shamed for any choice they might make, for something as uncomplicated as popping a pacifier into their baby's mouth when they are cranky or in pain.

If you are a new mother too and pondering if using a pacifier for your munchkin would be a safe bet, you have landed on the right page. We got our expert to share their take on the usage of pacifiers. Read on.

Health Expert On Using Pacifiers

Dr. Amitoj Singh Chhina, Consultant- Pediatrics and Neonatology, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Bengaluru, said, "The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends routine use of a pacifier at nap or sleep times after establishment of breastfeeding, as a mechanism to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)."

The expert further shared that pacifiers are one of the key methods for pain relief in newborns and infants younger than six months.

We further asked if using a pacifier could interfere in breastfeeding. The expert shared that according to a study, pacifier use in healthy term breastfeeding infants did not appear to significantly affect the prevalence or duration of exclusivity and partial breastfeeding up to four months of age.

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However, pacifiers do have disadvantages, shared the expert. "Continued pacifier use beyond a year is not recommended as it has been associated with increased rates of otitis media and varying degrees of dental malocclusions. These complications seem to occur only with persistent use of pacifiers well beyond the first year of life," the expert added.

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