Baby Dummies

Baby Dummies

Baby Dummies are more often known as pacifiers, and are plastic or silicone nipples given to babies to suck on during a particular stage in their growth. The use of Baby Dummis is recommended when the baby is nearing his first birthday.

From Mommies to Babies: Dummies and their Use

Baby's dummies have been constant companions of mothers and their babies since the early 1900s. Dummies are more often known as pacifiers, and are plastic or silicone nipples given to babies to suck on during a particular stage in their growth. Some parents use baby's dummies as early as when the child is 2 to 3 months old, while others wait until about the child is 6 months old. Pediatricians recommend that baby dummies be introduced to their babies once the baby has grown accustomed to breastfeeding.

It is recommended that as the child is nearing his or her 1st birthday, the mother begins to wean him or her off the dummies. But why do parents use baby's dummies? Dummies are also called pacifiers because they are designed to pacify and soothe the baby. This is especially true when the baby has colic, and the dummies act to relieve some of the pain that the baby is feeling. For premature babies, dummies are an effective means to help them shift from tube feeding to regular bottle feeding.

Dummies help them feed from the bottle better especially if they are given a dummy to suck on some moments before bottle feeding. While some experts are concerned about dummies due to disagreements as to whether or not they are good for babies and what implications they may have, it is simply important that parents observe some important things. First, they must make sure that the dummy is clean whenever it is used. They must also not give their baby a dummy yunless the baby begins seeking one.

If they should need a dummy, then mothers must make sure that using the dummy does not become a habit and its use is limited to times when it is necessary. Only then can using dummies not pose the threat that parents fear they have: encouraging tooth decay and bad teeth structure, or even creating a prolonged habit.

Demystifying Dummies: What Are They Made of?

When anyone sees dummies, they automatically remember babies. This is because dummies are particularly used only for babies, and are recommended for use only until about a baby turns one-year old. While there is conflicting opinion as to baby's dummies benefits and detriments, people continue to use them to help pacify or soothe a baby that is experiencing pain or discomfort. The nipple portion of the baby's dummies may be made from silicone, rubber, or plastic.

Attached to it is a plastic or silicone shield that helps make sure that the baby does not end up swallowing the entirety of the pacifier. The nipple portion and mouth shield are anchored by a plastic ring, which is usually used to handle the dummy to avoid it from getting dirty. Because of the material used, baby's dummies are more durable and easy to keep sterile. There are available latex dummies that are more flexible and far softer than their silicone counterparts, but they are not as durable. Also, dummies are usually bright in color, with the mouth shield shaped in various shapes.

This is done so that dummies, when used by parents, will duly appeal to the babies who use them and reduce the likelihood that they will be spit off or rejected. The use of dummies has caused fears from many parents and doctors that this may discourage the growth of teeth or misalign teeth as they grow. It is for this reason that parents may choose to buy orthodontic dummies that are being marketed as being shaped to encourage the growth and formation of healthy teeth.

Previously, parents either dipped dummies in sugar or honey, or bought sugar-coated dummies. However, after a scientific study showing that this practice encouraged the decay of young teeth forming on the baby's gums, the practice has somehow lost its popularity.

Shopping for Baby Dummies

Mothers with newborn babies are usually all over their heads finding all the right things they should have at home. This is the reason why infant merchandise and fashion continue to be an industry thriving and attracting loyalty from mothers despite the short amount of time an offspring will spend as a baby. Bottle feeders, walkers, cribs, bibs, rattles, and even musical mobiles are just some of the things that are in every mother's checklist.

However, one important thing that they may decide to buy is what is known as baby's dummies or pacifiers. When mothers are trying to decide whether or not they are going to buy baby's dummies, they may wonder about the possible effects of using them. Some parents are concerned about the eventual growth of teeth of babies, the possibility of tooth decay, or the difficulty they may have in weaning the baby off the pacifier that may result in some deformity. However, some parents, with some proper guidance, do decide on getting baby's dummies.

These pacifiers are easily available for sale in individual packs or in bulk from many of the shops that also sell other baby's accessories. Some dummies may come free with some feeding bottles. Usually, it is encouraged for mothers to buy a couple of dummies, because like all other things, dummies must constantly be changed. Possible breaks, holes, and cracks on the dummies may become home to many germs that are dangerous to the baby.

These dummies may have nipples that come in latex, silicone, rubber, or plastic, from where the parent may choose. Latex is the softest and most flexible of all the others, but it also breaks easily. When buying dummies, parents may consider spending a marginally small amount more than the usual dummy to get an orthodontic one instead. These are said to encourage the growth and development of healthy teeth.

Dealing with the Dummies' Many Sizes and Shapes

Many parents enjoy doting on their children or would-be children early on. Even before the baby is born, accessories, toys, clothes, and feeding materials are bought already with great anticipation. Baby's dummies are one of the many accessories that parents consider getting their children with some degree of hesitation. This is because there is no consensus as to whether or not they are good for babies' use.

Baby's dummies have been recommended in helping pacify or soothe the baby when he or she is experiencing some pain or discomfort, especially when he or she has colic. Recommended when the baby is about 6 months old until the age of one, studies have also shown that their use during nap time and breaks when the baby is relaxing in the crib helps reduce the risk for the sudden infant death syndrome. With proper use and sterilization, baby's dummies may help avoid fears associated with tooth formation or tooth decay. If parents are sold to the idea of getting dummies, they may decide to buy many pacifiers even the baby is born.

However, it is important to remember that there are a lot of pacifier shapes and sizes, made of silicone, rubber, or latex. It is recommended that only one or two dummies be bought before it is introduced to the baby. From there, parents can play it by ear and choose the shape and material that the baby likes best. Orthodontic pacifiers are round on top and flat on the bottom, while traditional pacifiers are rounded. Babies may prefer one over the other, so it may be important to test their preference first.

Parents must also check if babies are comfortable with silicone dummies, which are more durable and easy to clean but much tougher. Latex dummies, while less durable, are softer and much flexible. Parents must test all these variables against the baby's preferences, and from there, buy replacements accordingly.

Simplifying Shopping for Dummies

Baby's dummies or pacifiers have been used by mothers all over the world as early as the 1900s. This is for good reason as well. Dummies, also called pacifiers, do just that. They pacify and soothe a baby whenever he or she feels some pain or discomfort, which he or she would express by crying very loudly. This is because dummies are believed to help with colic. Selecting the best one for baby, however, may prove to be difficult. Baby's dummies come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors despite the fact that they really are for one reason alone.

They may be bought in individual packets or in a couple of dummies in one pack. Some come free with a set of feeding bottles. However, it is important not to let confusion get the best of anyone. There are a couple of basic things that parents may look into when buying baby's dummies. One is making sure that regardless of style, color, or whatever attractive pertinent feature, the pacifier must be at least 1.5 inches across. This is to make sure that the baby does not end up choking on the pacifier or swallowing it accidentally.

Dummies come in three materials—silicone, rubber, and latex. Of the three, latex is the least durable but the softest and most flexible. Odor, however, does not stick to a silicone nipple and are more durable and easy to clean. The catch with silicone or rubble nipples, however, is that they may feel a bit tougher. Usually, it is best to let the baby try each and see which he or she prefers to use.

No matter what material is going to be used, the important thing to remember is to change the pacifier after a couple of weeks or months of use, and to constantly check for breakage or holes. These may become home to dangerous bacteria. Baby's dummies must be replaced in order to keep safe against breakage due to frequent use.