Post # 1

Member
868 posts
Busy bee
I feel like I have read multiple times that pacifiers are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatricians as a way to reduce SIDS, but recently I’ve had multiple moms/moms-to-be ask if we were going to go the “bad mom” route and offer baby a pacifier. Am I on glue? If they reduce a SIDS risk, wouldn’t it be a good idea?
Post # 3

Member
2459 posts
Buzzing bee
@MRSLMA: I have read that too, but the article I read didn’t say why it reduces sids. i have chosen not to have one as it is easier if my LO can settle herself so I dont have to worry about a dummy falling out in the middle of the night, and her loosing her shit. She settles herself by popping her fingers in her mouth.
Post # 4

Member
5148 posts
Bee Keeper
I see nothing bad about giving baby a pacifier. In fact, the book “Happiest Baby on the Block” recommends them!
We started giving the pacifier at 3 weeks. Since I’m breastfeeding and we had a lot of trouble with latching to start with, I wanted to wait a few weeks to avoid nipple confusion (they recommend waiting 3-4 weeks before introducing artificle nipples if you breastfeed). But I also was counting down until I could give it to him because of the reduced SIDS risk.
Post # 5

Member
9824 posts
Buzzing Beekeeper
I gave both babies a pacifier at my pediatrician’s recommendation. SIDS is my worst nightmare, I did everything possible to prevent it. Why not?
Post # 6

Member
2459 posts
Buzzing bee
@KatyElle: Do you know why it prevents SIDS?
Post # 7

Member
1487 posts
Bumble bee
I don’t see anything wrong with them (we’ve used them since the hospital), and either way, someone has really said that to you? The “bad mom” route.
That’s disgusting.
As far as them falling out in the middle of the night, Dirty Delete is 7 months, and for the last couple of months, we’ve put two of them in her crib with her at night, and 9 times out of 10, she’ll find one herself with no fuss.
Honestly, we used them BEFORE I read about the reduced SIDS risk, and when I heard that, i just thought, “Well, all right then, bonus!”
Post # 8

Member
292 posts
Helper bee
They don’t really know what causes SIDS (which makes it THAT much scarier), so it is hard to nail down specific factors that cause it and likewise which factors are preventative. Probably what you have heard is that babies use regularly use pacifiers have a lower occurance of SIDS when compared with babies who don’t. And keep in mind that while you can choose whether or not to offer your baby a pacifier, it is his/her decision to take it (or not). I offered my little one a paci, but he was just never a fan, so I didn’t push it. If you choose to give your baby a paci doesn’t make you a “bad mom.” If baby refuses paci, that doesn’t make you a “bad mom” either. The fact that you are thinking so long and hard about this makes me think that you will be a very good mom.
Post # 9

Member
868 posts
Busy bee
Thanks everyone =) It seems like no matter what a mom/parent decides to do with regard to their child there is someone out there that will disagree and feel the need to tell you why you’re doing things wrong!
@WoodenShoes: You’re right- I think that the study did say that there is a lower occurance. Thanks for the vote of confidence too- always helpful to hear!
@KatyElle: +1…. worst nightmare. Something so life threatening that we have SO little control over *shudders*
@Quietserenity: Right?! Not only one person either! It blows my mind how entitled people feel to not only tell you their opinions, but put you down for having opinions of your own!
Post # 10

Member
2872 posts
Sugar bee
I think it reduces sids because they do not sleep as deeply. I tried to give my LO a pacifier, but she hates them!!
I have the angelcare monitor instead.
Post # 11

Member
575 posts
Busy bee
I think it reduces SIDS due to the way the baby keeps the pacifier in their mouth ensures they are still breathing…. I think I read that
Post # 12

Member
9824 posts
Buzzing Beekeeper
@panterapeach: I love my AngelCare.
Supposedly pacifiers/suckling keep babies from falling into too deep a sleep while they are still too small to effectively regulate their own breathing.
Post # 13

Member
9142 posts
Buzzing Beekeeper
- Wedding: November 2013 - St. Augustine Beach, FL
Nothing wrong with using a pacifier. I think the only issue comes up when they use it too long and your pediatrician and/or pediatric dentist can tell you when it’s time to wean off the passy.