How to choose a pacifier for baby?

Pacifier, pacifier, tutute, totote…

This simple accessory can literally change a child's behavior: who has never witnessed a crying fit after losing their pacifier?

The pacifier fulfills a physiological need in the baby, that of sucking. This is what allows your child to accept breastfeeding or bottle-feeding instinctively. In order to palliate this need, the pacifier plays an important role.

In rubber, in silicone, in a particular shape, there is an infinite number of different pacifiers. Adapted to baby's mouth according to his age or needs, the pacifier accompanies him everywhere, often day and night.

Let's see together how to choose this accessory well and allow your baby to suck quietly, without any risk.

Why does baby need a pacifier?

As stated in the introduction, sucking is a natural response in newborns.

This need grows until about age 2. Each time your child sucks on his teat, his brain releases hormones linked to pleasure and well-being (endorphins, for example).

The pacifier therefore allows your child to satisfy this irresistible need to suck. It is not his fault, nor his will: it is an instinctive reaction. It is this same instinct that pushes him to suck his thumb when he is about a year old. This sensation has a soothing effect on children.

The pacifier is therefore designed to satisfy this need and allow your child to suck quietly without risk. The pacifiers are made in such a way that their shape and material are harmless to the child.

To what extent should a pacifier be used?

To tell you the truth, there really isn't a rule. Bébé stops the pacifier when he is ready.

Certainly, past 24 months, the urge to have his tine à mouth is supposed to pass. The sucking action tends to diminish at this time. However, if the comforting and reassuring effect of the pacifier still works, why not let your little one take advantage of it? Well, after a certain age (over 30 months approx.), the pacifier can disturb the growth and arrangement of the child's teeth. To avoid this, the child must either stop using the pacifier or buy a physiological pacifier that is adapted to not disturb the growth of the teeth.

To note:
it is not because your child has a teething problem that you should forbid him the pacifier, on the contrary. Using a pacifier allows your child to soothe the pain of teething by concentrating only on his teat. It’s a good way to calm and soothe your baby’s dental pain.

The different types of lollipops

Matire, shape, special features, there are usually different models and brands of lollipops. Let's take a look at what each feature entails.

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Rubber Pacifier

Latex is used to make up these tees.

Although it is a naturally occurring material, it can still cause allergies in some children. Do not hesitate to ask the medical staff for advice if you have any doubts.

Truly soft and with a great taste, the rubber soother is very popular. Its price is affordable, but it guarantees a limited life. Over time, the rubber tends to soften or even crack.

If you choose this type of pacifier, be sure to change it regularly.

Good to know:
To test the use of the pacifier, take a rubber one to start. Even if it has a light taste, its texture is close to that of the mother's nipple. So the contact can feel more natural.

Silicone nipple

Colorless, odorless and transparent, silicone is a perfect material for a child's pacifier.

No risk of allergy with this material. A silicone pacifier is very durable and long lasting. Their price is often higher than rubber ones, but their durability justifies it.

You have to be careful with the tip of the pacifier over time: the silicone can crack if it is strained. In this case, bé can pinch the tongue.

Aside from this point, silicone is really id&e al for your child's pacifier.

There are different sizes of lollipops

A distinction is made between the models of tethers according to the age for which they are intended:

  • Birth: used until 6 months, this pacifier respects the shape of the palate of the smallest. The teat (the part in the mouth of bé) is smaller.
  • 6 months and older: the téterelle of these models is larger, as well as the collar stuck against the mouth of the child.

There are also smaller models, called "pre-mature", which allow babies who are too young to satisfy their need to suck. They are small models. To avoid when your child is a newborn to avoid any risk of coughing.

The different forms of pacifiers

Here are the different models and their specifics:

  • Physiological tip: the tip has a particular shape, designed to adapt to the shape of the palate of a baby. It can only be used in one position.
  • Anatomical tip: the tip is asymmetrical, which means that the child can put it in the mouth in any direction. To be prepared for children over 6 months.

Concerning the choice of form, free à you to opt for one or the other. In any case, it is certainly your little one who will have the last word in préférant a modèle.

Testing is the best way to find the right pacifier for your child

While you may have an idea in mind, bé will still remain the last judge;

So don't hesitate to test different pacifier models. You'll know quickly when your child has found the right one. As a parent, as is often the case, you will not necessarily have the last word.

In any case, here you are informed to make a clear purchase.