Sucking is a normal, natural habit for infants. A pacifier can satisfy this need and help to comfort and relax a baby. However, not all babies require a pacifier. It is better for a baby to suck on a pacifier than on a finger, toy, or blanket.
To prevent changes to the shape of a baby’s mouth, it is important to give a baby a pacifier that is soft enough to flatten out against the roof of the baby’s mouth during sucking. Continual use should be discouraged.
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When choosing a pacifier, look for one that is orthodontically approved. For safety reasons, one-piece designs are recommended. Avoid attaching a string to the pacifier to prevent possible strangulation. Check the pacifier regularly to ensure it is in good condition. Tears, cracks, or other signs of wear may make it unsafe for your baby to use.
Avoid coating pacifiers with sugar, honey, or any sweet substance as this can cause the baby’s teeth to decay. Honey and corn syrup may also contain spores that can cause food poisoning in infants under one year of age.
Sucking on fingers or thumbs is healthy and normal when children are infants. Most children stop somewhere between two and four years of age. The effects of thumb sucking are usually reversible up until the age of seven because children still have their deciduous (baby) teeth. If thumb sucking continues beyond the age of seven, when the second teeth are coming through, permanent dental problems can occur.