How to choose the right pacifier for your baby
Should my baby have a round, symmetrical or anatomical nipple?
One of the questions we most often get from parents is: Which pacifier is best for my baby? Basically, one can say that the less pressure there is on the palate, gums and jaws, the more gentle the pacifier is. Conversely, stronger pressure on the palate, gums and jaws will increase the risk of pacifier teeth. This is just one of the reasons a pacifier will always be preferable to a thumb.One must also keep in mind that the need for a pacifier in an infant is about much more than satisfying hunger — a small child also sucks to find a sense of security. The more natural the pacifier feels for the baby to use, the greater reassurance it will provide.
Pacifiers can be divided into three main categories, each with its own characteristics:
When you talk about the shape of the pacifier, it is actually the shape of the nipple you are referring to.Round Pacifiers
Round pacifiers are a classic type of pacifier that is characterised by the fact that they mimic a breast in shape. This supports a natural and correct sucking technique in a child. Round pacifiers feel more natural for the baby to use than other types of pacifiers.Round pacifiers are recommended for breastfed babies, especially if the baby starts using the pacifier early. This is because the baby uses the same sucking technique on the round pacifier as when breastfeeding. The fact that the sucking technique is the same avoids nipple confusion in an infant and makes it much easier to switch between breast and pacifier.
See our selection of round pacifiers here
Symmetrical Pacifiers
Symmetrical pacifiers are teardrop-shaped and slightly flattened in their shape. The practicality of these pacifiers is that the pacifier cannot be turned incorrectly in the baby's mouth, as the symmetrical shape means that the pacifier always lies correctly in the mouth — regardless of whether it is facing up or down. Symmetrical pacifiers are designed with a flatter neck and pacifier head to reduce pressure on the palate and gums.See our selection of symmetrical pacifiers here
Anatomical Pacifiers
Anatomical pacifiers have a teat whose shape reflects the shape of the mouth. The anatomical pacifiers are designed to put less pressure on the palate, gums and jaws and are the most gentle type of pacifier.See our selection of anatomical pacifiers here
Material: Silicone pacifier vs. latex pacifiers
The material of the nipple is also one thing you should consider when choosing a pacifier for your child: You can choose between pacifiers in silicone and latex. Where silicone is an extremely allergy-friendly material, latex (or natural rubber, as it is also called) is a natural and more flexible material that is not easily bitten to pieces. Silicone is made in different qualities, where the absolute best (purest and most allergy-friendly) quality is called medical silicone.Read more about the difference between silicone pacifiers and natural rubber pacifiers here.
Remember that all children are different
That is why it is important that you try to find the pacifier that your child is most comfortable with. Remember that the primary function of the pacifier is to provide comfort, and if your child does not find comfort in his or her pacifier, the risk of the thumb being used is all the greater. That's why I always say to worried parents that things need to be seen in the right perspective. It may well be that there is a difference between pacifiers:But a pacifier is ALWAYS preferable compared to a thumb — and much easier to stop using!
Now all that remains is to wish you a really good pacifier search!
Best wishes,
Annette
