Pacifier or Thumb?

For some people, the answer to this controversial question is: neither. However, if you understand why your baby wants to suck, you’ll realize why sucking shouldn't be repressed. Sucking is a natural instinct that is closely associated with feeding, but that also serves a purpose beyond nutrition. For a baby, sucking is tied closely to comfort and love, providing baby with feelings of warmth and security. Read on to find out more about the pros and cons of the pacifier and the thumb.

The Thumb
Thumb sucking is a natural and satisfying way for a baby to soothe himself. Babies usually first discover their thumbs at around six weeks and may continue the habit until the age of four. Thumb sucking often reaches an all-time high at seven months when the baby is more mobile and begins to explore his environment more extensively. The thumb is a constant comforting companion that can’t be lost or left behind. However, parents need to be aware of some problems that may be related to thumb sucking.
Children who continuously suck their thumbs may impair the development of their language and social skills and might disrupt the normal development of the mouth and teeth. If your child is a compulsive thumb sucker, you can try to discourage him by keeping his hands busy with activities that require both hands. Give him enough attention, making sure the thumb isn't a substitute for you. See that he gets all the sleep he needs as well. In trying to discourage this habit avoid the temptation to be negative towards him. Encourage him to be grown-up and praise him when he exhibits mature behavior. Don’t tell him he is being a baby every time he sucks his thumb. Above all, don’t threaten your child into giving up his primary source of self-soothing. Threats from a parent create anxiety, making the child seek comfort more. Instead of breaking his habit, he might insist on it more firmly.

The Pacifier

If you are going to introduce a pacifier to a breastfed baby, make sure to so only after breastfeeding has been successfully established to avoid nipple confusion.

As a baby grows older it is wise to limit pacifier use. Some experts suggest that the pacifier be taken away by the age of seven months, before the baby becomes too attached to it. Other research indicates that it is safe to keep pacifiers until the age of two, but recommends not going beyond that age in order to reduce the risk of dental problems in the future.
If your baby’s pacifier use is so relentless that it interferes with speech and social development, you can help him kick the habit by trying to give him an alternative. Introduce a teddy bear or a soft blanket to take the place of the pacifier. Another possibility is to limit its use to a specific time of day in a particular place. You need the toddler’s full cooperation for this, so it is important to set reasonable goals and to give plenty of praise when he tries to comply.

A wide variety of pacifiers are available on the market these days. When choosing one, you should look for a well-made pacifier that can’t come apart and pose a choking hazard. It should have a large mouth shield with ventilation holes. Avoid using the harder, more round-shaped pacifiers because they may cause dental problems in the future. Never attach a pacifier to a string or strap long enough to get caught around your baby's neck. Sterilize the pacifier regularly and check for holes and tears. Never dip the pacifier in honey or sugar before giving it to the baby as this can cause tooth decay in older babies.

For some mothers, pacifiers are a blessing and have led to peaceful nights and calm babies; others find it a hard habit to break that spells tantrums and headaches. Some parents can't tolerate seeing their baby sucking his thumb; others view it as a natural comforter that the child will outgrow in time. Whether you decide to offer a pacifier or let your baby find his own fingers, just remember that each baby is different and babies discover a myriad of ways by which to comfort themselves. A lot of babies neither suck their thumbs nor take to a pacifier. Chances are, though, that their chosen self-comforting method will become a habit and might at some point need breaking - it’s all part of growing up!

Pacifier Pointers!

Make sure you are giving your baby enough attention. Even mothers can abuse a pacifier! Don’t rely upon a pacifier to keep your baby company. Make sure you don’t pop it into your child’s mouth instead of seeing to his needs. He might be wet, hungry, cold, uncomfortable, sick or just plain bored! Check the other possibilities first and then if he still seems to want it, let him have the pacifier.
When you’re out in public it can be embarrassing to have to deal with a crying baby and some mothers rely heavily on a pacifier during these times. A better idea might be to take along toys as a distraction and be willing to spend some time playing with your baby even when you’re in a social situation. Always remember the pacifier should satisfy his needs, not yours.