Pacifiers must not be too big

Parents should pay attention to the right size when buying a pacifier

07/23/2012

Whether a baby is given a pacifier to soothe or not, over and over again parents argue. According to the German Midwives Association pacifiers are by no means harmful to infants and toddlers. However, parents should pay attention to the right size when buying to avoid bacterial infections and malocclusions.

In the opinion of the German Midwives Association pacifiers are not harmful to babies. However, there are some things to consider when buying. So a pacifier may not be too big, otherwise it will displace the tongue, as Regine Gresens, the breastfeeding and nutrition officer of the initiative warned. Otherwise, it could happen that the tongue is pressed against the teeth and these then grow obliquely. The shape of the pacifier should also „be flat and symmetrical“, as the expert said. Because a beveled pacifier can also provoke a malocclusion.

Prevent accumulations of germs
„The sign must not rest against the mouth and cheeks, otherwise it sucks tight“. The possible consequence: The saliva collects under the shield and pathogens can collect. Then, for example, pimples can arise. "The sign of the pacifier should be straight or better bent outwards," explains the midwife. As a result, the pacifier falls out of the child's mouth faster.

The pacifier should not rest constantly. Children should be able to explore the new world while playing with all their senses and to be able to take objects into their mouths. It would only disturb a pacifier, said Gresens. (Sb)

Image: Sabrina Gonstalla