Pacifier vs. Thumbsucking: Pros and Cons to Consider
Babies have a reputation for putting everything in their mouths. Pacifiers, thumbs, toys, the list could go on and on! It’s how they learn and explore the world around them. But the real question here is whether using a pacifier or sucking a thumb is better for your baby’s development.
The decision is ultimately up to the parents and caregivers. Using a pacifier and thumbsucking both have their own set of benefits and setbacks. On the fence about what you should let your baby do? Keep reading to learn the pros and cons of pacifier vs. thumbsucking.
Should I Let My Baby Suck Their Thumb?
How do you know if thumbsucking is right for your baby? It really comes down to personal preference. Here are a few pros and cons to consider.
Pros of Thumbsucking
Babies can find their thumbs with no problem when it's dark. You won’t have to get up in the middle of the night and search in the dark because your baby will quickly put their thumb back in their mouth.
Their thumb is attached to them, so there is no worry about it falling off and getting dirty from the floor.
There is no worry about losing their thumb and your baby going without.
Cons of Thumbsucking
Babies and children touch many different surfaces throughout the day, so they could be putting unwanted bacteria and germs in their mouths if their hands are not continuously washed.
Studies have been conducted that show that the chances of ear infections develop with thumbsucking.
Thumbsucking can be much more difficult to kick than pacifiers, as you can’t take thumbs away.
Once the child reaches age four or their adult teeth begin growing in, sucking thumbs can disrupt their permanent set of teeth.
Should I Let My Baby Use a Pacifier?
Like thumbsucking, your choice of whether to use a pacifier really comes down to personal preference. Here are some pros and cons worth bearing in mind as you make your decision.
Pros of Using a Pacifier
Pacifiers can calm your baby during common procedures such as blood draws and shots.
They have been linked to reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) when the baby is asleep.
Premature babies who use pacifiers have been shown to have shorter NICU stays and receive bottles better.
There are many different options when it comes to pacifiers. They also are not too expensive and can be replaced as needed.
Using a pacifier means you can limit the time that your child uses them. Once you decide it is time to get rid of the pacifier, you can either slowly take it away or remove it altogether. You can also limit pacifier use to only naptime and bedtime.
Cons of Using a Pacifier
If your baby is breastfed, they may be inclined to breastfeed less. They can go through something called “nipple confusion.” If this happens, it may seem as though your baby forgot how to properly breastfeed.
They can increase the risk of developing ear infections.
At nighttime, they could drop it out of their mouth and wake up crying and searching for it.
They can easily fall out of your baby’s mouth and onto the ground.
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as an infinite supply. If your baby loses their pacifier, it could become a big problem.
Continued use into late toddlerhood and early childhood could cause damage to their adult set of teeth.
Helpful Tips for Using a Pacifier
If you decide to use a pacifier, there are some helpful tips you can keep in mind for safe and healthy use:
They are most beneficial in babies six months of age and younger.
A pacifier should never be forced into your baby’s mouth. If it falls out while your baby is asleep, there is no need to replace it.
Refrain from putting anything on the pacifier, such as honey and sugar, to make the pacifier more enticing for your baby.
Be sure to clean and sterilize the pacifier often, as it comes into contact with many different surfaces throughout the day.
Avoid using pacifier clips and tying them to your baby's clothes. Doing this can cause the string to wrap around their neck and cause serious injury and even death.
If you choose to use a pacifier, weaning them off the pacifier between six months to one year may be easier to break the habit.
Stop the use of a pacifier completely by age four.
Keeping these tips in mind will help you make an educated decision on what is best for your baby and your family.
How to Break the Habit of Using a Pacifier
As your child gets older, you will want to break the habit of thumbsucking and pacifiers completely. This is easier said than done, as this is a soothing mechanism for babies and young children! If your child is having difficulty weaning themself off their pacifier or thumbsucking between the ages of two and four, keep in mind some of these tips:
Shower your child in praise for not using their pacifier or sucking their thumb. Refrain from scolding them if they do so.
The sucking motion helps your child self-soothe. If they are using the pacifier or sucking their thumb, they may be feeling scared or anxious. Instead of them relying on sucking, offer yourself as a source of comfort and soothing.
Give rewards to your child if they make it through a hard situation without turning to their pacifier or thumb-sucking.
Keep Track of Your Baby’s Health with Baby Connect
The sucking motion that babies do is a mechanism that helps them self-soothe. That’s why pacifiers can be a helpful tool when they are small! But with most children’s products, there is a time that they outgrow it for their own health and safety.
When you are looking to wean your baby off a pacifier or reduce their time sucking their thumb, use Baby Connect to track their progress. With this handy app, you can monitor how long they are spending sucking the pacifier or using the thumb, as well as document what techniques help and what techniques don’t. With a helpful app such as this, you can track all of your baby’s important information and milestones from the convenience of your phone!
