PACIFIER USE While Pacifier use is often controversial, as they have known advantages and disadvantages, some infants with reflux seem to benefit from using one. It’s a personal choice and this may be one option you could consider. There is no evidence to suggest you should not use a Pacifier; however, you may like to discuss this option with your doctor or child health nurse. Offering a Pacifier between feeds may help calm a distressed baby. Additionally, a medical study found that the ‘non-nutritive’ sucking (sucking without feeding) with a pacifier can improve the rate the stomach empties and also decrease the number of reflux episodes in a group of premature infants. Points to consider if you decide to use a PACIFIER: • Do not force your infant to use one. • Never tie a pacifier around your infant’s neck. • Never wedge the pacifier into baby’s mouth using a roll or object, since this can cause an airway obstruction. • Never coat a pacifier with any sweet substance to encourage your infant to take it. • Have breastfeeding well established before you introduce a pacifier. • Be sure the pacifier meets standards set down by the Trade Practices Act e.g. the shield is the correct size and shape. • Inspect it frequently for signs of damage, clean often and replace regularly (This article is written BY reflux parents FOR the benefit of reflux parents, based on their own experiences. It is not meant to replace medical advice and is of a general nature only. Information reviewed by Professor (Adj) Jeanine Young, Nursing Director, Research, Royal Children’s Hospital, Brisbane – ) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Here are a few things to look for in a pacifier: * Go latex-free. Latex can run the risk of carcinogenic nitrosamines and there are many safer options on the market. * Choose a model free of BPA, PVC, and phthalates * Physical safety is a factor. Pediatrician Dr. Alan Greene recommends you choose the right size for your baby’s stage; a newborn should use one designed for newborns. Also, make sure it’s a sturdy pacifier with a vented shield at least 1 ½ inches wide to prevent choking. For a ‘cheat-sheet’ to bring to the store when shopping for a safe pacifier, please visit the Safe Mama website. She is a great resource. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Posted on: Sun, 02 Feb 2014 14:35:11 +0000
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