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The Advantages and Disadvantages of Pacifier Use
Dede Çinar
Assistant Professor, Sakarya University, School of Health Sciences, Sakarya, Turkey
Abstract
The most powerful reflex of the infant in the weeks following the birth is sucking. Babies that can not be breast-fed may satisfy their sucking instinct by using pacifiers. Pacifier use and digit sucking are believed to be harmless habits.
In many places in the world, and especially in developing countries pacifier use in early childhood is very common. It is said that pacifier use eases the baby and satisfies its natural sucking instinct. Furthermore, it has been reported by several studies that pacifier use reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).The most important risks of this non-nutritive sucking habit are failure of breast-feeding, dental deformities, recurrent acute otitis media, and the possibility of accidents.
The development of latex allergy, tooth decay, oral ulcers and sleep disorders are other problems noted to be encountered with pacifier use. Parents may hesitate about using pacifiers for their babies and consult nurses or midwifes on this issue. In this article, the advantages and disadvantages of pacifier use are discussed with the aim of providing guidance to nurses and midwifes working in the field of paediatrics and infant health.
Keywords
infant, sucking instinct, pacifier use, advantages, disadvantages
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