To Binky, Or Not To Binky

With pacifiers, you can’t win. If you want your baby to take one, he won’t. If you don’t want him to get attached, he’ll crave it. One side of the family insists your baby needs one. The other insists that if your baby uses one, she’ll become addicted for life.

Many parents question whether they should introduce their babies to the binky at all. Certainly there are potential problems associated with pacifier use. Weaning at an appropriate age (whatever age that is) is often top of mind, and regular use past the preschool years can negatively affect oral development.

But like them or hate them, pacifiers have their place. So if you have a binky baby, don’t feel guilty. In fact, there are reasons why pacifier use isn’t so bad after all.

Young babies often have a need for non-nutritive sucking. That’s why some breastfed babies want to be on the breast seemingly nonstop. They’re not always nursing the entire time, but they receive comfort from sucking. Non-nutritive breastfeeding can provide special bonding moments. But when those moments seem never-ending, moms can become exhausted and sore. Many stop breastfeeding as a result. If breastfeeding is well established, and the baby latches well, use of a pacifier between nursing sessions can provide the baby with the comfort of sucking while freeing mom from becoming a human pacifier. Pacifiers can also be useful for bottle-fed babies, who may not be able to comfort-suck from a bottle.

Very young babies can’t self-soothe well. Parents can rock, swaddle and sing to a baby. But a pacifier puts the ability to self-soothe in a baby’s hands, or rather mouths.

Pacifiers may help some older babies sleep longer at night. Once babies no longer need night feeds for nutrition, and once they learn to replace the pacifier themselves, a baby who would otherwise wake for a breast or bottle might instead pop the binky back in her mouth and return to sleep. There are no guarantees, and every baby is different, but many parents swear that’s how their babies began sleeping through the night.

Many parents also swear that their older babies and toddlers are champion sleepers thanks to the pacifier. These children, especially those whose pacifier use is limited to bedtime, often dive with glee into their cribs, anxious to be reunited with their beloved binky.

Keep in mind that tossing the pacifier could lead to thumb sucking, a habit that might be harder to break in the long run. Someday you can throw away the binky, but that thumb is there to stay.

Pacifiers may even offer a safety benefit. Some evidence suggests that pacifier use may decrease the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

If you’re worried about your baby becoming overly attached to the pacifier as she gets older, you can begin limiting its use. Many older babies and toddlers only use a pacifier for sleeping, when they’re sick, or when they’re frightened, such as at the doctor’s office.

Finally, if parental guilt keeps nagging at you, remember that no one goes to college sucking a pacifier. It may be easy, or it may be rough, but someday your child will give up the binky. In the meantime, try not to worry. A binky isn’t all that bad.

Recommended Reading

1. Babies And Kids Need Dental Care Too
When should dental care begin? As soon as you notice that a tooth has erupted is the correct answer. Babies...
2. The Art And Joys Of Babywearing
Strollers, cars and arms are not the only methods of child transportation. In malls, at parks and nearly anywhere you...
3. Benefits Of Brestfeeding
Arrival of a baby is the happiest and exciting moment for the woman. The infant needs the careful attention. Milk...
4. Baby Teeth
Baby teeth are also known as the Primary Teeth. They can start as early as 4 months to erupt but...
5. Separation Anxiety
Newborns can be fussy customers with strong preferences regarding formula, pacifiers, swaddling, sleep and other daily fundamentals. Rarely, however, does...