A pacifier is an artificial nipple substitute made of rubber, silicone or plastic. There has been a lot of debate and discussion as to whether parents should allow their babies to use them.
Now, there really is not direct answer to this debate, and it is completely up to you as the parent to decide on whether you want to provide a pacifier for your baby.
Before you make an informed decision, it helps to know what the pros and cons of using a pacifier are.
The Pros and Cons of Using a Pacifier
Pacifiers, as their name suggests, are meant to provide your baby with something to suckle on in between feeding times.
Here are some of the pros they provide:
- They bring comfort: The suckling motion is soothing for babies. When you provide them something soft to suckle on, they are able to soothe themselves and stop crying.
- They provide stress-relief: If your baby is going for a vaccination shot, letting them have a pacifier is one way of ensuring that they have a way of soothing themselves
- They don’t cause teeth problems: Experts suggest that children should not use pacifiers beyond 3 years of age. The maximum usage should be 6 years so as to avoid any permanent effects on their teeth.
- They’re easier to stop: Unlike the practice of allowing your babies to suck on their thumbs, a pacifier can be removed from your baby much more easily.
Now, let’s look at the negative effects of using a pacifier that you may not know of:
- Prolonged use does cause dental issues: If you allow your child to use pacifiers for more than 3-6 years of their lives, this might cause their teeth to be misaligned.
- It can cause dependence: Some babies might become very dependent on pacifiers to the point of not being able to sleep without them.
- It can disrupt feeding times: Experts suggest not giving your child a pacifier until after the first month, especially if you’re breastfeeding. This is because the usage of pacifiers can disrupt the establishment of a feeding routine by causing confusion.
Top 10 Pacifiers to Soothe Your Little One
Kuku Duckbill Orthodontic Pacifier
The Kuku Duckbill Orthodontic Pacifier is crafted from high-quality, non-toxic silicone that is soft and durable.
It encourages natural nasal breathing, reducing the risk of bacteria entering through the mouth.
Designed for babies six months and older, it provides soothing comfort and satisfies the suck reflex.
Ideal for supporting healthy oral development.
Price: RM12.00
Where to buy: Motherhood.com.my – Kuku Duckbill Orthodontic Pacifier
Haakaa Silicone Pacifier
The Haakaa Silicone Pacifier mimics the natural shape of a mother’s breast, promoting comfortable and natural nasal breathing.
Its soft, ergonomic design prevents vacuum formation and leaves no marks on the baby’s face.
Made from BPA, PVC, and phthalate-free silicone, it meets FDA standards and is free from artificial colours. Suitable for babies three months and older.
Available in amber colour.
Price: RM59.00
Where to buy: Motherhood.com.my – Haakaa Silicone Pacifier – Amber
Chicco Physioforma Silicone Soother Soft Luxe
The innovative design features ventilation holes to enhance air circulation and a soft finish to soothe teething babies.
Its exclusive nipple shape positions the tongue forward, supporting open airways and physiological breathing.
Made from hygienic silicone, the Chicco Physioforma Silicone Soother Soft Luxe ensures oral development and is easy to sterilise.
Suitable for babies aged 2 to 6 months, available in green, grey, and orange.
Price: RM28.70
Where to buy: Motherhood.com.my – Chicco Physioforma Silicone Soother Soft Luxe
Puku Baby Pacifier Puku Petit
The Puku Baby Pacifier Puku Petit is perfect for newborns. This pacifier is BPA-free and meets US FDA safety standards.
The orthodontic design supports healthy oral development.
Easy to clean and sterilise before each use, it is available in pink and provides a safe and soothing option for your little one.
Price: RM12.60
Where to buy: Motherhood.com.my – Puku Baby Pacifier Puku Petit
Simba 3D Thumb Shape Pacifier – Simba Patent
Made from Japanese-imported food-grade silicone and certified for safety, the Simba 3D Thumb Shape Pacifier is perfect for babies six months and older.
Its unique thumb-shaped design ensures proper alignment of teeth and gums, even with prolonged use.
It includes a storage case to keep it clean.
Price: RM26.10
Where to buy: Motherhood.com.my – Simba 3D Thumb Shape Pacifier – Simba Patent
UPIS Pacifier (Stage 1)
Made from soft silicone, the UPIS Pacifier (Stage 1) pacifier mimics the feel of a mother’s touch, helping babies feel emotionally secure.
It supports the development of mouth functions and prevents finger-sucking behaviour.
Ideal for formula-fed or breastfed infants, it promotes stability and comfort.
Price: RM34.40
Where to buy: Motherhood.com.my – UPIS Pacifier (Stage 1)
Dr Brown’s Prevent Butterfly Shield Pacifier
Dr Brown’s Prevent Butterfly Shield Pacifier features a suction-free air channel.
This pacifier reduces pressure inside the mouth, lowering the risk of dental issues like crossbites.
The thin-stem design is minimally intrusive, and the suction-release bulb ensures comfort.
Suitable for babies aged 6 to 12 months, available in pink.
Price: RM20.75
Where to buy: Motherhood.com.my – Dr Brown’s Prevent Butterfly Shield Pacifier
Piyo Piyo Thumb Shape Pacifier (Orange)
The Piyo Piyo Thumb Shape Pacifier is designed to match a baby’s lips.
this thumb-shaped pacifier encourages natural sucking and jaw exercise to strengthen teeth.
It comes with a transparent cover for hygiene and is soft, odourless, and resistant to deformation.
A practical and durable choice.
Price: RM16.00
Where to buy: Motherhood.com.my – Piyo Piyo Thumb Shape Pacifier (Orange)
Sophie La Girafe 2 Silicone Pacifiers Set
This set includes two pacifiers featuring the adorable Sophie la Girafe design.
The physiological teat supports the natural development of the palate and jaw, while ventilation holes ensure maximum comfort.
A charming and functional choice for your baby’s well-being.
Price: RM59.90
Where to buy: Motherhood.com.my – Sophie La Girafe 2 Silicone Pacifiers Set
[Little B House] Newborn Nipple Baby Cartoon Silicone Sleeping Soft Silicone Pacifier
The Little B House Pacifier is designed to soothe newborns and aid in emotional stability.
Made from soft, non-toxic silicone, it mimics a mother’s nipple and fits the infant’s palate comfortably.
Its wide neck ensures easy use and promotes brain development through natural sucking motion.
Price: RM6.20
Where to buy: Motherhood.com.my – [Little B House] Newborn Nipple Baby Cartoon Silicone Sleeping Soft Silicone Pacifier
Use Pacifiers with Care
In conclusion, when you do give your baby a pacifier, make sure you keep them clean and safe.
Moreover, don’t force your baby to take it if they’re not interested and do not coat it with any food items, like sugar or honey.
Therefore, we can conclude that with careful usage of pacifiers, they can actually do more good than harm.
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