Welcome to our blog post on the delicate dilemma between thumb and pacifier!
Whatever the method, both solutions - pacifier and thumb - can appease your baby's natural need to suck your baby's natural need to suck. Let's take a look at the different points to consider before buying a pacifier.
CONTENTS :
- Where does the need to suck come from?
- The benefits of sucking on your child
- Thumb advantages and disadvantages
- The advantages of a pacifier
- Combine the pacifier with a pacifier clip for perfect autonomy
- When should a pacifier be introduced and stopped?
- Which pacifier to choose?
- Why provide several teats?
- So, thumb or pacifier?
Where does the need to suck come from?
The need to suck is an archaic reflex, originating at the very limits of intra-uterine life. This practice, established even before birth, is an instinctive instinctive necessity for the infant.
And it's not just for humans. In many primate species, babies have been observed sucking their thumbs.
The benefits of sucking on your child
The suckingwhether soothed by a comforting thumb or a beloved pacifier, plays a fundamental role in your child's well-being. As well as calming cries and satisfying a natural need, sucking activates the release of release of endorphinsthe happy hormones that bring a feeling of deep relaxation.
In addition to its immediate soothing effect, sucking contributes to emotional development 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 acts as a regulator.
It has been proven to reduces stress levels in infants. In anxiety-provoking situations, sucking acts as a self-soothing mechanism, offering a natural way of coping with worrying situations. Some paediatricians ask mothers to put their babies to the breast or give them the Pacifier during the administration of vaccines, for example.
Thumb advantages and disadvantages
As you can imagine, the thumb's main advantage comes down to its availability available. Children can suck their thumb whenever they want, without having to wait for a parent or relative to give it to them, which is not the case with a pacifier.
Babies are also more likely to take their thumbs out of their mouths when they want to express themselves than they would with a pacifier. This suggests that the thumb is less of an obstacle to language developmentThe thumb is therefore less of a hindrance to language development, unless the child becomes unable to do without it as he or she grows. There are, of course, a number of disadvantages, such as dependency.
The trouble with toddlers who become thumb-dependent is that they also fall victim to dental problems problems.
In addition, some children who suck their thumb late (= after the age of 3) will potentially need to consult a speech therapist to resolve speech problems (lisping, etc.) directly linked to poor tongue placement due to thumb sucking.
The advantages of a pacifier
As a reassuring object, the pacifier offers a series of advantages, providing both parents and baby with comfort and practicality.
- It responds to a natural need and thus becomes an ally for parents in managing moments of distress.
- The pacifier helps babies fall asleep more easily. Soothed by sucking, they fall asleep more quickly.
- According to several studies, pacifiers reduce the risk of cot death.
- Sucking causes the release of endorphins, a hormone of well-being, pleasure and happiness that brings the child the soothing he needs.
Combine the pacifier with a pacifier clip for perfect autonomy
Children's dependence on pacifiers can be moderated by the judicious use of complementary accessories, such as pacifier clips.
The latter, often elegantly decorated and designed to be totally secure, make for a harmonious whole. Above all, they prevent the pacifier from falling on the floor and getting dirty. Baby thus takes his first steps towards autonomy ! 🤗
When should a pacifier be introduced and stopped?
Wait six weeks
If you're interested in acquiring a pacifier, we recommend waiting until your baby is at least 6 weeks old, especially if breast-feeding is planned. During this period, infants are familiarizing themselves with sucking at their mother's breast, and introducing a pacifier too early can lead to confusion that will disrupt the breast-feeding process.
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Elhée tip The first few times, your baby may not be totally seduced by the pacifier you hand 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 pacifiers before starting school
It's common practice to discourage pacifier use before starting school. This decision will prevent your child's linguistic development from being hindered by excessive pacifier use. Indeed, prolonged use can sometimes interfere with the correct formation of the sounds and movements needed for speech.
In addition, jaw growth and tooth layout may also be adversely affected. beyond the age of three years.
Use pacifiers sparingly
For example, during naps, nights and times when baby needs to be soothed, but not all day long.
Babies need toexperimentBabies need to experiment, babble and put things in their mouths to discover the world around them. The constant presence of a pacifier can put the brakes on their exploratory impulse!
Which pacifier to choose?
When it comes to choosing the ideal pacifier model for your baby, there are several considerations to guide your decision to ensure his comfort and well-being.
A physiological teat
Physiological teats are preferable to anatomical teats, i.e. those with a flat side positioned against the tongue and a curved side towards the roof of the mouth. This type of teat is recommended by orthodontists, as it adapts best to the child's oral cavity and contributes to its healthy development.
Choosing an extra-fine teat
To minimize the risk of disturbing the correct alignment of the teeth, we recommend choosing a teat with the thinnest possible nipple. nipple as thin as possible. By doing so, you'll promote mouth closure even when the Pacifier is in use. The aim is to respect the natural position of your baby's teeth, and avoid potential disruptions to their development by reducing the risk of dental gaps (deformation of the teeth and jaw).
Using a pacifier with a neck that's too wide (or a thumb, for that matter) can lead to poor positioning of the teeth and jaw, leading to gaps between the child's teeth in the future.
A pacifier adapted to the child's age
Naturally, the pacifier must be adapted to your baby's age. Opting for an age-appropriate teat also guarantees maximum comfort and contributes to your baby's well-being while sucking. It also prevents the risk of injury to the corners of the mouth.
A medical-grade silicone teat that's almost as natural as your baby's thumb!
Choose a medical-grade silicone teat! Medical-grade silicone is renowned for being 100% healthy for babies, as well as for its durability. The material generates no plastic micro- or nanoparticles into your child's body when sucking.
Medical silicone feeding bottles: 100% healthy and free from endocrine disruptors
Why provide several teats?
Having several pacifiers on hand comes in handy in the event 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 glitch! You'll avoid the frustration of searching for a missing pacifier, and ensure constant availability...
So, thumb or pacifier?
There is no universally better choice between the thumb and the pacifier. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages.
Chez Elhéewe design extra-fine physiological teats in medical silicone to offer babies THE most optimal Pacifier possible.
Élhée pacifiers are entirely entirely made in France.
To find out more about our teats, visit our store !
