When Should A Baby Stop Using A Dummy?
- Date: 2007-09-11 - Word Count: 590
Share This!
Many parents are anxious about their child using a dummy. Dummies have been criticised for their potential to damage baby teeth and many parents worry about their child being dependent on an object to sooth rather than learning to sooth themselves. But they can have some benefits too, say experts.
Past the age of two, dummies can begin to disrupt the alignment of secondary teeth. So experts advise against prolonged use. Also, studies have found that introducing dummies too early may interfere with breast-feeding. But dummies are not all bad.
Recent research has linked dummies to a reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Dr Soxman lists the pros and cons of dummies in the current issue of the Journal of General Dentistry. Several studies have linked dummy use before the age of one year to a lower risk of SIDS, which is most common between two and four months and in response to this the American Academy of Pediatrics recently released a statement recommending the use of pacifiers at naptime and bedtime through the first year of life (though not until after one month of age in breastfeeding infants).
Some research suggests that infants who sleep with a dummy sleep less deeply and may be roused more easily if their breathing stops. Also, studies have found that a dummy during painful procedures, like a vaccination shot, can ease a child's distress.
So the pros of dummies, Dr Soxman writes, "appear not only to justify their continued use in infants and toddlers but to support it."
However, many breastfeeding organisations dispute the claim that dummies are helpful to a baby. They would point out that frequent nighttime breastfeeding has the same effect of producing lighter sleep in a baby. They also argue that a baby gets far more in the way of comfort from sucking on its mother's breast than it does sucking on a dummy.
Dummies are a contentious issue with entrenched camps on both sides. However, if you do allow your child to suck on a dummy you should be aware of the right and wrong ways of using a dummy.
First, experts, like the American Academy of Pediatrics, suggest waiting until your baby has been breast-feeding for at least a month before trying a dummy. Breastfeeding is cruscial at this stage with both mother and child learning how tobreastfeed. Waiting a while may cut the chances of interfering with successful breast-feeding.
So, when should you wean your child off the dummy?
Dr Luke Matranga, a past president of the Academy of General Dentistry and an associate professor at Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska recommends "The age of 2 is a good guideline". He goes on to say that problems with baby teeth or underlying bones could still correct themselves when a child stopped using a dummy by age two or three.
Also, the use of dummies may be preferable to thumb-sucking, which can do more damage to the dental structures and is a harder habit to break, according to Dr Matranga. Thumb sucking doesn't cause tooth decay. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria, not sucking.
Ideally, dummies should be used only when an infant is falling asleep, instead of all day long.
To reduce chances of choking, parents should stop the use of dummies when they show signs of deterioration in the nipple, and choose dummies with ventilation holes in the shield. Finally, clean you baby's dummy after use: wash in soap and water and never put the pacifier in your own mouth to clean it.
Past the age of two, dummies can begin to disrupt the alignment of secondary teeth. So experts advise against prolonged use. Also, studies have found that introducing dummies too early may interfere with breast-feeding. But dummies are not all bad.
Recent research has linked dummies to a reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Dr Soxman lists the pros and cons of dummies in the current issue of the Journal of General Dentistry. Several studies have linked dummy use before the age of one year to a lower risk of SIDS, which is most common between two and four months and in response to this the American Academy of Pediatrics recently released a statement recommending the use of pacifiers at naptime and bedtime through the first year of life (though not until after one month of age in breastfeeding infants).
Some research suggests that infants who sleep with a dummy sleep less deeply and may be roused more easily if their breathing stops. Also, studies have found that a dummy during painful procedures, like a vaccination shot, can ease a child's distress.
So the pros of dummies, Dr Soxman writes, "appear not only to justify their continued use in infants and toddlers but to support it."
However, many breastfeeding organisations dispute the claim that dummies are helpful to a baby. They would point out that frequent nighttime breastfeeding has the same effect of producing lighter sleep in a baby. They also argue that a baby gets far more in the way of comfort from sucking on its mother's breast than it does sucking on a dummy.
Dummies are a contentious issue with entrenched camps on both sides. However, if you do allow your child to suck on a dummy you should be aware of the right and wrong ways of using a dummy.
First, experts, like the American Academy of Pediatrics, suggest waiting until your baby has been breast-feeding for at least a month before trying a dummy. Breastfeeding is cruscial at this stage with both mother and child learning how tobreastfeed. Waiting a while may cut the chances of interfering with successful breast-feeding.
So, when should you wean your child off the dummy?
Dr Luke Matranga, a past president of the Academy of General Dentistry and an associate professor at Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska recommends "The age of 2 is a good guideline". He goes on to say that problems with baby teeth or underlying bones could still correct themselves when a child stopped using a dummy by age two or three.
Also, the use of dummies may be preferable to thumb-sucking, which can do more damage to the dental structures and is a harder habit to break, according to Dr Matranga. Thumb sucking doesn't cause tooth decay. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria, not sucking.
Ideally, dummies should be used only when an infant is falling asleep, instead of all day long.
To reduce chances of choking, parents should stop the use of dummies when they show signs of deterioration in the nipple, and choose dummies with ventilation holes in the shield. Finally, clean you baby's dummy after use: wash in soap and water and never put the pacifier in your own mouth to clean it.
Related Tags: health, family, teeth, dental, parenting, baby, family health, teething, child health, baby teething
Follow the links for more about teething symptoms, teething remedies and general baby teething advice. Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Top Riding Toys For 201
Children love the excitement and adventure that can be found by cruising on their own ride on toy. W - Picking the Best Size Bike For Your Child
Bicycling can be a great way for your child to get a little extra exercise. Learning to ride a bike - How to Help Your Kids Through Difficult Events
Even as a child or adolescent we may face challenging times when things seem to be crashing down aro - How to Make Your Home Safe For a Young Child
New parents often spend weeks preparing their home for the arrival of their new baby. While there is - 4 Things to Know Before You Buy a Diaper Bag
Some things to keep in mind before you purchase the diaper bag are the following: material, the cost - Exciting Food Suggestions For Kids
Making kids eat healthy food is a big task every mother goes through. With kids pre-occupied with pl - Add Modern Touches to Your Toddler's Room With Modern Toddler Bedding
Decorating a child's room presents parents with several different challenges simultaneously: Choosin - When Should You Be Concerned About Your Baby's Health?
Your baby's health is one of the most important and delicate things that you have to keep abreast of - Having a Happy and Healthy Baby With the Benefits of Baby Massage
Mothers have known for centuries the benefits of baby massage, the world over. In many Asian countri - Diaper Bags And Their Uses
Parents usually need to take diaper bags along with them if they out on a trip. Especially, if the b
Most viewed articles in this category:
- The Perfect Parent...Who Are We Kidding?
I get the feeling that there are a lot of moms and dads out there that feel they're not measuring up - Partial Breastfeeding - Should I Even Bother?
For some women, feeding a baby with breastmilk alone is not possible. The reasons for this vary. For - Skateboarding In The Eighties To The Present
Skateboarding traces its roots to the seventies but it really reached the peak of its popularity in - How Breastfeeding Benefits A Daddy
You know that breastfeeding is best for mother and child, but what's in it for Dad? Isn't he going t - Child-Appropriate Costumes: Violence, Sexuality, And Insensitivity
So your daughter wants to be Wonder Woman for Hallowe'en, or your son wants to be Batman. They're bo - The Evolution Of Vitamin B5 For Acne
I came across the benefits of Vitamin B5 6 years ago whilst searching for an acne treatment that act - Depression And Teens - Six Signs That Your Child May Be Suffering From Depression
Most people are now aware of the seriousness of depression. This has become much more common and mor - Parenting Teenager - Take Time For Your Teen!
BookWire's "Year in Reviews Magazine," December 2006 issue, lists a review of my book "Help Me With - Why It's Important To Follow A Healthy Diet When Pregnant
Pregnancy is one of the most physically enduring times in our lives, and it is more important than e - Sleep Separation And Your Child
It seems harmless enough, lying down with your child while he goes to sleep, but it could be that sl