Welcome to this article on our blog dedicated to the delicate dilemma between thumb and pacifier!
Whichever method you choose, know that both options — pacifier and thumb — can soothe your baby's natural sucking need. Let's go over the different points to consider before buying a pacifier.
CONTENTS:
- Where does the need for sucking come from?
- The benefits of sucking for your child
- Thumb advantages and its drawbacks
- The advantages of the pacifier
- Pairing the pacifier with a pacifier clip for complete independence
- When should you introduce and then stop the pacifier?
- Which pacifier model should you choose?
- Why have several pacifiers on hand?
- So, thumb or pacifier?
Where does the need for sucking come from?
The need for sucking is an archaic reflex that originates all the way back to life in the womb. This instinctive practice, established even before birth, is an instinctive necessity for infants.
And it isn't reserved only for humans. Among many primate species, babies sucking their thumbs have also been observed.
The benefits of sucking for your child
Sucking, whether soothed by a comforting thumb or a beloved pacifier, plays a fundamental role in your child's well-being. In addition to calming crying and satisfying a natural need, sucking triggers the release of endorphins, those happiness hormones that provide a deep feeling of relaxation.
Beyond its immediate calming effect, sucking also contributes to your child's emotional development. It creates a strong emotional bond between you and your baby. Sucking reinforces your baby's sense of security and comfort. This emotional connection will have positive, long-term effects on your child’s psychological development.
Additionally, sucking also acts as a regulator.
It has been proven to reduce stress levels in infants. In stressful situations, sucking acts as a self-soothing mechanism by providing a natural way to cope with anxiety. Some pediatricians even advise mothers to let their babies nurse or offer a pacifier during vaccinations, for example.
Thumb advantages and its drawbacks
As you might guess, the main advantage of the thumb comes down to its permanent availability. The child can suck their thumb whenever they feel like it, without waiting for a parent or caregiver to hand it over, something that's not possible with a pacifier.
Babies also tend to remove their thumb from their mouth more often when they want to talk versus when using a pacifier. So the thumb is less of a barrier to language development, unless the child becomes so dependent on it that they can't let go as they grow. There are in fact a few drawbacks, such as dependency.
The trouble when a young child develops a dependency on their thumb is that they may also develop problematic dental issues.
Moreover, some children who still suck their thumbs past age 3 may need to see a speech therapist to address speech problems (such as lisping, etc.) that are directly linked to incorrect tongue placement caused by thumb sucking.
The advantages of the pacifier
The pacifier, as a comforting object, offers a number of advantages, providing both comfort and convenience to parents and their baby.
- It meets a natural sucking need and becomes a valuable ally for parents during difficult moments.
- The pacifier helps babies fall asleep more easily. Soothed by the sucking action, they drift off faster.
- Several studies suggest that pacifier use may reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
- Sucking leads to the release of endorphins, the hormone of well-being, pleasure and happiness that brings the child much-needed comfort.
Pairing the pacifier with a pacifier clip for complete independence
Children’s dependence on the pacifier can be moderated by using handy accessories such as pacifier clips.
These items, often elegantly decorated and designed to be completely safe, tie everything together. Above all, they keep the pacifier from falling to the ground and getting dirty. This way, baby takes their first steps toward independence! 🤗
When should you introduce and then stop the pacifier?
Wait six weeks
If you’re interested in getting a pacifier, we recommend waiting until your baby is at least 6 weeks old, especially if breastfeeding is planned. During this period, the infant becomes familiar with breastfeeding, and introducing a pacifier too soon can cause confusion that will disrupt the breastfeeding process.
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Elhée Tip At first, your baby may not be immediately taken with the pacifier you offer. Let your baby get used to it gradually, without forcing. A few drops of milk on the tip of the pacifier may help persuade them to give it a try. |
Gradually remove the pacifier before school begins
It's common to discourage pacifier use before starting school. This decision will help ensure your child's language development isn't delayed by excessive pacifier use. Indeed, prolonged use can sometimes interfere with the proper formation of sounds and the mouth movements needed for speech.
Additionally, jaw growth and tooth alignment could also be negatively affected beyond age three.
Use the pacifier sparingly
For example, use it during naps, nighttime, and times when baby needs to be soothed — but not all day long.
Babies need to explore, babble, and put things in their mouth to discover the world around them. Constant pacifier use can slow down their desire to explore!
Which pacifier model should you choose?
When it comes to choosing the ideal pacifier for your baby, several considerations can guide you to ensure their comfort and well-being.
A physiological pacifier
Choose physiological pacifiers rather than anatomical ones: meaning those with one flat side facing the tongue and a rounded side toward the palate. This shape is recommended by orthodontists because it best fits the child’s oral cavity and helps proper development.
Choose an extra-thin pacifier
To minimize the risk of disrupting proper tooth alignment, we recommend selecting a pacifier with the thinnest possible nipple. This way, you'll help keep baby’s mouth closed even while using the pacifier. The goal is to respect your baby’s natural tooth position and avoid possible disruptions in their development by reducing the risk of dental open bites (tooth and jaw deformations).
Using a pacifier with a collar that’s too wide (or even the thumb, for that matter) can lead to poor placement of the teeth and jaw and create gaps between the child's teeth down the road.
A pacifier adapted to your child's age
Naturally, the pacifier should be suited to your baby's age. Picking an age-appropriate pacifier will once again ensure maximum comfort and contribute to your child’s well-being while sucking. It also helps prevent injuries at the corners of the lips.
A medical-grade silicone pacifier, almost as natural as your baby's thumb!
Opt for a medical-grade silicone pacifier! Medical-grade silicone is recognized as 100% safe for babies and is also known for its durability. This material releases no micro- or nano-plastic particles into your child’s body during sucking.
Baby bottle made of medical silicone: 100% safe and free of endocrine disruptors
Why have several pacifiers on hand?
Having several pacifiers on hand is practical in case of loss or wear. Babies are often very attached to their pacifier, and having several nearby ensures a backup solution if something happens! This means you'll avoid the frustration of a missing pacifier and always have one available…
So, thumb or pacifier?
There's no universally "best" choice between thumb and pacifier. Both options have their pros and cons.
At Elhée, we design ultra-thin physiological pacifiers in medical-grade silicone to offer babies the most optimal pacifier possible.
Élhée pacifiers are entirely made in France.
To learn more about our pacifiers, visit our store!
