The modern assortment of pacifiers is quite extensive. They differ in shape, size, and other characteristics. How to choose the right pacifier for a baby and what is important to consider when choosing a pacifier for a newborn baby?
Read about whether a newborn needs a pacifier in another article.
Criterias of choice
When choosing a suitable pacifier for a newborn baby, you need to focus on the following criteria:
- The age of the baby, as well as the size of the child.
- The shape of the product, which is symmetrical, flattened, round and different.
- Dimensions of the pacifier base.
- Product safety. It should not take apart and break easily.
- The material the dummy is made of.
- Manufacturer's name. By purchasing a product from a well-known brand, you will be sure of the quality of a pacifier.
Material
Like bottle nipples, pacifiers are available in silicone and latex. There are also rubber nipples, but they are now less commonly used and a thing of the past. Pacifiers made from such material are short-lived and can cause diathesis. However, during the teething period, a rubber nipple can help out.
Natural rubber is used for the production of latex pacifiers, so the products are elastic and soft. It is these nipples that are recommended for newborns, including premature babies. Latex nipples are either light brown or transparent. Unfortunately, they wear out very quickly, can darken under the influence of the sun's rays, and can also cause allergies.
Silicone pacifiers are more resistant to boiling and safer against allergies. They are made of synthetic material, so that silicone products are elastic, resilient, colorless and odorless. Moreover, such nipples are more rigid and can affect the growth of milk teeth, therefore they are recommended to be used only in children whose teeth have not yet appeared.
For information on how often you need to change and sterilize your pacifier, see another article.
The form
Pacifiers are very diverse in shape, so you need to choose the most convenient for a particular child. It is believed that the baby prefers the form of a pacifier that matches the shape of the mother's nipple in his mouth.
Consider the shape of a pacifier.
Round
This is the most classic and familiar form of pacifier. At the limiter, it is narrower, and at the end it expands, its papilla is rounded. Mom can give this pacifier to a baby by either side.
The downside with long-term use is the deterioration of the bite.
Anatomical
Its name is associated with the structure corresponding to the baby's mouth. This nipple has an elliptical shape and a thin neck that does not deform the teeth. It is flattened on one side to ensure correct tongue placement.
The advantages of this form of the nipple are the promotion of correct bite, uniform pressure on the tissues of the baby's mouth, as well as preventing air from swallowing.
Orthodontic
Now these nipples are the most popular, as the baby captures a similar nipple, like a mother's breast. They have a beveled papilla, and the shape is convex on one side, and slightly flattened on the other.
Pacifiers of this type come in the following forms:
- "Cherry" (recommended for large kids who have a large palate);
- "Butterfly" (such a dummy is given to a baby lying on his stomach);
- "Heart" (helps to form the bite).
There is also a symmetrical version of the orthodontic nipple, in which both sides are flat. Such a pacifier, like a round one, can be given to the baby by either side.
The size
The size of the product should be selected taking into account the age of the baby. Usually the age for which the chosen pacifier is suitable is marked on the packaging of the accessory. All nipples are classified into three categories:
- A (for crumbs after birth up to six months of age);
- B (for children over six months up to 1.5 years of age);
- C (children over 18 months old).
Some companies have pacifiers for newborns with low birth weight (less than 1.75 kg). Also, the manufacturer can divide category A pacifiers into products for babies up to three months old and for babies 3-6 months old.
What does a dummy consist of?
Any pacifier has parts such as a nipple, a base (also called a shield), and a ring. It is important to choose a product for your baby with a suitable shield size. The base of the pacifier should not be too large, so as not to interfere with the breathing of the baby's nose, but not too small to prevent the child from putting the accessory completely into his mouth.
It is good if the inner surface of the base plate is embossed, then the accessory will not fit snugly on children's skin. There should be holes in the base through which air will get to the skin of the child's face. There should also be a cutout for the child's nose in the shield.
Manufacturers, their pros and cons
A newborn needs only a high-quality pacifier to buy, so it is best to choose a product from well-known manufacturers of goods for children. For example, the English brand Avent manufactures products for children with high safety standards. The nipples of this brand are not only completely safe for babies, but also very comfortable.
Philips AVENT
The leader among silicone pacifiers is the Philips AVENT brand. The company offers classic nipples with 6 ventilation holes in different sizes - from 0 to 3 years old. These pacifiers are safe, durable and very comfortable for babies. A protective cap is included with the accessories.
The disadvantages of Philips AVENT pacifiers include the rather high price and the possibility of moisture getting inside the nipple through the ventilation holes. In addition, the teardrop shape of such products will not suit many children.
Canpol babies
The well-known Polish company Canpol babies produces high quality pacifiers. Products of this brand are comfortable and durable, there are both silicone and latex.
The advantages of the pacifiers of this company include the presence of an air valve, high quality, the presence of a cap, a variety of designs and a low price.
Chicco
The world famous manufacturer Chicco is considered a reputable brand. The nipples of this company are reliable, aesthetic and as safe as possible. Chicco latex pacifiers are both resilient and soft, yet flexible enough for all their strength. In addition, they help shape the bite correctly.
Nuby
The US company Nuby is the largest manufacturer of baby products. The brand's pacifiers are of unsurpassed quality and very attractive designs.
Since they are represented by the original movable models (the sucking part in the Nuby pacifiers is movable), the baby with such a nipple will not be lazy. With her, the child in the process of sucking gets tired faster and falls asleep. In addition, the brand's silicone teat has nubs on it to help stimulate the baby's gums. True, these very durable products are quite expensive.
TIGEX
The French manufacturer TIGEX pacifiers have an attractive design, thoughtful details and high quality material. Due to the anatomical shape, the products of this brand do not fall out of the children's mouth. Environmentally friendly materials are used for their production.
The assortment of teats from TIGEX is very extensive, and the cost is affordable. In addition, the brand produces special nipples for weakened babies.
NUC
NUC brand nipples from Germany have a patented shape. Scientific studies have confirmed that it is physiological for babies. The products of this brand are durable, but they are quite expensive.
Pigeon
Newborns can also buy orthodontic nipples from the Japanese company Pigeon. These nipples are recommended for babies under 4 months. They are of high quality and inexpensive, with an attractive design.
HEVEA
One of the best manufacturers of latex pacifiers is the HEVEA brand. They are presented on the market in different types and sizes. The products of this company are made from natural rubber, so all teats are soft, hygienic and at a comfortable temperature. In addition, there are no seams in their construction.
There is only one downside to such pacifiers - high cost.
Bibi
If parents want some kind of original pacifier, they will love the Swiss brand Bibi. The durable and very high quality silicone nipples of this company have a very unusual design with original inscriptions and bright drawings. The dummy package includes a case and a stand.
The disadvantages of the product are called the non-anatomical shape (all the pacifiers are presented in the "cherry" shape), small ventilation holes and high price.
Tips for choosing
- It is important that as the baby grows, the size of the nipple also increases. If your baby is larger than their peers, choose the next size pacifier. If the baby is smaller than the toddlers of his age, you should not give him a large nipple so that the baby does not choke.
- Nipples that are made from a single piece of material are preferred. Such a pacifier will not be damaged during the sucking process. Do not buy a product that can be disassembled.
For information on how to choose a dummy for a child, see Dr. Komarovsky's program.
