5 Harmful Side Effects Of Baby Pacifiers

If a pacifier isn’t cleaned properly, it can become contaminated with bacteria or fungi. This can lead to oral infections and tooth decay. Using a pacifier before six months may also disrupt breastfeeding, making it hard to bond with your baby. It also poses a choking risk if it’s tied to the arm or neck. To avoid allergic reactions, use silicone pacifiers instead of latex. Stop pacifier use by age 3 to prevent dental problems and speech issues.

A pacifier is a seemingly harmless object. It can calm down an upset baby, so it’s a useful soother. Parents also give babies pacifiers to stimulate sucking reflexes. In fact, pacifiers are so normal that they’re some of the first things that expecting parents buy. But are they even safe?

If they’re not used properly, pacifiers pose dangerous risks. Check out these seven possible side effects of a pacifier.

1. Oral Infections

Pacifiers are a lot like toothbrushes. The constant oral contact makes it easy for germs to grow. If it’s not cleaned properly, a mouth infection is likely.

The main pathogens on pacifiers are Staphylococcus bacteria and Candida fungus. However, contamination is more common on latex pacifiers. Use silicone ones to prevent the risk of oral infections.

Regularly cleaning the pacifier will also reduce the risk of this side effect.

2. Breastfeeding Problems

If you want to breastfeed your baby, avoid pacifiers in the first six months. Using it too soon can significantly disrupt breastfeeding. It’s even linked to a shorter duration of breastfeeding, so keep this side effect in mind.

3. Distant Relationship

Breastfeeding doubles as mother-baby bonding. But remember, pacifiers will shorten the duration. This means less bonding, and therefore, a greater distance between the two of you.

4. Choking Risk

Possible baby pacifier side effects include strangulation. This is why you should never tie the pacifier around a baby’s neck or hand. To play it safe, use a pacifier with a clip or nothing at all.

5. Speech Problems

Pacifier use should stop for babies around 3 to 4-years-old. Otherwise, it can mess with normal development of their mouth and teeth. This can easily lead to speech problems.

Issues with swallowing, mouth structure, and tongue position might also crop up.

Source: somedaily.org