The Best Pacifier For Breastfed Babies | A Guide For New Moms

Introduction

Researchers have expressed serious concerns about pacifier usage (and misuse). The best Pacifier for breastfed babies not only creates ‘nipple confusion in babies but they’re also linked to early weaning. A newborn baby feels compelled to suck on anything put in its mouth, including a finger or a fake breast. Because the need to suck is being met in an unwell, tiny, jaundiced, or laidback infant, this impulse to suck may become a substitute for feedings.

Some babies are comfortable with just sucking, and if a tired mom or dad tries the pacifier in an attempt to get the baby to sleep for longer periods of time or go longer between feedings, it can lead to issues like poor weight gain, mastitis, engorgement, a decrease in milk supply, or plugged lactation ducts in the nursing mother.

Pacifiers And Artificial Nipples

Pacifiers and artificial nipples are meant to mechanically activate the sucking reflex in the rear of the baby’s mouth, between the hard and soft palates. This might result in a “lazy baby” who has problems bringing their mom’s nipple far enough back into his mouth to generate the same sucking reaction during feeding time. The form of the pacifier can even affect the arch of the soft bony roof of the mouth, shaping it high and narrow to fit the pacifier’s shape.

When using pacifiers, it’s critical to avoid two popular yet dangerous habits. First, don’t connect the pacifier to a thread so that it’s always within reach of your kid if the temptation strikes. This is particularly dangerous if the infant is active and starting to crawl and roll, as it can result in strangling.

Second, do not dip the pacifier tip in honey or any sweet substance, since this may cause cavities in the baby’s teeth. Infants and toddlers, unlike older children and adults, do not have frequent dental exams, therefore if a cavity develops as a consequence of this practice, it might cause serious injury and suffering to the baby’s mouth and teeth.

Finally, be wary of using a pacifier excessively or incorrectly. A pacifier is definitely unnecessary if your infant is not fussy or agitated. When giving your infant a pacifier, be conscious of how you are feeling as a parent. Is it actually to calm down the baby? Is it more to appease you?

The Best Pacifier for Breastfed Babies

Breastfeeding is a wonderful way to bond with your newborn, and it’s also great for their long-term health. Breastfeeding is beneficial because it exposes babies to antibodies in mom’s milk, as well as various nutrients that can’t be found in formula. However, new moms often struggle to continue breastfeeding once they go back to work or need to leave their baby with another caregiver.

Unfortunately, many new moms struggle to get their baby accustomed to the feel of a pacifier or virtual nipple; however, this can be helpful when continuing to breastfeed after going back to work or having someone else look after your child. Read on for more information about the benefits of using a pacifier while breastfeeding and some helpful tips about choosing the best one for your child.

What Are The Benefits Of Using A Pacifier While Breastfeeding?

When you’re breastfeeding, you and your baby rely on the very specific timing of when you both “let down” your milk. If you’re using a pacifier, your baby can avail themselves of the milk whenever they like, which will help you by reducing their feeding frequency. This means that you can rest assured that your baby is getting all the nourishment they need even when you’re not with them.

Why Is It Hard For Breastfed Babies To Take A Pacifier?

If you’ve ever tried to get a breastfed baby to take a pacifier, you’ve likely seen that it can be extremely difficult to get comfortable with this new “nipple”. This is because when a baby suckles on a breast, they’re not simply sucking on a nipple. Rather, the sucking motion is coupled with the tongue pressing against the roof of the mouth. Because of this, a breastfed baby is used for a specific kind of stimulation.

If you try to get your baby to take a standard, plastic pacifier, they’ll likely find it uncomfortable, and they probably won’t be able to get any real nourishment from it. This is because they’re used to the much more subtle stimulation that comes from the breast, and they’ll likely find the sensation too strong when they’re trying to take the pacifier.

Tips For making A Breastfed Baby Comfortable With A Pacifier

If you plan on continuing to breastfeed and you’re having a hard time getting your baby to take a pacifier, Here Are A Few Tips You Can Try: 

✔ Rub the pacifier with a little bit of breast milk – This will help to get your baby accustomed to the feel of the nipple without overwhelming them with too strong of a sensation.

✔ Hold the pacifier under your tongue – If you’re having a hard time getting your baby to take the pacifier, this trick can help you understand what they’re feeling.

The Best Type Of Pacifier For Breastfed Babies

If your baby has trouble getting comfortable with a standard, plastic pacifier, you may want to try getting one that’s specially designed for use with breastfed babies. These types of pacifiers are available in silicone, so they’ll be softer and more comfortable on your baby’s mouth.

They’re also likely to be more expensive than the standard type, so you may want to consider this if you’re having a hard time getting your baby to take the pacifier. If your baby is extremely fussy, you may want to try a soothie pacifier. These are specially designed to be more soothing, and they’re often recommended to parents whose babies are fussy before they’ve learned to take a pacifier.

The Best Natural Nipple Pacifier For Breastfed Babies

As mentioned previously, many breastfed babies are fussy about using a standard, plastic pacifier. This can be especially true when a baby is younger and just starting to learn to latch. If your baby is extremely resistant to using a pacifier, you may want to consider getting them an herbal nipple instead.

Natural nipple pacifiers are available in a variety of different textures and shapes, so you can likely find one that’s similar to your nipple. While these may seem like a great option, be sure to talk to your doctor before using one. Some herbal nipple pacifiers contain herbs that are not safe for infants.

The Best Standard Pacifier For Breastfed Babies

If your baby simply isn’t having any success with herbal nipple pacifiers, you may want to try to find a standard, plastic pacifier that’s softer. If your baby is younger, you may want to try a gum-dummy pacifier. These are designed to be soft and easy for babies to get used to. You may also want to try looking for a “softer” type of standard pacifier. While these will likely not be as soothing as a gum-dummy, they’ll still likely be more comfortable than the hard plastic variety.

The Best Silicone Nipple-Shaped Pacifier For Breastfed Babies

If your baby is extremely fussy, is getting very little sleep, or simply can’t seem to get comfortable with any other type of pacifier, you may want to consider trying a silicone nipple-shaped pacifier. These can be extremely helpful with fussier infants, as they have been known to help babies sleep longer and more soundly.

Like herbal nipple pacifiers, silicone nipple-shaped pacifiers are softer and more similar in feel to a human nipple than standard, plastic pacifiers. These are often more expensive than other types of pacifiers, but they can be well worth the price.

Summary

As mentioned earlier, If you plan on continuing to breastfeed and you’re having a hard time getting your baby to take a pacifier, then try rubbing the pacifier with a little bit of breast milk, hold the pacifier under your tongue, try a softer type of pacifier, or try a silicone nipple-shaped pacifier. Breastfeeding is a wonderful way to bond with your newborn, and it’s also great for their long-term health.

Breastfeeding is beneficial because it exposes babies to antibodies in mom’s milk, as well as various nutrients that can’t be found in formula. However, new moms often struggle to continue breastfeeding once they go back to work or need to leave their baby with another caregiver.