Most parents buy nipples for their newborns. In this regard, there is an urgent question - is such an item needed or can you do without it when breastfeeding. On the one hand, there are fears of the baby's rejection of the breast and malocclusion, on the other, the calming effect of the pacifier. Today we will talk about the use cases, how to choose a pacifier and when to refuse this item.
The inborn sucking reflex helps the newborn not only satisfy the need for food, but also calm and eliminate stress. All babies have a different temperament. For some, frequent breastfeeding is sufficient. More restless babies have an overly developed reflex. For them, breastfeeding is not enough and here a pacifier comes to the rescue.
The kid is not hungry, but he needs to satisfy the reflex. Bottle-feeding does not slow milk production. The infant does not fully satisfy the need for sucking. In this case, a dummy option is required. The purpose of use, which nipple to choose, will be discussed in detail in the article.
Content
Types of nipple
Domestic and foreign manufacturers produce a wide variety of pacifiers. How to choose a pacifier for a newborn? This question is often asked by young mothers. Many are simply lost from the assortment and number of companies. Pacifiers differ in material, size and shape. There are 3 main types of nipples: orthodontic, anatomical, classic pacifier.
An orthodontic pacifier is a teardrop-shaped nipple. On one side, the nipple is convex, on the other - slightly flattened. The difference in the shape of the mother's nipple and the pacifier is subtle. This shape is very important so that the baby does not see much of a difference between the mother's breast and the pacifier. In this case, he applies well to the breast and sucks. With a minimal difference, the baby pushes the lower jaw forward every time, as it should.
There are 4 main types of orthodontic nipples: butterfly, symmetrical pacifier, heart, cherry. Each nipple tip shape has a different meaning. If the child is lying on his stomach, a butterfly will suit him. For any position of the baby, you can use a symmetrical flat nipple on both sides. To form the correct bite, a heart is suitable. The cherry-shaped tip is suitable for large toddlers with a high palate. The round lip plate can be round, figure 8, or with a notch in the middle. The latter option is more convenient than the others. This shield does not put pressure on the child's nose.
Pros:
- Forms the correct bite and lower jaw;
- develops the jaw apparatus and strengthens the joints;
- resembles mom's chest in shape;
- no air is swallowed when sucking;
- a variety of models in shape and color.
Minuses:
- In rare cases, some babies do not accept this pattern.
The elliptical shape of the anatomical pacifier is ideal for the baby's gums and mouth. On one side, the bubble has a flattened shape. It is this part of the nipple that rests on the tongue. The other part has a rounded shape designed to be positioned in relation to the palate. When using, the nipple must be correctly inserted.The pacifier shape contributes to the development of a correct bite. The use of an elliptical tip prevents air penetration and tooth deformation. The pressure on the baby's palate is evenly distributed.
Pros:
- Uniform load distribution;
- development of the correct bite;
- prevents air from being swallowed;
- suitable for the structure of the baby's oral cavity.
Minuses:
- No shortcomings identified.
Round pacifiers are the classic option. For several decades, only such nipples have been used. The completely symmetrical shape is convenient because it can be positioned in any position in the child's mouth. The pacifier is a bubble in the form of a round mother's nipple. There is a narrowing to the base. The mouthpiece has openings for air circulation to keep baby's skin dry without irritation. The disadvantage of the classical model, doctors consider the inadmissibility of frequent use of the nipple due to the formation of an incorrect bite.
Pros:
- Low price;
- ease of use in any position.
Minuses:
- Cannot be used often;
- obstacle to use - low palate of the infant;
- air is allowed during the sucking process.
In addition to the main types, manufacturers produce the following series of modifications: double-sided nipples, night, for premature babies, movable, pacifiers-thermometers, nipples for medicines. The first option is suitable for all babies. Reversible pacifiers are very convenient to use. The baby can take the pacifier himself and apply it with either side.
The pacifiers for premature babies have a lightweight base and a small cherry bubble. Movable nipples mimic the mother's breast. A special feature of the pacifier-thermometer is the ability to determine the temperature of the child thanks to the built-in thermal sensor. The teat for medicinal solutions is convenient for dispensing. The handle of the nipple tends to glow. This pacifier can be easily seen in the dark.
Nipple device and working principle
The pacifier ideally mimics the mother's breast. The teat is designed to reduce stress after feeding. The child calms down a little later. Therefore, parents have to satisfy the need for sucking with this item. The sucking process relieves colic, bloating, and ultimately stress.
The dummy consists of several elements. A bubble is attached to the nozzle on one side, and a handle on the other. The nipple is made of rubber, latex or silicone. The base is usually made of silicone or plastic. All pacifiers differ in size and shape. As a rule, the base of the nipple is equipped with a ring, which is convenient to hold or hang with a chain above the bed. The mouthpieces are made of latex, silicone and polypropylene. The base of the nipple usually has holes for air to enter. Next, we will consider the question - how to choose a pacifier for a newborn that is suitable for age and preferences.
Which pacifier to choose
The formation of the right gustatory habits and bite strongly depends on the choice of the nipple corresponding to the physiological needs of the baby. Providing your child with several options for pacifiers and observing is the best method for identifying a suitable pacifier. Consider the question of how to choose the right nipple for mixed, bottle feeding and full breastfeeding.
Orthodontic models are suitable for all children. These pacifiers are especially useful for premature newborns due to their underdeveloped sucking instinct. Choose a very small dummy. The base of the nipple should have openings for air circulation. They prevent air from being swallowed.
The protective shield should have an uneven structure so that it does not chafe the baby's skin and does not accumulate saliva. A polypropylene base is not the best option. This mouthpiece causes redness and irritation of the skin. Choose between silicone or latex protection disc.These types of material are the best for the bubble. Latex nipples are considered more fragile. These pacifiers tend to stick together over time. The child can easily bite through.
Rubber nipples are now rarely used. They wear out quickly. But such products can be heat treated for disinfection. Products made of silicone are resistant to temperature changes. The service life of such pacifiers is much longer than the previous versions. Over time, they also lose elasticity, crack. But experts recommend changing all types of pacifiers more often. It is recommended that premature babies be given a pacifier before each feeding. This will allow you to develop the sucking instinct and quickly switch from artificial feeding to breastfeeding.
Anatomical nipples are suitable for all children if there is no individual rejection of such products. Hypoallergenic silicone is the best option. The base of the pacifier must have: a notch for the nose, a raised surface, holes for ventilation. For sleeping, the base of the nipple without a ring is suitable. For wakefulness, it is better to choose a pacifier with a retainer. It is recommended to give rubber pacifiers and pacifiers with a round bubble in rare and exceptional cases when there are no other options at hand.
Nipple selection options
A pacifier is a salvation for parents in a number of cases: child's hyperreactivity, premature appearance, colic. When choosing, it is important to determine the size of the product by age, material, weight. If the shape or size does not correspond to the age, physiological characteristics of the child, this can cause the development of malocclusion, caries.
Modern manufacturing companies produce 3 categories of pacifiers in size: A, B, C. The first size is suitable for babies up to 5-7 months. The disadvantage is the limited period of use of the pacifier due to the rapid growth of the baby and the need to replace the nipple. The second category is for children under 18 months old.
The third category is for babies over one and a half years old. Nipples in this category are less in demand. At this age, many parents try to wean their children from using a pacifier. There are category A products for premature babies. Individual nipples may indicate the weight of the child - less than 1 kg 750 gr. The nipple mouthpiece is designed with a feeding tube. Some pacifiers are suitable for the age group from birth to three months. Some manufacturers equip nipples with inhalers and dispensers. A bad option is a small nipple base. There is a risk of swallowing.
Latex pacifiers are suitable for premature and weak babies. The material is natural (rubber). The downside is the fragility, and in some cases the ability to cause an allergic reaction due to the content of protein compounds. Boiling is avoided when using latex. Products darken in the sun and stretch. Latex pacifiers must be replaced monthly. Silicone nipples are heat-resistant, but firm in structure. When teething occurs, there is a risk of deformation. In this case, it is better to use a rubber or latex pacifier.
Which company to choose - the best nipple manufacturers
The retail network is literally inundated with pacifiers. Experts identify the most popular domestic and foreign brands.
- Dr. Brown.
- Little Y.
- Avent.
- Nuk Genios.
- Canpole.
- Bibi.
- Tommy tippie.
- Nook.
The presented brands have a good reputation. The companies produce quality certified products.
How much does a nipple cost
Budget nipples with round bubbles can be bought for up to 100 rubles. For example, the average price of a classic latex pacifier of the Kroshka Ya trademark is 22-32 rubles. The Nuk Genios orthodontic teat costs an average of 300 rubles. Silicone pacifiers are in the range of less than 260 - 700 rubles.
Depending on the brand, the average price of latex nipples is 160-350 rubles. The average price of orthodontic models is 450 - 700 rubles.Pacifiers with luminous night rings and protective caps range from 550 to 800 rubles. Silicone molded nipples are not cheap - from 600 to 1800 rubles.
