I don't want to use a pacifier because I believe that it can ruin their teeth as they grow, and although it quiets them down, it doesn't allow them to express themselves. I'd rather have a baby who cries and I know there's something bothering him than a baby who soothes himself and I don't know what he wants.. But is it possible to just use a pacifier so that the baby can sleep better? when should a pacifier be used? What are the pros and cons really?

I did use a paci on my baby but she grew out of it by the time she was 3 or 4 months.

Quoting lil_miss & lil_dude [JAS:“ I don't want to use a pacifier because I believe that it can ruin their teeth as they grow, and although ... [snip!] ... to just use a pacifier so that the baby can sleep better? when should a pacifier be used? What are the pros and cons really?”

i dunno what to tell you. i've tried giving my son a paci but he wont take them.

Quoting lil_miss & lil_dude [JAS:“ I don't want to use a pacifier because I believe that it can ruin their teeth as they grow, and although ... [snip!] ... to just use a pacifier so that the baby can sleep better? when should a pacifier be used? What are the pros and cons really?”

I had a pacifier, and so did most of the children in my family...and as long as you dont let them us them for too too long it shouldnt mess with their teeth...

But if you dont feel comfortable about it for other reasons then dont use one =)

I only use it in a case of an emergency when we are out and I can't feed her at the moment or when she is noteceably really tired because it helps her fall asleep

Quoting lil_miss & lil_dude [JAS:“ I don't want to use a pacifier because I believe that it can ruin their teeth as they grow, and although ... [snip!] ... to just use a pacifier so that the baby can sleep better? when should a pacifier be used? What are the pros and cons really?”

I started only using the pacifier only during diaper changes ((she didn't like them at first)) Then it moved to when she is fussy! I don't let anyone just put it in her mouth, I hate that! Usually at bedtime she has it too, just so she isn't using my nipple as a pacifier. And she only take the soothie from the hospital so it doesn't have that little "lip" like other pacifiers so it wont ruin her teeth-I also plan to stop her from using it by the time she's one..if not sooner..

yes i do becsuse my daughters 4 months old and hur gum are bothering her and she cant hold the teething ring so the paci does her justice

I gave Kairie pacifiers, never had a problem with them, except I lost them all the time. When she was 7 1/2 months, we forgot to put one in her crib before bed and that was that. She was done.

I've used them. If a chid will take it I think they're great. Babies like to suck- it soothes them and you can always take it away when you;re ready. Mine I took away at 1 year without too much difficulty. 2-3 nights of fussing- that was it.

My youngest son however would NEVER take one. He's a thumb sucker- and 4 years old and we're still trying to get him to stop. (lol- cant just take away the thumb!)

Do whatever makes you comfortable though. I was just always adamant with anyone around that it was NOT a plug. If the baby didn't want it- it was my job to figure out what the baby needed. I agree that a paci shouldn't be used to just quiet down the baby.

Yes im going to use one when my baby is born. i had a pacifier and i have PERFECT teeth. with no dental work whatsoever. i think if a kid is using a pacifier at age 3 thats a little much and maybe would mess with thier teeth, but as long as the pacifier is gone by age 1 i think its fine

The pros

For some babies, pacifiers are the key to contentment between feedings. Consider the advantages:
A pacifier may soothe a fussy baby. Some babies are happiest when they're sucking on something.

A pacifier offers temporary distraction. When your baby's hungry, a pacifier may buy you a few minutes to find a comfortable spot to nurse or to prepare a bottle. A pacifier also may come in handy during shots, blood tests or other procedures.

A pacifier may help your baby go to sleep. If your baby has trouble settling down, a pacifier might do the trick.

Pacifiers may help reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Researchers have found an association between pacifier use during sleep and a reduced risk of SIDS.

Pacifiers are disposable. When it's time to stop using pacifiers, you can throw them away. If your baby prefers to suck on his or her thumb or fingers, it may be more difficult to break the habit.



The cons

Of course, pacifiers have pitfalls as well. Consider the drawbacks:

Early pacifier use may interfere with breast-feeding. Sucking on a breast is different from sucking on a pacifier or bottle. Some babies have trouble learning how to nurse properly if they're given a pacifier too soon.

Your baby may become dependent on the pacifier. If your baby uses a pacifier to sleep, you may face frequent middle-of-the-night crying spells when the pacifier falls out of your baby's mouth.

Pacifier use may increase the risk of middle ear infections. However, rates of middle ear infections are generally lowest from birth to age 6 months — when the risk of SIDS is the highest and your baby may be most interested in a pacifier.

Prolonged pacifier use may lead to dental problems. Normal pacifier use during the first few years of life doesn't cause long-term dental problems. If your child continues to use a pacifier persistently, however, his or her top front teeth may slant out or the upper and lower jaws may be misaligned.

It can be a hard habit to break so I'm not using one at all.

Quoting MommyApril:“ I've used them. If a chid will take it I think they're great. Babies like to suck- it soothes them and ... [snip!] ... want it- it was my job to figure out what the baby needed. I agree that a paci shouldn't be used to just quiet down the baby.”

OMG! My BD's sister calls it a plug!! UGH! It drives me INSANE! Everytime Trinity peeps a sound, "here take your plug!" I rip it out of her hand! *thinking "bitch, was she fussin'? NO!, so leave her alone!"

My son used to fall asleep with the paci in his mouth. After he was about a month old he doesn't take it anymore. He just spits it out.

Quoting momma header [[BBC]]:“ OMG! My BD's sister calls it a plug!! UGH! It drives me INSANE! Everytime Trinity peeps a sound, "here ... [snip!] ... peeps a sound, "here take your plug!" I rip it out of her hand! *thinking "bitch, was she fussin'? NO!, so leave her alone!"”

My FIL calls it that..and used it that way when I started having babies. I threw a fit..and am VERY firm about it.