Choosing a pacifier can be an overwhelming task if you are not sure of what pacifier is best for your baby. There are many pacifiers on the market to choose from, ranging in colors, shapes, and design. In purchasing products for babies, parents tend to choose the cutest products, which is not always best for the baby.

There are a few things you need to consider when choosing a pacifier. The first question you need to ask yourself is “are you breast feeding?” If the answer is yes, you want to avoid angled pacifiers as they encourage poor latching.

Second, it is important that make sure that pacifiers are BPA, PVC, and Phthalate free to avoid contaminating liquids inside. We recommend getting a pacifier that meets these two requirements, like the GumDrop Pacifier. It has a nipple shape that replicates the mother’s nipple, making it the most natural transition from breast to pacifier. The GumDrop is similar to the popular Soothie Pacifier, but has one added benefit in that it has a contoured fit and stays clear of the baby’s nose. It is a one-piece silicone pacifier that is easy to clean and has no small parts.

All this, makes the GumDrop Pacifier the perfect pacifier for your baby.

Should I give my baby a pacifier?

As a parent it is important to consider whether giving your baby a pacifier is the right choice. Given the many opinions, it is understandable why many parents are uncertain.

On one hand, most babies are born with a strong sucking reflex. Sucking has soothing and calming effects that go beyond nutritional benefits. Therefore, pacifiers can be great tools to get through a tantrum and achieve a night of sleep (a rare commodity for many parents). On the other hand, overuse of pacifiers can lead your baby to become dependent, thereby diminishing his or her ability to soothe independently.

Prior to giving your baby a pacifier, consider the following pros and cons.

Pros:

• Soothing effect: babies tend to be the happiest when sucking on something.
• Great distraction: pacifiers take the attention off stressful events like getting a shot at the doctors.
• Great for flights: pacifiers help babies swallow, which prevents their ears from popping during a flight.
• Reduces the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome): Researchers have found a decrease in SIDS in babies using pacifiers.

Cons:

• Interfere with breastfeeding: giving your baby a pacifier too soon may encourage poor latching.
• Dependence: the baby may become dependent on the pacifier to calm down or sleep.
• Ear infections: pacifiers are linked to increases in middle ear infections.
• Dental problems: prolonged use of a pacifier may lead teeth to slant outward.

While using a pacifier like the GumDrop can be a savior at times, it is important to not become trigger happy in deploying the pacifier. While it is an easy fix, remember that there are many ways to calm your baby, such as swaddling, rocking, and singing.

Conclusion: Get the GumDrop Pacifier, but don’t overuse.