The sucking habit is an innate reflex of every child. This is how nature prepares a child for foraging. In addition, the process of sucking soothes the baby, relaxes him and reduces stress. If you decide to buy a pacifier, you should understand the main features of the product, the range of products and its characteristics.
Features and design of the products
Regardless of the cost, materials used in production and other technical characteristics, the nipple is designed to imitate a female nipple. The main purpose of the product is to satisfy the baby’s needs for peeing. A pacifier consists of several parts: bubbles and a base on which it is attached.
It is worth remembering that pediatricians do not recommend giving a baby a pacifier uncontrollably and very often. Such a solution complicates the process of teaching a child to wean from a pacifier and can cause the formation of an incorrect bite.
Variety of assortment
Modern manufacturers offer a huge assortment of pacifiers. The most popular varieties are considered to be:
- round nipples (the labial disc has a small diameter that gradually expands to the edges), the advantage of which is considered universality, the disadvantage is the possibility of swallowing air during sucking, which can lead to colic;
- anatomical models of an ellipsoid shape with a thin base that fully correspond to the baby’s oral cavity (minimizes the risk of bite deformation, prevents air swallowing and evenly distributes the load on the mucous membranes);
- orthodontic products made of soft material (a beveled bladder with a slightly raised top), which prevent air from entering the baby’s gastrointestinal tract and allow the baby to form a correct bite.
You should choose a pacifier based on the individual characteristics of the baby. So, for example, round analogues will not be suitable for a child with a “low sky”, and for a baby who prefers to sleep on his stomach, it is better to buy an orthodontic version of the “butterfly” design.
Product selection criteria
Before buying a pacifier for a baby, special attention should be paid to:
- age group of products (A – for babies up to six months old, B – for children aged 6-18 months and C – for children older than 1.5 years);
- manufacturing material (latex is most often used, which is not recommended for children prone to allergies, and silicone is a hypoallergenic, but expensive material);
- structural features (pediatricians recommend paying attention to models with a relief inner side of the base, which ensure an incomplete fit to the baby’s skin to avoid discomfort).
In addition, the presence of additional functions should be taken into account. Some models of nipples include special chains that prevent the child from dropping the product on the floor, luminous elements to facilitate finding the pacifier in the dark. There are even options with a thermometer or an inhaler for inhaling the medicinal solution.
