It has been a dilemma for me too. Different people have been giving me different opinions. It wasn't until a few days ago that I finally made up my mind. To use the pacifier.
Here's a comparison chart that I've come up with for the mummies on SingaporeMotherhood forum. Hope it helps! :)
| | Thumb | Pacifier/Soother |
| Recommended by GP / paediatrician | Yes; Individual’s opinion | Yes; Individual’s opinion |
| Hygiene | Highly unhygienic esp. when baby learns to sit and crawl, swipes dirt off surfaces & puts into mouth! | Not as unhygienic; Can be washed when dropped |
| Convenience | Highly convenient; Easy access as thumb is on baby’s hand, she can put into her mouth whenever and wherever | Not so convenient; Going out - if left at home, very troublesome to deal with agitated baby; Solution – buy a few (leave 1 at home, 1 at parents’/in-laws’ place, 1 in diaper bag) |
| Difficulty in weaning | Difficult when baby is addicted; See Convenience; Solution – apply bitter cream/gel (supposedly available from pharmacies) on thumb before baby zzz | Difficult when baby is addicted; Solution – naturally solved when baby is older and afraid of embarrassment; use ‘shame shame’ technique to discourage |
| Affects oral development | Yes, definitely if thumb sucking is prolonged (i.e. after 4 - 5 years old); see Difficulty in weaning | Can be prevented by using good pacifiers that promote good oral development e.g. NUK soothers |
Internet articles:
www.keepkidshealthy.com/parenting_tips/pacifiers_thumb_sucking.html
www.keepkidshealthy.com/toddler/pacifier.html
health.yahoo.com/topic/parenting/behavior/article/healthwise/hw170185
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