The best pacifiers for breastfed babies can help calm a crying baby, but the problem lies in choosing the most suitable one for your child.
There are many options to go for, but parents usually seek the ones that feel almost as natural as the nipple.
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There are different types and makes of pacifiers, and no doubt, all don’t feel the same or have similar pros and cons. But even babies are selective of the pacifiers they use. So, you will need to try a handful of pacifiers before choosing the most suitable one for your child.
What are the types of pacifiers?
Based on the materials used in production, pacifiers are of two types: silicones and latex. Like you know, silicone is a synthetic material, and the pacifier produced from it will undergo a chemical process.
Latex, on the other hand, is a natural material gotten from the sap of a rubber tree. It is eco-friendly and does not particularly undergo any serious chemical processes.
However, silicone pacifiers are more sturdy and long-lasting than latex, but latex is soft and breaks down easily. However, most parents still prefer to go for latex because of its natural origin and lesser chemical processes. Also, latex is softer than silicone, which is why they break down pretty quickly. But since their costs don’t break the bank, it doesn’t hurt to buy a couple.
Though latex pacifiers may sound good for your baby, remember that some people may be allergic to latex. However, this is extremely rare. But you still need to rule out that your baby is not allergic to it before feeding them with latex pacifiers. If your baby is, quickly turn to silicones.
What is an orthodontic pacifier?
You must have seen this description on many pacifier packs and may wonder, what in the world does an orthodontic pacifier mean?
Well, an orthodontic pacifier saves you from the wails and tears of your baby while still giving the baby the chance to grow natural teeth.
You were right when you wondered if pacifiers could hinder the proper development of your baby’s jaw. However, orthodontic pacifiers take care of that concern.
This pacifier allows your baby’s tip and bottom jaw to be correctly positioned when the pacifier is in their mouth so that it does not hinder their natural development.
Pacifiers come in different sizes, and you should increase the size you choose, and your baby grows. Your baby should use bigger pacifiers at three and six months. You will find the exact size for your baby on the pack.
How do I know orthodontic pacifiers?
This is not difficult to find as they make up most of the pacifiers in the market.
You will quickly identify one by looking at the pack. If you see a writing “orthodontic pacifier,” know that you have gotten the right one.
Best pacifiers for breastfed babies
Why choose it?
This one-piece best pacifier for breastfed babies is made for BPA-free medical-grade silicone and is very healthy for babies between zero and three months. There are also larger sizes that work well for older babies.
They are available in the bright and attractive colors of your baby.
Being distributed in hospitals in every part of the world, their shields are shaped like the heart. This shape will give your baby’s nose the room to breathe while sucking. Also, this shape makes the pacifier more stable since it curves to your baby’s face.
Above all, these pacifiers are very affordable as you can get two for $5.99 on amazon. They are also cost-effective to buy in bulk.
What’s the con?
There are not many disadvantages of using this pacifier, but the first challenge is that this particular pacifier is only suitable for babies from zero to three months. Older babies will have to use the larger version.
Another is that moms expressed their concerns over their babies’ fingers being stuck to the holes of the pacifier.
Why choose it?
This product is one of the best pacifiers for breastfed babies, and is made of silicone and feels almost as natural as the mama’s nipple. They are easy to clean in the microwave and are attachable to your diaper bag.
If you have been losing many pacifiers, this may be the right choice for you. It will stay safe for a longer time when you drop it in the case and stow it in your diaper bag.
This product is one of the top-rated pacifiers on amazon, and it stands out because of its unique feature: it glows in the dark. So you will not need light before identifying w
Also, it has large air holes that help reduce skin irritation. You know that when babies suck, saliva drools out of their mouth. But since this pacifier has a curved shield that bumps on the inner surface and prevents the pacifier from being well aligned with your baby’s face, the saliva will not be trapped against their skin.
What’s the con?
Most customers complained that the unique, attractive glow does not last very long. This was rather disappointing since pacifiers are not used longer than a few months, and not staying for that duration is a no.
Also, even when the light glows, it can be very weak that you barely notice it.
Above all, there is no ring to hold the pacifier. Though this is not a problem for parents who don’t attach any loop to their pacifiers, others found this disappointing. However, this will save you the possibility of your baby’s finger getting stuck.
Why get it?
These best pacifiers for breastfed babies are closer in resemblance to the natural nipple in terms of shape. There are no sharp angles as this pacifier only has natural curves.
If you are a mother that needs a smooth transition from breast to pacifier before introducing a bottle, you should try this pacifier.
It is made from soft silicone material and is suitable for easy latching; it gives the natural feel of the skin. Also, it is not difficult to find bottles with nipples that suit the features of the pacifier; hence, your child won’t go through dramatic changes.
Another significant advantage is that the shield is easy for the baby to grasp and develop good motor skills.
What’s the con?
There are no harms, but some parents frowned when they discovered that the pacifiers did not match the bottle nipple. The company did not take this as a surprise since the bottle nipple was made with different coordinates that should make it easier to draw milk than pacifiers that are just made for fun.
Why get it?
Firstly, these pacifiers are very cheap as two of them cost only $3.19 on amazon. They are available in many sizes, and you can just adopt them as your baby grows.
It is a one-piece pacifier that is made of BPA-free, latex-free silicone and is available in many beautiful colors.
They are recommended for newborn babies. It has a broad base that makes it difficult for newborns to suck on the entire thing and choke.
Also, this pacifier is one of the “hospital’s choices” of best pacifiers for breastfed babies as it is the most distributed pacifier in hospitals in the United States.
What’s the con?
Like the first, moms complain that their baby’s finger gets stuck in the hole. Also, some babies refuse to suck on them because of their shape and rigidity. Little wonder, it quickly falls out of their mouths.
Another con is that this pacifier has a large shield and can only be used for babies between 0 and 3 months. If your baby is older, you need to buy new ones.
Why get it?
The most specific feature of this pacifier is that it is dual functioning. You can use it as a pacifier or retract the nipple and use it as a teether. Better than getting them separately, huh?
This one-piece pacifier/teether is also made from safe 100% BPA-free medical-grade silicone. The material is very soft and similar to the natural nipple.
It is available in many attractive colors, and it can easily attach to any desired pacifier clip.
This pacifier also has breathing holes to help enhance airflow.
What’s the con?
Many babies may not like it because the pacifier sticks out, and the writing faces them. Though some parents like the softness of the pacifier, others complained that it is too soft and breaks quickly.
Though not long-lasting, the pacifier is expensive and comes as a set of 1. Just one of these pacifiers costs $11.99 on Amazon.
FAQS
Will pacifiers hinder breastfeeding?
Sucking on mom’s breast and a pacifier does not feel the same. The process involves different actions from dozens of muscles on your baby’s face. If care is not taken, your baby may develop nipple confusion.
This means that your baby may get to like the best pacifier for breastfed babies more and not suck much from your breast. This, as you know, will affect your long-term milk supply as your breast does not receive enough stimulation to keep producing milk.
You need to establish breastfeeding before introducing pacifiers or bottles to your little one. It may take about three to four weeks to establish breastfeeding fully.
However, you can use pacifiers earlier if your baby is sick, premature, or has other special conditions.
Will pacifiers affect the way my baby latches?
Even the best pacifiers for breastfed babies are not as soft and pliable as your nipples are. Introducing them earlier to the child may confuse your child on how to latch on your more delicate nipples after tasting the firmer pacifier.
To avoid this, still, wait until after you have firmly established breastfeeding.
When is the best time to introduce pacifiers?
It is essential to wait until you have successfully established breastfeeding and noticed that your baby is consistently gaining weight before introducing pacifiers. Some parents may also wait until they are 6 weeks or more postpartum before introducing the piece.
What if my baby does not like pacifiers?
Some babies do not like even the best pacifiers for breastfed babies, no matter the type you come up with. They will just prefer to suck on their tongue when your breast is out.
Nevertheless, you can keep trying different types and makes of pacifiers before concluding that your baby does not like pacifiers. They are cheap enough, and the love you have for your baby does not make buying so much a crime.
Why should I use a pacifier for my child?
Though people feel differently about using pacifiers for their children, I believe the best pacifiers for breastfed babies can be very helpful in some situations. Here are some reasons you may want to use a pacifier for your child:
- Pacifiers can help reduce your child’s risk of sudden infant deaths (SID) by preventing them from sleeping too deeply.
- Pacifiers are soothing to fussy babies
- It can help comfort NCU babies when they are separated from their mothers.
- They are a good form of distraction for babies and can be used during a painful procedure like a blood test or immunization.
- A pacifier can help your child feel more comfortable during a flight
- It can help your baby fall asleep when they cannot settle down. It is also helpful for keeping the baby calm when you are in the car and unable to breastfeed.
- Pacifiers will keep your child from developing thumb-sucking habits. Since they are disposable, you can stop whenever you wish.
I could go on and on, but in the summary of all of these, pacifiers are that savior you need when you are desperately in need of sleep or time for yourself.
Is there anything to consider before using pacifiers?
Yes, even the best pacifiers for breastfed babies are not all good, and you need to consider the following cons before using them with your baby.
- Pacifiers make babies release sleeping hormones, just like breastfeeding does. So when not well-timed, your baby can sleep when they shouldn’t, and this can hinder their feeding routine
- Pacifiers have been proven to increase a child’s risk of middle ear infections. However, the rate of middle ear infection is low when a child is between 0 to 6 months. Interestingly, this is the time when babies are at the highest risk of SIDs, desperately need to use a pacifier
- Using a pacifier for more than two years (whether it is orthodontic or not) can cause dental problems for your child. The most commonly caused problem is teeth misalignment.
- Your child may become dependent on pacifiers and find it difficult to sleep without them. You may also be faced with midnight cries when the pacifier has fallen off.
What are the dos and don’ts of using a pacifier?
When using a pacifier for your baby, it is essential you consider these tips:
- Don’t use pacifiers as the first line of defense against fussiness. It is best to rule it out as hunger. Feeding your baby when they are fussy will help them gain weight, and you can miss this chance if you trust your pacifier to do the job
- Only use pacifiers in between feeding and do not use them as a replacement or a method of prolonging feeding time
- Latex allergies are on the rise in children, so it may be safer to use silicone products first
- Do not sugar-coat the pacifier before giving it to your baby
- If your baby does not want the pacifier, do not force it
- Go for straight ones instead of the curved
- Go for one piece, dishwasher-friendly pacifiers. Two-piece pacifiers can cause your child to choke if they break.
- Always inspect the pacifier for deteriorations before giving them to your baby as they can choke your baby when they break.
- Your baby’s immune system will still be maturing for six months. Until then, boil the pacifier or clean it with a dishwasher
- Avoid pacifiers with liquids in between or gadgets
- Always use the right size of a pacifier for your child.
- Stick to your child’s favorite pacifier
- Avoid attaching long strings to pacifiers; they could get caught around the baby’s neck.
When should I stop using pacifiers?
Stopping the use of pacifiers differs from child to child. But generally, it is advised to prevent children from using pacifiers between the age of 2 and 4.
This is because using pacifiers at that age will increase your child’s risk of developing malocclusions.
However, stopping the use of pacifiers when your child is six months can help reduce their risk of developing a middle ear infection.
Besides this, you should discontinue the use of pacifiers if you notice any of the following:
- Your child is not feeding as often as they should. Newborns should feed not less than 8 times a day
- Your baby is not gaining weight
- You are having troubles with milk supplies
- Your baby refuses to breastfeed
- Your baby has nipple confusion and finds it difficult to breastfeed, or you develop sore nipples.
- You or your baby have thrush
Conclusion
Pacifiers are great for comforting babies and weaning them. Weaning a child off a pacifier is not difficult; it is not more than throwing it out of the trash.
As stated above, the best pacifiers for breastfed babies can help prevent SIDs and other discomforts, but you should remember to apply them with caution to avoid your baby getting hurt.
I can say that motherhood got easier when pacifiers entered the market!
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