Studies in America and Australia have found that pacifiers may reduce the risk of cot death.
The latest research believes that the act of sucking on a dummy trains your baby in better cardiac control. Using the dummy teaches baby to regulate their heartbeat and protects them from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
We are often talking about the pros and cons of dummies in the studio. Whether or not it is a good idea introduce one. A client recently told me about the research that has been done in how dummies reduce the risk of cot death. I’ve had a look and the studies are well worth reading and taking into account. This is valuable information when making your decision on a pacifier.
There have been a number of studies. One in America interviewed the families of 185 infants who had died from cot death and then looked at 312 babies with matching situations.
This study found a 90% reduced risk of SIDS in babies who used a pacifier, compared to those who did not. They also found that sucking a thumb also appeared to reduce SIDS risk.
How the Dummy Helps
As well as helping your baby learn to regulate their heartbeat, researchers also believe that the bulk of the dummy also creates an air pocket around baby. If baby gets wrapped in their blankets, and are at risk from asphyxiation this will protect them.
All the research into the link between dummies and cot death seems to agree though that while the results are positive, the overall picture still remains very complicated.
The NHS acknowledges the research though they recommend that breastfeeding primarily reduces the risk of SIDS.
They agree that using a dummy may also help protect your baby.
NHS advice
So as not to hinder breastfeeding, the NHS recommends that a dummy is only introduced once this is well established. This is usually when baby is around one month old. Then the pacifier should work well to complement breastfeeding.
Pacifier use has a history of controversy in relation to teeth and jaw development. Because of this, the NHS recommends that you stop giving your baby a dummy when they are around 12 months old.
Keep to these guidelines and in my humble opinion, there couldn’t be a better reason to give a dummy a go. Let me know how you get on. x
