Dummy. Is it possible to do without it?

Dummy. Is it possible to do without it?

A pacifier is an item often used by modern mothers to soothe their babies. She becomes an indispensable companion in many situations when the child shows discomfort. However, the question arises: is a pacifier really necessary for the comfort and well-being of the child, or is it possible to do without it?

Many mothers reach for the pacifier when their baby begins to show signs of fussiness after feeding or before bed. It is also used when a child is sleeping outside and begins to wake up, while waiting at the clinic, or in other situations when the child needs to calm down. A pacifier becomes a life-saver when a child is upset, crying or trying to suck a fist or finger.

All these situations can be combined under one general concept – discomfort. The child experiences some anxiety and expresses it with signals, and the pacifier comes to the rescue to alleviate his condition.

To understand what a small child is looking for when he experiences discomfort, it is necessary to turn to his memories of the prenatal period. During this period, he was in warmth, darkness and cramped conditions, heard various sounds of the mother’s body and sucked his fist. After birth, when the child finds himself in uncomfortable conditions, he strives to create conditions as close as possible to those he experienced in the womb. He begins to squeak and look for an object to suck. Some babies can reach the fist, but most receive a pacifier or pacifier.

For a newborn baby, comfortable conditions are associated with being in the arms of the mother with the breast in the mouth. When a baby becomes restless and unsatisfied, mom can respond to his cues by picking him up and offering the breast. This creates a feeling of safety and comfort similar to what the baby felt inside the womb. He realizes that he now has a new place where he can find comfort, warmth, familiar sounds and smells, and where he can suck and solve his problems. This place is under the mother's breast, and the baby should go there when he needs it.

Some pediatricians may say that the sucking reflex in newborns is strong and will go away with age. However, this does not mean that a pacifier is a necessity for a child. The child may calm down and find comfort by sucking his finger or fist. If your baby is actively looking for something to suck on, you can offer him a clean finger or a clean tissue to satisfy his need. But it's important to remember that a pacifier should not replace a parent's physical presence and cuddles, as these are the primary source of safety and comfort for the baby.

It is also important to note that using a pacifier can have some negative consequences. Some studies suggest that long-term and frequent pacifier use may be associated with some problems in a child's speech and language development. In addition, pacifier use can become a habit and the baby may start demanding it at any time, which can create inconvenience for parents.

Ultimately, the decision to use or go without a pacifier is an individual decision for each family. If you choose to use a pacifier, try to limit the amount of time you use it and be mindful of giving your baby physical contact and closeness with you. It is important to find a balance between meeting the baby's needs and development without creating pacifier dependency.