Should my child have a round, symmetrical or anatomical pacifier?
One of the questions we most often get from parents is: Which pacifier is best for my child? Basically, you can say that the less pressure there is on the palate, gums and jaws, the gentler the pacifier is. Stronger pressure, on the other hand, can increase the risk of pacifier bites. This is one of the reasons why a pacifier is always preferable to a thumb.
However, the need to suck in infants is about more than hunger - the child also sucks to find security. The more natural the pacifier feels to the child, the greater security it provides.
Pacifiers can be divided into three main categories, each with their own characteristics:
When you talk about the shape of the pacifier, you are really referring to the shape of the pacifier part.
Round teats
Round teats are a classic type that mimics a breast in shape. They support a natural and correct sucking technique in the child and feel more natural to use than other types.
Round teats are especially recommended for breastfed babies and newborns, because the child uses the same sucking technique as when breastfeeding. It reduces the risk of pacifier confusion and makes it easier to switch between breast and pacifier.
Symmetrical teats
Symmetrical teats are drop-shaped and slightly flattened. The advantage of this type is that the pacifier always lies correctly in the child's mouth - regardless of which way it is facing. The flatter neck and teat head simultaneously reduce the pressure on the palate and gums.
Anatomical pacifiers
Anatomical pacifiers have a pacifier part that follows the shape of the mouth. They are designed to put minimal pressure on the palate, gums and jaws and are considered the gentlest type.
Material: Silicone pacifiers vs. latex pacifiers
The material of the pacifier is also important to consider. You can choose between silicone and latex pacifiers. Silicone is hypoallergenic and comes in several grades - the best is called medical silicone. Latex (natural rubber) is a natural and flexible material that is not easily bitten into pieces.
Did you know?
The three pacifier types have different shield shapes for a reason. The round pacifier has a round shield so that it cannot be turned the wrong way. The symmetrical pacifier has a symmetrical shield, which means that it can be turned both ways. The anatomical pacifier has a shield that shows which way the pacifier should face, so it supports correct development of the jaw and skull.
Remember that all children are different
It is important to try it out and find the pacifier that your child is most comfortable with. The most important function of the pacifier is to provide comfort, and if your child does not find security in the pacifier, the thumb can quickly become the alternative. But remember: a pacifier is always preferable to the thumb - and it is much easier to wean the child again!
