How to choose a dummy for a newborn?
The modern assortment of pacifiers is quite extensive. They differ in shape and size, and other characteristics. How to choose a pacifier for a baby and what is important to consider when choosing a baby's dummy for a newborn baby?
About, Does a baby need a dummyread in another article.
Criterias of choice
In selecting a suitable baby's dummy for a newborn baby, you need to focus on the following criteria:
- The age of the baby, as well as the size of the child.
- The shape of the product, which is symmetrical, flattened, round and another.
- The dimensions of the base of the pacifier.
- Product safety. It should not be broken apart and easily broken.
- The material from which the dummy is made.
- The name of the manufacturer. By purchasing a product from a well-known brand, you will be assured of the quality of the pacifier.
Material
Like the nipples worn on the bottle, soothers are silicone and latex. There are rubber nipples, but they are now used less frequently and are becoming a thing of the past. Soothers from such material are short-lived and can cause diathesis. However, in the period of teething, the rubber nipple is able to help out.
Natural rubber is used to make latex pacifiers, making the products flexible and soft. Such nipples are recommended for newborns, including premature babies. Latex nipples are light brown or transparent. Unfortunately, they wear out very quickly, can darken under the action of the sun's rays, and can also cause allergies.
Silicone pacifiers are more hardy against boiling and safer against allergies. They are made of synthetic material, so that silicone products are flexible, resilient, colorless and odorless. At the same time, these nipples are stiffer and can affect the growth of milk teeth, because they are recommended to be used only in children who have not yet had teeth.
About, how often do you need to change and sterilize the pacifierread in another article.
The form
Soothers are very diverse in their form, so you need to choose the most convenient for a particular child. It is believed that the baby prefers the form of the pacifier, which corresponds to the form of my mother's nipple in his mouth.
Consider the shape of the pacifier.
Round
This is the most classic and familiar form of the pacifier. At the limiter it is narrower, and by the end it expands, its papilla is rounded. Mother can give this baby's dummy to any side.
The disadvantage of long-term use is the deterioration of the bite.
Anatomical
Its name is associated with the structure corresponding to the mouth of the baby. Such a nipple is distinguished by an ellipsoid shape and a thin neck, which does not cause tooth deformation. On the one hand, it flattened to ensure the correct location of the language.
The advantages of this form of nipples are to contribute to the correct bite, uniform pressure on the tissues of the baby’s mouth, as well as preventing air ingestion.
Orthodontic
Now these nipples are the most popular, as the child captures a similar nipple, like mother's breast.They have a sloping nipple, and the shape is convex on one side and slightly flattened on the other.
Soothers of this type come in the following forms:
- "Cherry" (recommended for large babies who have a big sky);
- “Butterfly” (such a pacifier is given to a baby lying on his stomach);
- "Heart" (helps to form a bite).
There is also a symmetrical version of the orthodontic teat, in which both sides are flat. Such a pacifier, like a round one, can be given to the crumbs by either side.
The size
Select the size of the product should be based on the age of the baby. Typically, the age at which the chosen dummy fits is marked on the packaging of the accessory. All nipples are classified into three categories:
- A (for crumbs after birth to six months);
- B (for children over six months up to the age of 1.5);
- C (children over 18 months).
Some companies have pacifiers for newborns born with low weight (less than 1.75 kg). Also, the manufacturer can divide category A dummies into products for babies up to three months and for children 3-6 months.
What does a dummy consist of?
Any dummy has parts such as the nipple, the base (also called the dashboard), and the ring. It is important to choose a baby product with the appropriate size of the shield. The base of the pacifier should not be unnecessarily large, so as not to interfere with breathing with the nose, but also not too small to prevent the child from sticking the accessory completely into the mouth.
Well, if the inner surface of the shield-base will be embossed, then the accessory will not fit snugly to baby skin. In the base there should be holes through which air will flow to the skin of the child’s face. Also in the shield should be a cutout for the nose of the child.
Manufacturers, their pros and cons
It is necessary to buy a newborn only a quality dummy, so it is best to pick up a product from well-known manufacturers of products for children. For example, the English brand Avent manufactures products for children according to high safety standards. Nipples of this brand are not only completely safe for crumbs, but also very comfortable.
Philips AVENT
The leader among manufacturers of silicone pacifiers is the Philips AVENT brand. The company offers classic nipples with 6 holes for ventilation of different sizes - from 0 to 3 years. Such pacifiers are safe, durable and very comfortable for kids. Included with accessories is a protective cap.
Among the shortcomings of Philips AVENT pacifiers are the rather big price and the possibility of moisture inside the nipples through the vents. In addition, many kids do not fit the teardrop shape of such products.
Canpol babies
Canpol babies, a well-known Polish company, produces high-quality pacifiers. Products of this brand are comfortable and durable, are silicone and latex.
The advantages of soothers of this company include the presence of an air valve, high quality, the presence of a lid, a variety of designs and low price.
Chicco
The world famous manufacturer Chicco is considered a reputable brand. Nipples of this company are reliable, aesthetic and as safe as possible. Chicco latex soothers are both resilient and soft, with all their strength quite flexible. In addition, they help shape the bite correctly.
Nuby
The company from the USA Nuby is the largest manufacturer of products for newborns. Dummies of this brand are of unsurpassed quality and very attractive design.
Since they are represented by original moving models (the sucking part in the Nuby soothers is moving), the baby with such a nipple will not be lazy. With her, the baby in the process of sucking gets tired faster and falls asleep. In addition, on the silicone nipple of this brand there are "bumps" that help to stimulate the baby's gums. True, these very durable products are quite expensive.
Tigex
The dummies of the French manufacturer TIGEX have an attractive design, thoughtful details and high quality material. The products of this brand due to the anatomical shape do not fall out of the children's mouth. For their production using environmentally friendly materials.
The range of nipples from TIGEX is very extensive, and the cost is affordable. In addition, the brand produces special nipples for weak children.
NUC
Nipples brand NUC from Germany are distinguished by a patented form. Scientific studies have confirmed that it is physiological for kids. Products of this brand are durable, but they are quite expensive.
Pigeon
Newborn babies can also buy orthodontic nipples from the Japanese company Pigeon. These nipples are recommended for children up to 4 months. They are quality and inexpensive, with an attractive design.
HEVEA
One of the best manufacturers of latex pacifiers is the brand HEVEA. In the market they are represented by different types and sizes. The products of this company are made from natural rubber, so all nipples are soft, hygienic and comfortable temperature. In addition, there are no seams in their construction.
There is only one drawback to these empty spaces - the high cost.
Bibi
If parents want some kind of original dummy, they will like the Swiss brand Bibi. The durable and very high-quality silicone nipples of this company have a very unusual design with original inscriptions and bright drawings. The package includes a dummy case and stand.
The disadvantages of the product are called non-anatomical form (all dummies are represented by the “cherry” form), small ventilation holes and a high price.
Tips for choosing
- It is important that as the child grows, the size of the nipple also increases. If the baby is larger than his peers, pick up the next size dummy. If the baby is smaller than the tots of his age, you should not give him a large nipple so that the child does not choke.
- Nipples are preferred, which are made from a single piece of material. Such a dummy will not be damaged in the process of sucking. Do not buy a product that can be disassembled.
On how to choose a dummy for the child, see the transfer of Dr. Komarovsky.