Re: Do you use a pacifier? Why or why not?

I try to to soothe her when nothing else seems to work. Sometimes she takes it sometimes she doesn't.

Re: Do you use a pacifier? Why or why not?

With both DC, we didn't give it at first (but had them handy in the house). After a while, they really needed to suck on something, so we gave it to them. DS stopped cold turkey on his own, and DD is currently losing interest slowly. DS was done before he was 2, and DD looks like she should be done before 2 as well.

If it keeps them happy, and prevents SIDS, and they want it, why not....

Re: Do you use a pacifier? Why or why not?

nope

she won't take one

Re: Do you use a pacifier? Why or why not?

Yes - it soothes him - and he will spit it out once he has calmed down.

Re: Do you use a pacifier? Why or why not?

Nope. My boys used it for a few weeks in the beginning, but then when they started crying at night every time it fell out (which usually was no more then a minute or two) I took them away. They never seemed really that interested in them.

However, they now love to suck on their bottles long after the liquid is done. Weird.

Re: Do you use a pacifier? Why or why not?

I do. I originally was not going to b/c the LCs had me convinced that if DS used a pacifier he would not latch. Needless to say this did not happen. I changed my mind because: a) There is evidence to show that if used between 2 mos & 6 mos of age it can help reduce SIDS; b) He started to suck his fingers on his own and I figured it is easier to take away a pacifier than to keep his fingers out of his mouth later in life.

ETA: We only use it when he goes to sleep. It is one of his "sleepytime" cues.

Message edited 10/24/2007 8:17:32 AM.

Re: Do you use a pacifier? Why or why not?

I have no problems with them, however my son didn't want any part of a paci, which in reality was a godsend because its one less bad habit to break. I would use on...its not a problem to use them, but i am glad that we don't use them.

I am not a fan of seeing any child over 12 months with a paci, its gross imo.

Re: Do you use a pacifier? Why or why not?

DS doesn't use a pacifier. I told them not to give it to him in the hospital and even though we had them at home we rarely gave it to him. The few times we tried he spit it right out or wiggled away when we tried to hold it for him.

DH and I were not big on the pacifier as kids either from what I understand...maybe that has something to do with us not using it for DS.

Re: Do you use a pacifier? Why or why not?

Used them with all the kids...

For sleeping, long car rides, etc....

Started using them less and less at about 6 months and by 9 months they were usually gone. My girls never gave me a hard time.

Re: Do you use a pacifier? Why or why not?

DD doesn't use one. She never took to one in the hospital and we have tried ALL kinds and she wants nothing to do with them. So... she sucks and chews on her fingers!

Re: Do you use a pacifier? Why or why not?

Re: Do you use a pacifier? Why or why not?

she does not take one and we have never forced it. We do leave one in her PNP so if she is in there, she will grab it, bite on it and then throw it down.

Re: Do you use a pacifier? Why or why not?

wer gave in at 1 month some babys just like to suck more then others

Re: Do you use a pacifier? Why or why not?

We use one....in the beginning because she was colicky and sucking kept her from crying and giving herself more gas...after the colic went away, I'd say 4 months or so when she was getting distracted by other things we transitioned to just using it in the crib for naps and night sleep. She uses it as she's falling asleep but once she's out, it falls out. If she wakes up during the night, she puts it back in herself and we never even hear her do it.

We didn't want her to become a thumbsucker...can't take away a thumb like you can wiith a pacifier...my FIL is a dentist and his view is that thumbs cause more damage to the teeth than a pacifier does especially when parents control the pacifier use (i.e. its not used 24/7 and they are weaned at an appropriate age)

But honestly, if your baby doesn't seem to need to suck, I wouldn't use one....its a really hard habit to break. Do you notice additional sucking after feeding without swallowing?

Re: Do you use a pacifier? Why or why not?

Thank you for all your feedback. I really appreciate it.

Re: Do you use a pacifier? Why or why not?

I was totally against it until I learned that it helps reduce SIDS. Then I was all for it!

It keeps their stomachs from closing if they are sucking from time to time. However, they are still able to go ino a deep sleep, the pacifier helps them not to forget to breath.

If there is anything I can do to help reduce/prevent SIDS I will do it, So what that I will have to wean her off of it later? Of course it stinks but I will deal with it then. It's worth is a million times over again if it help save her life.

Message edited 10/24/2007 11:03:33 AM.

Re: Do you use a pacifier? Why or why not?

Yep, binky kids all the way. Both my boys. I think its fine for them, some kids just need it! Not looking forward to the part when i have to take it away, but for now it makes him happy!