Welcome to this article of our blog dedicated to the delicate dilemma between thumb and pacifier!
Regardless of the method, know that both solutions - pacifier and thumb - can soothe your baby's natural need to suck . Let's go through the different points to consider before embarking on the purchase of a pacifier.
SUMMARY :
- Where does the need for sucking come from?
- The benefits of sucking on your child
- Advantages of the thumb and its disadvantages
- The benefits of the pacifier
- Combine the pacifier with a pacifier clip for perfect autonomy
- When to introduce and then stop using the pacifier?
- Which pacifier model should I choose?
- Why provide multiple pacifiers?
- So, thumb or pacifier?
Where does the need for sucking come from?
The need to suck is an archaic reflex and finds its origin in the very confines of intrauterine life. This practice, established even before birth, is an instinctive necessity for the infant.
It is not just for humans. In many species of primates, babies have been observed sucking their thumbs.
The benefits of sucking on your child
Sucking , whether soothed by a comforting thumb or a beloved pacifier, plays a fundamental role in your child's well-being. In addition to calming crying and meeting a natural need, sucking activates the release of endorphins , those happy hormones that provide a feeling of deep relaxation.
Beyond its immediate calming effect, sucking contributes to the child's emotional development . It creates a strong emotional bond between you and your baby. Sucking reinforces the feeling of security and comfort. This emotional connection will have positive long-term repercussions on the child's psychological development.
In addition, suction also plays the role of regulator.
It has been proven to reduce stress levels in infants. During anxiety-provoking situations, sucking acts as a self-soothing mechanism by providing a natural way to cope with worrying situations. Some pediatricians ask mothers to breastfeed their babies or give them a pacifier during vaccinations, for example.
Advantages of the thumb and its disadvantages
As you might expect, the main advantage of the thumb is its constant availability . The child can suck his thumb whenever he wants, without waiting for one of his parents or relatives to give it to him, which is not the case with a pacifier.
Babies would also tend to remove their thumb from their mouth more often when they want to express themselves than they would with a pacifier. The thumb would therefore be less of a hindrance in the development of language , unless the child can no longer do without it as they grow. There are indeed some disadvantages, such as dependence .
The problem with a toddler becoming dependent on his thumb is that he also becomes a victim of problematic dental problems .
In addition, some children who start sucking their thumb late (= after 3 years old) will potentially need to consult a speech therapist to resolve speech problems (lisping, etc.) directly linked to poor placement of the tongue due to the thumb.
The benefits of the pacifier
The pacifier, as a reassuring object, has a series of advantages, offering both comfort and practicality to parents and their baby.
- It responds to a natural need for sucking and thus becomes an ally for parents in managing moments of distress.
- The pacifier helps the baby fall asleep more easily. Soothed by the sucking, he falls asleep more quickly.
- According to several studies, pacifiers reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
- Sucking causes the release of endorphins, a hormone of well-being, pleasure and happiness which brings the child the calm he needs.
Combine the pacifier with a pacifier clip for perfect autonomy
A child's dependence on a pacifier can be moderated by the judicious use of complementary accessories, such as pacifier clips.
The latter, often elegantly decorated and designed in a completely secure way, allow the whole to be harmoniously linked. These additional objects above all prevent the pacifier from falling on the ground and getting dirty. Baby thus takes his first steps through autonomy ! 🤗
When to introduce and then stop using the pacifier?
Wait six weeks
If you are interested in acquiring a pacifier, we recommend waiting until your baby is at least 6 weeks old, especially if breastfeeding is planned. During this period, the infant is becoming familiar with sucking at the mother's breast and introducing the pacifier too early can lead to confusion that will disrupt the breastfeeding process.
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Elhée Tip The first few times, your baby may not be completely won over by the pacifier you offer him. Give him time to get used to it gradually, without forcing him. A few drops of milk on the tip of the pacifier may convince him that this object is worth testing. |
Gradually remove the pacifier before starting school
It is common to discourage pacifier use before entering school. This decision will prevent your child's language development from being hampered by excessive pacifier use. In fact, prolonged use can sometimes interfere with the correct formation of the sounds and movements needed for speech.
In addition, jaw growth and tooth arrangement may also be negatively impacted beyond the child's third birthday.
Use the pacifier sparingly
For example, during naps, at night and at times when baby needs to be soothed but not all day long.
Babies need to experiment , babble, put things in their mouths to discover the world around them. The constant presence of the pacifier risks slowing down their exploratory drive!
Which pacifier model should I choose?
When it comes to choosing the ideal pacifier model for your baby, there are several considerations that can guide your decision to ensure their comfort and well-being.
A physiological pacifier
Choose physiological pacifiers over anatomical pacifiers: that is, those with a flat side that is positioned against the tongue and a curved side towards the palate. This shape of pacifier is recommended by orthodontists because it adapts best to the child's oral cavity and contributes to their proper development.
Choosing an extra-thin pacifier
To minimize the risk of disrupting the proper alignment of the teeth, we advise you to choose a pacifier with the thinnest possible nipple . By doing so, you will promote mouth closure even when the pacifier is used. The goal is to respect the natural position of your baby's teeth, and to avoid potential disruptions in their development by reducing the risk of dental gaps (deformation of the teeth and jaw).
Using a pacifier with too wide a neck (or thumb, for that matter) can cause the teeth and jaw to be in poor position, and lead to spaces between the teeth in the child in the future.
A pacifier adapted to the child's age
The pacifier must of course be adapted to your baby's age. Choosing a pacifier that corresponds to the age again guarantees maximum comfort and contributes to their well-being during sucking. This also prevents the risk of injuries to the corners of the lips.
A medical grade silicone pacifier, almost as natural as your baby's thumb!
Opt for a medical grade silicone pacifier! Medical grade silicone is indeed known to be 100% healthy for babies, as well as for its durability. The material does not generate any micro or nano plastic particles in your child's body when sucking.
Medical silicone baby bottle: 100% healthy and free of endocrine disruptors
Why provide multiple pacifiers?
Having several pacifiers is useful in case of loss or wear. Babies are often very attached to their pacifiers, and having several on hand guarantees a replacement solution in case of a problem! This will avoid the frustration of searching for a missing pacifier and ensure constant availability…
So, thumb or pacifier?
There is no universally better choice between thumb and pacifier. Both options have advantages and disadvantages.
Please note that at Elhée , we design extra-fine physiological pacifiers made from medical silicone to offer babies THE most optimal pacifier possible.
The manufacturing of Élhée lollipops is entirely made in France .
To learn more about our pacifiers, visit our store !
