In this article, I will be sharing what you need to know about giving your baby a pacifier.
A pacifier helps your baby get to sleep and reduce his fussiness or crying quickly.
It also helps your baby to be distracted at the doctor's appointment or on an airplane.
When should you introduce a pacifier to your baby?
Introduce a pacifier to your baby after he has gotten the hang of breastfeeding.
For example, around 3 weeks old or 1-month-old.
Sucking for breastfeeding is different from that used for sucking on a pacifier.
Click here to find out more on “The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Pacifiers”
Types of pacifiers
There are plenty of styles and sizes of pacifiers to choose from and different babies have different preferences for pacifiers.
Be prepared to switch around to find your baby’s favourite pacifier.
When your baby has chosen his favourite pacifier, buy a few as backups on hand in case your baby drops and cannot be found.
What to consider when buying a pacifier?
Nipple shape
- Standard-shaped pacifiers have a straight, elongated nipple.
- Orthodontic pacifiers have a rounded top and a flat bottom.
Silicone or Latex
Silicone is longer-lasting, does not retain odours and is dishwasher-safe.
Latex is softer and more flexible, deteriorates faster, wears out sooner and is not dishwasher-safe. Your baby might be sensitive or allergic to latex.
Rings or button handles
Ring handles make the pacifier easier to retrieve.
Button handles may be easier for your baby to grasp.
Nipple covers
Some pacifiers have a cover that automatically snaps closed if the pacifier is dropped.
Others have snap-on caps to help the pacifier stay clean.
You need to keep the caps away from your baby because it is a choking hazard.
Is a pacifier bad for your baby’s teeth?
It is bad when your baby turns into a toddler. For example, has crooked teeth.
It is best to wean your baby off the pacifier by the time your baby turns 2 years old.
Safety Tips for your baby’s pacifier
Give your baby a pacifier when you put him in his crib, but don’t reinsert it once he is asleep.
Do not hang a pacifier around your baby’s neck or wrist with a ribbon, string or cord that is longer than 6 inches.
Clips and shorter tethers designed for pacifiers are fine to use when your baby is awake but not when he is sleeping.
Clean the pacifier daily with soap and hot water rinsing thoroughly.
Do not offer your baby a pacifier in order to delay or replace a meal.
When and how should you wean the baby off the pacifier?
Wean your baby off a pacifier by 2 years old.
The advantages will start to be outweighed by the disadvantages.
Help your baby to find other ways to self-soothe.
If a pacifier works for your baby and you, please do not hesitate to use it during sleep and fussy times.
Stop using a pacifier if feeding and bonding time is cut down.
For example,
It is hard to suck, coo or smile when your baby is sucking his pacifier.
Do not use a pacifier as a substitute when your baby needs your attention or comfort.
I hope all these pointers will help you to give your baby a pacifier.
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Genesis Tampines Childcare 1989 is one of the best preschool and childcare in Tampines. Our Preschool Tampines have over 30 years of experience in nurturing thousands of infants, toddlers and preschoolers. At our Tampines Childcare, we advocate that every child is unique and precious who needs to be loved and cherished.
As a leading early childhood centre in Singapore since 1989, we are committed to nurturing our early learners holistically through various learning areas and positive learning dispositions. We place a strong emphasis on the way our teachers facilitate and interact with the children.
Our Childcare Tampines believe that every child is unique and precious who needs to be loved and cherished. Hence, our holistic curriculum aims to create meaningful learning experiences for each and every one of them!
Our Playgroup Tampines provides parents with the confidence that their children are in the good hands of our trained and caring teachers.
Our professional team of preschool teachers has a good understanding of child development and learning principles. We apply them efficiently and set the stage to create a meaningful learning experience that supports your child's discovery.
We consistently create a positive and cozy environment that will give your child a sense of security which builds their self-confidence to explore the world around them.
If you are looking for a good Tampines infant care or Tampines preschool or Tampines childcare near Tampines Central, do consider Nurture Infant House or Genesis Childcare 1989.
Located alongside our childcare in Tampines is our Nurture Infant House. If you are looking for Tampines infant care or infant care in Tampines, do visit Nurture Infant House. It is for infants aged 2 months to 18 months old. You can learn more about our infant care Tampines here.
Lastly, would you like to visit our Genesis Childcare 1989 to find out more about our environment and setup as well as understand our operations by talking to our teachers and supervisor?
Genesis Childcare 1989 (Playgroup to Kindergarten 2)
Blk 433 Tampines Street 43 #01-63/65 S(520433)
Nurture Infant House (2 to 18 months Infants)
Blk 433 Tampines Street 43 #01-61 S(520433)
Opening hours: Monday to Friday (7am to 7pm) & Saturday (7am to 2pm)
Public Bus services: 8 / 21 / 28 / 29 / 293
Tel: 96664141