The impact of pacifiers on speech and how to break the habit!
One topic we get asked about often is pacifiers! So many of our little ones love them and we know they are helpful in many ways! Then it hits us, “My child REALLY can’t get by without their pacifier (or thumb) . . . is this a problem?” It can be! Below we will discuss the pros and cons of pacifiers, as well as, some strategies you can use when you decide it’s time to break the habit!
Benefits of Pacifiers:
They help our infants self-soothe! The reason so many of us give pacifiers to our infants is because it calms them when they are fussy!
Pacifiers satisfy the sucking reflex that can linger even after feeding.
They can help infants fall asleep more easily.
Pacifiers may help reduce the risk of SIDS in newborns.
They can easily be thrown away (not so true with the thumb).
Downside of Pacifiers:
Babies can become very dependent on pacifiers! We often witness this when babies suddenly wake and cry at night when the pacifiers fall out of their mouths.
Pacifiers may increase the risk of ear infections (though infection rates are typically lower within the first 6 months)
Extended use of pacifiers may lead to changes in the way teeth develop, leading to potential speech issues!
The bottom line: As babies get older, the risks associated with using them outweighs the benefits! In our opinion, the sooner you can break the pacifier habit, the better. Ideally, you will want to have your child stop using a pacifier before the age of 2.
Can thumb sucking also affect my child’s speech development?
Thumb sucking is likely to be seen in older infants and babies, as newborns don’t typically have the motor control to support this habit. Like pacifiers, babies often suck their thumbs because of the soothing and calming effect. However, it can be a very difficult habit to break! Unlike pacifiers, which are disposable, thumb sucking can be much more tricky! Not only is your little one exposed to more germs and viruses through thumb sucking, it can have quite an impact on the development of the teeth, jaw, and palate. A 2009 Study found that children who sucked their thumbs for extended periods of time during the day, or past the age of three, were three times more likely to develop speech problems than children who did not suck their thumbs! If your child likes to suck their thumb, try offering them a replacement item to help them feel comforted!
How to drop the pacifier!
Some kids love pacifiers, while others have never used one once! Pacifiers are great for babies in many ways, but by age two, those benefits can turn into negative impacts. Don’t worry!! It is possible to break the habit . . . we have been there (even SLPs have babies with paci addictions)!
You don’t need to cut out the pacifier cold turkey! Below, we discuss some ways that you can help your child break the pacifier habit without losing sleep!
Ways you can help your child break the pacifier habit:
Try limiting the pacifier to naps and bedtime. Remind your child that their paci stays in their crib (or bed)! It may take time for them to understand that the paci stays there, but stay firm and over time they will know it stays in their crib.
Cut the tip of the pacifier off! By doing this, sucking on the pacifier no longer gives them benefit. Your child may get frustrated by this, so it might be a good idea to have another pacifier ready if you are not up for the challenge of cold turkey!
If your child uses a pacifier with a stuffed animal attached to it, you can try cutting off the pacifier and giving them the stuffed animal. The animal part can now become their lovey!
Have your child “donate” their pacifiers! Many parents have reported success with having their child package up their pacifiers and “sending” them to a child that needs them (note: this is all pretend, of course)! Alternative options are having a “pacifier fairy” come and take the pacifiers to another baby that needs them.
However you choose to break the pacifier habit, remember to stay consistent and don’t give up! It may take some time, but it will be worth it!
To read more about the effects of pacifiers and thumbsucking, read our Feature Friday post with Dr. Tamara Oweis, orthodontist, and Dr. Kelsey Brar, Pediatric Dentist! They discuss the impact of sucking habits and ways to break them!
