Introduction
The use of a pacifier as an infant’s non-nutritive sucking habit has been known in the history of early childhood development for several centuries. In the present day, a pacifier may be defined as an object given to a child to suck to stay quiet and feel comforted. There are two types of it – the conventional pacifier and the physiologic, or orthodontic, one. While a cherry-like nipple characterizes the former, the latter is designed to better fit the oral structures of a child.
Nevertheless, the rationale for pacifier use, regardless of the device’s form, remains a highly debatable question. Thus, this paper examines the advantages and disadvantages of pacifiers. The review of the scientific literature demonstrates that this object is highly beneficial for an infant’s early development; however, it should be used responsibly in accordance with existing, reliable recommendations.
Advantages
In general, the positive impact of pacifier use on children had been assessed before studies dedicated to this topic were conducted. According to Eidelman (2019), “teats made from linen rags stuffed with sugar, or various foodstuffs have been documented in the medical literature from the 15th century and depicted in classical art from the 16th century” (p. 121). They were used to enhance children’s behavior, as observed in the forms of stabilized breathing, improved sleep patterns, and stimulated autonomic and oral motor functioning.
In modern literature, non-nutritive sucking is regarded as an infant’s natural reflex that should be stimulated as a significant step in the early development of emotional control and self-regulation. Thus, pacifier use is currently supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics “due to beneficial effects during the first 6 months of life” (Medeiros et al., 2018, p. 1). In addition, according to research, pacifier use reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, “although the exact mechanism of the effect is not well understood” (Costa et al., 2018, p. 1).
As this practice is widespread globally, in developed countries, the prevalence among children by the age of 12 months exceeds 40% (Schmid et al., 2018). A pacifier helps parents comfort an infant during times of discomfort or distress, as sucking allows the infant to soothe themselves. For instance, the use of a pacifier may be highly beneficial during medical procedures in a pediatrician’s office, such as drawing blood or receiving injections. Additionally, a pacifier helps a child cope with soreness and aches during teething.
Pacifiers used by infants who prefer sucking can contribute to their emotional stability and help them fall asleep more easily. In this case, these devices are beneficial for mothers, as using the breast for soothing an infant all the time can cause discomfort and limit mobility. In general, pacifier use also increases the psychological well-being of parents, while a child’s continuous crying may deteriorate it.
Additionally, a pacifier may alleviate discomfort in specific situations where a large number of people are involved, and their physical and emotional state should be taken into account – for instance, during flights. Finally, pacifiers are disposable and may be thrown or replaced at any time. In turn, their use prevents finger or thumb sucking, which may be regarded as a more addictive habit.
Disadvantages
First of all, the negative attitude of a considerable number of parents to pacifiers is connected with the possibility of addiction development. In other words, an infant may become dependent on a pacifier and cry every time it is removed, continuing this habit even into older age. However, the use of this object may lead to more serious consequences. Thus, according to multiple studies, it is associated with “decreased breastfeeding exclusivity and duration, increased risk of developing otitis media, and a variety of dental malocclusions and long-term oral abnormalities” (Eidelman, 2019, p. 121).
In particular, Medeiros et al. (2018) state that more than 25% of children aged 2-5 years old who use pacifiers are vulnerable to the development of malocclusion. The prevalence of posterior crossbite and anterior open bite reaches up to 88% and 96%, respectively, while in infants without sucking habits, these rates are only 11% (Medeiros et al., 2018). In other words, prolonged use of a pacifier may cause the misalignment of a child’s teeth in the future.
Another essential issue associated with pacifiers is their ability to cause breastfeeding problems. According to a study conducted by Batista et al. (2018), infants who use pacifiers and practice bottle-feeding often experience difficulties with breastfeeding. In particular, a pacifier may increase “the number of unfavorable behaviors regarding the aspects of the mother/baby position, affectivity, baby’s response, and sucking behaviors” (Batista et al., 2018, p. 599). These behaviors are explained by the fact that sucking on a bottle or a pacifier requires less effort from an infant; in this case, he may reject the breast in the future.
Conclusion and Personal Opinion
People have used pacifiers throughout history, as they have noticed that this device helps infants sleep better and soothe themselves through the natural process of sucking. Today, this device attracts particular attention, and its application remains a highly contentious issue. Nevertheless, the analysis of scientific literature demonstrates the existence of both advantages and disadvantages of a pacifier.
Thus, a pacifier is beneficial as it helps infants cope with discomfort, soreness, and ache, sleep better, and develop self-regulation and emotion control. In addition, it contributes to parents’ emotional well-being and allows them to minimize the inconveniences caused by others when an infant cries in public places. Nevertheless, pacifier use has disadvantages as well – thus, it may cause breastfeeding difficulties, dental malocclusions, and middle ear infections.
From a personal perspective, the use of a pacifier brings more benefits than problems. First of all, despite the considerable number of articles dedicated to the drawbacks of this device, no consensus can be found among them to strengthen the reliability and validity of the findings. For instance, while some authors demonstrate the negative impact of pacifier use, others do not see a connection between pacifier use and poor breastfeeding or the occurrence of dental problems.
Moreover, every child is unique; thus, regardless of the availability of scientific research, parents should also address their individual differences and needs, and use or avoid a pacifier accordingly. Thus, the use of a pacifier may be regarded as a beneficial practice, which, at the same time, should be applied responsibly and in accordance with the instructions provided by respected organizations and experts in the field of early childhood development.
References
Batista, C. L., Ribeiro, V. S., Nascimento, M. D. D. S., & Rodrigues, V. P. (2018). Association between pacifier use and bottle-feeding and unfavorable behaviors during breastfeeding. Jornal de Pediatria, 94(6), 596-601.
Costa, C. T. D., Shqair, A. Q., Azevedo, M. S., Goettems, M. L., Bonow, M. L. M., & Romano, A. R. (2018). Pacifier use modifies the association between breastfeeding and malocclusion: A cross-sectional study. Brazilian Oral Research, 32, 1-7.
Eidelman, A. I. (2019). Routine pacifier use in infants: Pros and cons. Jornal de Pediatria, 95(2), 121-123.
Medeiros, R., Ximenes, M., Massignan, C., Flores-Mir, C., Vieira, R., Porporatti, A. L., & De Luca Canto, G. (2018). Malocclusion prevention through the usage of an orthodontic pacifier compared to a conventional pacifier: A systematic review. European Archives of Paediatric Dentistry, 19(5), 287-295.
Schmid, K. M., Kugler, R., Nalabothu, P., Bosch, C., & Verna, C. (2018). The effect of pacifier sucking on orofacial structures: A systematic literature review. Progress in Orthodontics, 19(1), 1-11.