I've read that some cons are the baby won't take the breast (if you're nursing). But I haven't had any problems! Pros for me: if he's fussy, he doesn't always have to suckle at my breast (which sometimes makes my nipples a bit sore). The binky comforts him!
So far I only have pros to report. Second child here. No bad things to report with our first either . She's four now. We tend to use ours a little different than some people I think though. We only ever use them for sleeping. They become like a signal that it's bed time and it helps the kids go to bed easier and faster. My daughter slept from 8 to 8 and took 2 hour naps every day until she was 4 and then she transitioned to a one hour nap and waking up at 7am instead of 8. I would call that a success so I'm hoping to repeat with kid number 2! I don't like when they are used constantly when the kids are awake. Especially older kids.
I was wary to use one at first as I didn't want to risk nipple confusion but after our first pedi visit the doctor actually recommended we use one as studies have shown it helps reduce risk of SIDS as LO tends not to fall into as deep a sleep - I agree with pp that I find it best used for nighttime but so far baby and I are happy to use one!!
Agree with PP's about studies regarding SIDS. I choose not to use a pacifier because it's one less thing to wean. Also, my second was born with a high palate and anything other than breast could affect palate development.
I didn't want to use one but ended up trying it because my baby likes to comfort suckle long after she's done eating and my nipples were raw from it. It's made me more comfortable and sane. If you want to introduce one don't feel bad. As my mom friend told me the other day...do whatever works for you.
For the mommas who have done it before is it really that difficult of a habit to break if you only use it at night? When did you wean them off? I am nervous about introducing a habit that is difficult to break but he is using nursing as a pacifier and won't sleep when we transfer him to his crib. Thank you!
It was hard for my 2nd and 3rd child to wean off...finally i just made them go cold turkey. My 1st stoped using it all by his self at 2 months. My new born doesnt want anything to do with it. Im glad in one hand but.on the other wish that she would use it. Maybe my cheches can get some rest..lol
We started prepping my daughter well before the "cut off date" , her fourth birthday. It was hard, we went cold turkey as per my husband's wishes. But I wish we would have tried some other methods first. Someone suggested cutting a hole in the end of it to take away the suction and eventually the kids get tired of it and give it up on their own. We probably won't wait as long this time around to wean off the paci. Probably more like 3. But again we ONLY use them for bed time. So it wasn't like my three year old was running around the playground with a paci haha. Most people didn't even know she used one at all.
My sister and I both were given pacifiers from birth because we were thumb suckers right away. And since my mom sucked her thumb until age six, and thumb sucking is a much more difficult habit to break, we were given the better option. My LO uses a pacifier occasionally now. Usually for getting her to sleep if she's still fussy after nursing as if she's really frantic, it won't help anyway. As for weaning, some resources recommend stopping between 3-6 months. But my sister stopped at age two using a replacement stuffed animal for comfort and I stopped at age two after our dog chewed mine up. I wouldn't recommend getting a dog for that purpose, but the stuffed animal was a good plan and that's likely what if try to do with my LO eventually.
Pros: gave my nipples a break from comfort nursing and helps calm him. He always wants to have something in his mouth! Helps my hubby soothe him since he doesn't have the option of giving him boob :-) though I have joked he should wax his chest when I go back to work lol. Love the reduced risk of SIDS as an added bonus Cons: I was concerned of nipple confusion but it seems my boy will take anything and still happily come back to the breast. I was also concerned that he would tire out his jaw and not want to eat but that hasn't been the case either, he always wants on the boob so it's nice to have a pacifier for those times I KNOW he shouldn't be hungry
jacquelynngiboney
member
Re: Pacis
Cons: I was concerned of nipple confusion but it seems my boy will take anything and still happily come back to the breast. I was also concerned that he would tire out his jaw and not want to eat but that hasn't been the case either, he always wants on the boob so it's nice to have a pacifier for those times I KNOW he shouldn't be hungry
And yes! Paci is SUCH a better option than thumb sucking!