Pacifiers

Gemma - posted on 08/22/2010

my daughter was a week old when i gave her a pacifier, i didn't really want her to have anything but she needed it and as soon as she was given one she seemed a lot happier and settled well!!! there is no age restrictions on giving a pacifier!

Wendy - posted on 08/22/2010

My son was born 4 weeks early and didn't have the suck/swallow/breathe pattern down. The hospital gave him the Soothe pacifer to both pacify and "teach" him to suck. I alternated bottle and breastfeeding, so I can tell you there was no nipple confusion.

Kalie - posted on 07/31/2010

way to early as nipple confussion could be the end result. wait at least 4 weeks so they can identify the difference between your breast and the pacifier

Jessica - posted on 07/30/2010

My daughter was a 24/7 feeder. She was fine. She just didn't want anything but to nurse. She was also a high stress pregnancy and still gets very emotional to this day (she is 4 1/2). She had a pacifier of about a month starting at about 2 months old and then decided that she didn't want it anymore and that was that. My son on the other hand he was about a week old and he had a pacifier for about a month as well. He was not however a high stress pregnancy. Did you know that some babies get a pacifier as the first thing put in their mouth instead of a bottle or tit? Your going to do just fine. Just trust yourself. My husband was giving our daughter some food he had warmed up. He didn't stir it and only felt the container. (I wasn't in the room to watch this) He gave her a spoonful and she started crying instantly. He grabbed a bottle and tried to get her to drink but thank God I was there and got my finger in there and scooped it out of her mouth. I didn't know that is what I was supposed to do I just did it. My daughter was fine. She didn't want to eat soilds for the rest of the day but I really didn't blame her. Moral: Mistakes are going to be made. Learn from them. You will do just fine! :)

Priya - posted on 07/30/2010

It doesn't matter. There are pacifiers that have been designed as the nipple. Pacifiers and good for baby's jaws too. Its never to late to start.

Meridith - posted on 07/30/2010

I had the exact same problem with my son. He did eat a lot, but I was breastfeeding and supplementing with formula because he wasn't getting enough from me. I had to give him a pacifier to calm him down for naps and such so he wouldn't want to over-feed. I only gave it to him when I needed him to have it. He didn't use it anymore after about 3 months old.

Ashley - posted on 07/30/2010

Hi, I gave a pacifierto my son at 2 1/2 weeks old. He was sucking as a comfort thing and he would cry and cry if he did not have something to suck on. the one thing i wish someone had asked me was if i was ready for the weaning OF the pacifier? if you can handle the crying when it is time to cut it down to sleep time only then i think only you cann make that choice. It may be early to think about teeth but i have only ever used an orthadontic pacifier aswell (just to make sure his mouth did not form funny for when he did get teeth.

hope i helped. :-)

Mirto - posted on 07/30/2010

My pediatrician advised me to use pacifier ASAP as I had troubles with breastfeeding in order to give me some time to prepare. The only challenge I had is that in the young age of less than 6 weeks they cannot keep the pacifier in their mouth.

Amy - posted on 07/29/2010

my daughter was in the NICU when she was born and the hospital gave her a pacifier from the day she was born. i think you can give it to him when ever, the issue is what age to take it away lol...with that part, i had other pacifiers for her, some times she would take them another other she would only take the only the hospital gave to her. so when she was about 5 months old i lost her pacifier that she had from birth and she wouldnt take any other and just wasnt hooked any more.

Megan - posted on 07/29/2010

My son, who is now almost 7 months old, used a pacifier the day he was born. They make pacifiers according to your Childs age. I also breast fed him. He had no problem latching even after using the pacifier. Sometime they just need to satisfy the urge to suck. Now he rarely uses it. If it helps to calm your baby down and it makes them happy feel free to let them use it.

Kelsey - posted on 07/29/2010

Of course! Give him the pacifier. Nipple confusion is something that even most pediatricians say is over-rated and does not happen as much as people think. The "soothie" pacifiers are great, most hospitals give them out. The sucking reflex is natural for babies, they even do it in the womb, so let him have it!

Sarh - posted on 07/29/2010

I believe that you can not over feed a baby! If he is hungry feed him! They become sick from eating an additional time because then they eat so much because they are afraid they will not get any more food. Feed baby when ever he is hungry. My mom ran a day care and one of the little girls was on a set schedule for feeding and constantly spit up, so we fed her again in between her original feedings and she was no longer fussy, didn't spit up like before, and was just this MUCH happier baby! Please, feed your baby when he wants. It is normal for babies to spit up to a point, as long as it is not projectile. Not sure what you mean by "sick", but it wont make them get a cold....

Amber - posted on 07/28/2010

My daughter never took one. You don't have to break the habit that way either.

Vanessa - posted on 07/28/2010

you can give your baby a pacifier anytime from birth and up. i breastfed with both my kids and they constantly wanted to suck but rarely took a pacifier but i tried to push it on them so they werent constantly eating and being sick. if you are breastfeeding i would recommend using a pacifier if they will take it so they arent constantly attached to you. some babies have a strong urge to suck and will take a pacififer but unfortunately both my kids refused to take 1... fyi my son took one off and on for about 2-3 weeks and never had nipple confusion. he knew where his milk came from as i never gave him a bottle..thats where they get nipple confusion...also they get lazy as the milk from a bottle is a lot easier to get..if you give him a bottle too early he may refuse to continue to breastfeed. my kids each had bottles part time from about 3 mths up and they still breastfed fulltime till about 7- 8 mths when all they wanted to do was chew..ouch! thats when i decided bottles were the best option and even after that they had no use for a pacifier but some kids keep them right up till they are 1.

Beth - posted on 07/27/2010

Tamaren is right about the nipple confusion thing, everyone I have spoken to agrees that it is a fallacy, including professional lactation consultants and nurses that I went to.

Tamaren - posted on 07/27/2010

I gave my daughter a pacifier from the get-go, (she was breastfed) and she never had a problem with nipple confusion.

Beth - posted on 07/27/2010

First of all if you are breastfeeding then it is okay to feed him WHENEVER he wants. The more you feed him the more it builds up your supply and it is important to do that in this early stage to establish a good milk supply for the coming months.
Second, sucking is very soothing for a baby and it is the only self-soothing thing that they know how to do. My daughter was given a pacifier from the NICU the day she was born and has had one since with no problems. It is a personal choice, some people don't like the idea of them, but they were invented for a reason in my opinion and I believe that youo should always do what is best for you and your baby, if she wants a soother, I say give it to her, why not???

Tracey-lee - posted on 07/25/2010

my daughter is 9 weeks old now and i gave her one as soon as we came home from the hospital so i swear by them they are a life saver ..............You know they are feed and clean and still wont settle try it as it does help ahe

Maci - posted on 07/24/2010

I told the hospital to NOT give my daughter a passy and i walked in the NICU and she was sucking away on one, needless to say I was very mad. But she was breastfed and she did fine.

Claire - posted on 07/24/2010

Apparently when i was born i got given one straight away(Bottle fed)..i didnt give my son one till he was 2 weeks old(Breast fed), so i dont think its too soon :-)

Katie - posted on 07/23/2010

I gave my son a pacifier when he was day old and I breast fed exclusively. If he is a natural nurser and has a strong suckeling urge like my son he will be just fine... I will suggest that if breast feeding you get an orthodontic pacifier cause they shape the way your nipple naturally shapes in the childs mouth. I hope this helps!

Jasmine - posted on 07/23/2010

my son was the same way was just really cranky and wouldnt calm down unless he has something to suckle on and i thought that he was just hungry untill i talked to my doctor who told me about a soothie pacifier i tried it and it works really well

Trish - posted on 07/23/2010

he's never too young for a dummy. the nurse told me my bub wouldn't breastfeed if she used a dumby, but she did for 5mths no probs. many of my friends said they wished they'd introduced a dummy to their child because they later had problems getting them to sleep. I was told by the cmty nurse, that it is better for them to have a dummy than sucking their thumb which causes deformity of the roof of their mouth therefore possible dental problems with bucked front teeth, she had seen it a lot. In the end, listen to those you trust & make an informed decision, hey you need to get some sleep girl!!

Katie - posted on 07/23/2010

My son is 2 weeks 4 days old and because of fussiness we gave him a pacifier a few days ago. He is still breast feeding fine and the fussiness has diminished.

Sofie - posted on 07/23/2010

My baby had one from 1 week old, no probs and i breastfed, :)

Micha - posted on 07/22/2010

I breastfed my son for as long as I could (only about two weeks because he has acid reflux and he couldn't keep ANY breastmilk down, even if it was mixed with his formula.) but I gave him the pacifier that the hospital gave us, and there was no nipple confusion whatsoever.

As far as what YOU should do, though, go with your gut. If YOU think it would be best to give it to him, do it. If you don't, find other ways to pacify him. There are plenty out there. Google it :)

Kristy - posted on 07/22/2010

Go ahead and give him a pacifier. You can always take it away if you feel that he relies on it too much when he gets older. My daughter never used one until she started teething at like 4 months old but she never sucked on it she chewed on it.

Veronica - posted on 07/22/2010

My first son seemed to need to suck very often. I didn't give him a pacifier at first because I was fearful it would interfere with breastfeeding. But I introduced it around 3 months old after realizing that when he sucked on my pinky he calmed down. He loved it and became a very happy baby. He got rid of it on his own at just over a year old. He is now 22 months old and the other day he found an old one and put it back in his mouth, but was fine when I laughed and took it out. His baby brother never took a pacifier and still doesn't want one at age 7 months. He seems to be a calmer child with less sucking needs. Both boys are breastfed and neither of them have had any problems.

Katie - posted on 07/22/2010

Oh the joy of quiet that "binkies" can bring! lol. My son used the bink right away..They can really be a big help at times!!

Bethany - posted on 07/22/2010

Its never too early to give them one....my son was 2wks old before he took one and he got rid of it on his own when he was almost 10mths old...he threw it so i never gave it back after he lost the last one i just didnt buy anymore and he took himself off it...so dont worry about that....usually they will take themself off....its ok to give him one!!

Darci - posted on 07/21/2010

I gave my son a passy on the way home from the hospital its never too early for that. Also I dont think you can over feed your baby let him nurse or bottle fee as much as he wants. Babies only eat when they are hungry. He wont eat if hes not hungry. Babies dont eat for taste yet or because they are bored like us adults might. haha they really dont they only eat when they hungry. I really wouldnt worry about over feeding him.

Varda - posted on 07/21/2010

My 2 big kids started pacifier on 3 rd day or so, my 3rd didn't like it and did not use it at all.
So if this is what makes him calm don't fight it

Jodi - posted on 07/21/2010

I gave my son a pacifier right away. I am nursing and he to has the urge to suck on something. The key is to try and get the baby to eat first and ck the time to make sure baby isn't hungry. At least that is what I did. If he is really hungry, he just spits the pacifier back out. If your son won't take it, then try different brands. I like the playtex ones that look exactly like a nipple. Good Luck and enjoy!

Valeria - posted on 07/21/2010

I would give him one since he wants to suck on something.. thats how my son was now he hardley every takes it and he is 5 months.

Belinda - posted on 07/20/2010

I agree with you Ranae I have to say I have has alot of issues with my bub from day 1 and believe if I had done the same things would have been alot easier and saved me from pnd. I have delt with many health proffessionals during my lil ones 7 months and they all give conflicting advice. EVERY BABY IS DIFFERENT DO WHAT YOU THINK IS BEST!

Renae - posted on 07/20/2010

PS I WISH I had given my baby both a bottle and a pacifier from DAY ONE and ignored the nurses in the hospital.

Renae - posted on 07/20/2010

For every professional who believes in nipple confusion there is another who says its a myth. Personally, I dont believe it confuses babies. Sucking releases "relaxing hormones" (for want of a better way to explain it) for the baby. Some babies enjoy sucking more than others and some babies get great comfort from sucking. If YOU feel that he will benefit from a pacifier, then give it to him. You can ask 100 professionals and get 100 different answers to this question. This is one of those times you need to do what you know is best for your little individual.

Ariana - posted on 07/20/2010

I gave my daughter a pacifier from birth and she did fine with it, but I only used it for nap/bedtime and when she was being especially fussy. I threw them all away when she was 5 months old and she doesn't even miss it at all.

Shelby - posted on 07/20/2010

I gave my daughter a pacifier when she was still in the hospital at 2 days old. She was breast fed and it did not cause any kind of nipple confusion. She just needed a little extra comfort, She usually falls right to sleep after she gets hers. She is 6 months and we have had no problems.

Shar - posted on 07/20/2010

My husband gave our son a soothie pacifier at 4 days old & he was nipple confused for 3 days..it was hard to latch him back on. I never did it again & won't ever use one. He's 10 months and hasn't had one yet.

Gena - posted on 07/20/2010

The nurses gave me a pacifier in the hospital for my little guy right from day one. Some babies just benefit from using them to soothe themselves.

Emma - posted on 07/20/2010

Wen my son was born i was told to never give him a dummy, he was born wiv sucking problems tho he would not suck on anything so i couldnt breastfeed, he wouldnt even suck on a bottle teet i gave him a dummy and he started sucking fine and he was only 1 day old wen i gave it to him..

Theresa - posted on 07/20/2010

I breast fed all three of my children and all three of them had a "binky" from the day that they wrere born. I never had any problems with them latching on. :)

Ally - posted on 07/20/2010

I breast fed and gave my son a sucky because he needed it in between feedings. He is a happy and content 7 month old who doesn't rely on his soother and never had nipple confusion :) Do what you feel is right hun!

Renee - posted on 07/19/2010

If you are breast feeding you may not want to give him a passi so he wont have nipple confusion. if he bottle feeds then sure, give it to him!

Bethany - posted on 07/18/2010

Thanks so much everyone! :) I didn't see it being a BIG problem, but needed to be reassured. lol

Jess - posted on 07/18/2010

The hospital gave my daughter a dummy to help teach her how to suck, no issues with her breastfeeding because of it. Babies are comforted by sucking and their is nothing wrong with wanting to comfort your baby ! If your finding the dummy is too big for his little mouth you can get premie size dummies which are smaller and easier on little mouths !

Kimberly - posted on 07/18/2010

I gave my son one while we were still in the hospital....

CARRIE - posted on 07/18/2010

You don't have to wait until any certain age to give a pacifier. Every hospital I have ever seen gives them to every newborn unless a parent specifically asks them not to. Babies have a natural need to suck. Some babies more than others and a pacifier is a safe way to meet that need. You should be more concerned about when to take it away. They shouldn't be using one past 18 months of age. So if he will take it and it calms him then give it to him. I will warn you that sometimes babies only like a certain kind so you might have to try a few different ones before you find one he likes.

Jodi - posted on 07/18/2010

my daughter is breastfed & i gave her a soothie pacifier (the ones the hospitals have) when she was 2 days old & she didnt have any issues with nipple confusion