We felt the same way at first because initially I was breast feeding and a pacifier and actual nipple are completely different to a baby. It is not recommended until after the first 3 weeks if breast feeding. After a few days and doing my research, I decided it was a GO for our family. They actually open up the airways while the child is sleeping. They help combat SIDS. Which is always good=] If you have mixed emotions, I would suggest them at least while baby is sleeping.
We use one, but only on occassion and they do have special ones now that actually are specifically orthodonic they actually help more. It does reduce the risk of sids and while teething can soothe the pain because it releaves some of the pressure from the gums. My daughter just doesn't like them much. It is ridiculous that 3-5 year olds have one and its debateable on two year olds just depends. Some times it is hard to wean from sometimes not just depends on the child.
My oldest never took to them and my 3 1/2 year old was around 20 months when he gave them up, it wasn't difficult, just kept it out of sight... If he found one he would pop it in his mouth but he didn't cry for it and I would mess around and take it away and he was fine... He has no dental problems, he did have a slight speech delay but the Dr. said it had to do with his spina bifida not a pacifier...
It really depends on the person as to if a paci is good or not. My son is 2 and a half and still has a paci. Granted mind you, he plays with it and hasn't put it in his mouth since he was 7 months at the most. But he liked the extra comfort it offered. So with my next baby I'm going to do the same thing. Wait 2 days or so after birth then s/he can have the extra comfort of a paci. After growing up with 9 brothers and 2 sisters, we all used pacis' only 2 of us had speech problems.
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