Nipple (dummy) - an object that mimics the nipple, created to satisfy the sucking reflex in newborns. Babies who are breastfeeding, as a rule, do not particularly need this item, because frequent attachments to the breast fully satisfy their need for sucking. But if the newborn is on mixed or artificial feeding, if the baby restlessly falls asleep without sucking, then such a baby needs a pacifier. And the nipple will help those children who are worried about gas in the tummy, because sucking helps them pass away.
To choose the right pacifier for the baby, you need to determine what size and what shape the baby's dummy is.
We select the shape of the nipples: classic, anatomical, orthodontic
Nipples come in a classic (round) shape and anatomical. The round shape of the nipples is the most common and familiar form of all. It is narrow at the limiter and gradually expanding towards the end, with a rounded papilla, a dummy. Such a pacifier can be given to a child on either side. But with very frequent and long use of such a nipple, an incorrect bite may form.
Nipples of anatomical shape corresponding to the structure of the gums of the baby. This is a nipple adjacent to the tongue, flattened on one side, having an elliptical shape. This form of the dummy allows you to evenly distribute the pressure on the sky of the newborn. The anatomical nipple prevents the ingestion of air and helps the proper development of the bite.
Photo of an ordinary and anatomical nipple (Clickable):
There are also orthodontic pacifier pacifiers.
The most popular now is the dummy of the orthodontic form. This is a nipple with a sloping papilla, slightly flattened on one side and convex on the other. Due to its teardrop shape, it is more conveniently located in the mouth. The baby captures her in the same way as mom's breasts. In their shape, orthodontic nipples are divided into 3 types:
- “Cherry” is a special form of a baby's dummy designed for “heroes” with big skies.
- “Heart” is the nipple used to form the bite.
- “Butterfly” - a pacifier for sucking lying on your stomach.
Another type of nipple flat on both sides is called symmetrical. Such a nipple is convenient in that, like a round, it can be put on either side of the baby’s mouth.
With all the wealth of choice, it is difficult to guess which form the child will choose. It is believed that he chooses the form that the mother’s nipple takes in his mouth.
Photo of various nipples:
Video: how to choose a dummy for a child
Choose the size of the dummy
There is a generally accepted nipple size classification. It consists of 3 categories: size A (from 0 to 6 months), size B (from 6 to 18 months), size C (from 18 months).
Some companies produce dummies for the smallest with the following division:
- For newborns weighing less than 1750 gr;
- For babies from 0 to 3 months;
- For children from 3 to 6 months;
- For peanuts from 6 months.
It is necessary that the size of the nipples always increases with the growth of the child. Of course, the division of the nipple is very conditional. The right choice of size should depend on the individual physical characteristics of the newborn. If the crumbs are smaller than their peers, then you should not give him a big dummy, otherwise he will choke. And if the peanut grows faster than peers, then the pacifier must be selected accordingly, because small can cause a bite problem later on.
Determined with the material: rubber, latex or silicone
When choosing a nipple, the material from which it was made is also important. Nipples can be made of rubber, latex and silicone.
Rubber nipple - This is a nipple, gradually fading into the past. From rubber on the baby on the cheeks and lips may appear diathesis. And this nipple is very short-lived. However when teeth will begin to cut, then a rubber dummy is best suited.
Modern nipples are made of latex or silicone.
Latex nipple It is made of natural rubber, so it turns out to be soft and elastic. It is more suitable for newborns in the first months of life and is recommended for weak and premature babies. The color of the dummy can be transparent or light brown.
The disadvantages of this nipple include:
- Not able to tolerate high temperatures, for example, boiling;
- It gets dark under the influence of sunlight;
- With prolonged use it sticks together and increases in volume;
- Latex contains protein molecules, which can sometimes cause allergies.
Latex pacifier should be changed every 4 weeks.
Silicone nipple considered safer latex, because more resistant to disinfection (boiling). This nipple is made of synthetic material, resilient and elastic. Such a nipple lacks smell and color. It does not cause allergies. However, this nipple is stiffer than latex and can cause deformation of milk teeth. Therefore, it is recommended to use such a pacifier before the appearance of teeth. Silicone nipples need to be changed every 6 weeks.
Regardless of the material, the nipple should be made from a single piece. Then the newborn in the process of sucking will not be able to tear it and not choke.
A bit about the base of the dummy
Any pacifier-dummy consists of a shield (base), nipples and rings. This design is safe because It is an integral object that cannot be disassembled. Before buying nipples, you need to make sure that the shield is suitable for the baby in size. It should be wide to avoid accidental ingestion.
Ring-shaped restraints in most cases put pressure on the baby’s nose. Therefore, it is important that the shield has a recess (cutouts) for the baby nose.
The presence of ventilation holes in the base of the soother is mandatory. They are necessary so that the child can breathe easier.
A big plus will be the embossed inner surface of the base. Such a shield will not fit snugly to the skin. Otherwise, saliva can accumulate beneath it, which can provoke irritation on the chin.
To avoid damage, it is desirable that the base of the dummy is monolithic.
Hygiene Nipples
The use of nipples should be safe for the baby, so you can not ignore the basic sanitary rules for caring for a soother.
Before use, new nipples should be boiled for 2-3 minutes. Any nipple once a day must be washed in warm water with soap, or sterilized, or boiled for 2-3 minutes. Do not lick the nipple or dip it in sugar or honey. Special sealed containers are ideal for storing the nipple.You should regularly, every 3 months, change the dummy, even if they do not have external defects.
Popular dummy manufacturers
The main advantage of the nipples is the quality that only time-tested manufacturers of baby products can guarantee.
- Avent is an English company whose products are manufactured in accordance with the highest safety standards, which guarantees convenience for the baby.
- Canpol babies - German-made products whose quality complies with the EU Directive DIN-EN-1400.
- Chicco is a world-famous and reputable brand, all of whose products are as safe, reliable, comfortable and aesthetic as possible.
- Nuby is an American company, the largest developer and manufacturer of newborn care products. Its unsurpassed quality and attractive design are loved and recognized around the world.
- NUK is a German brand whose concept is based on the patented physiological form of the nipple, developed on the basis of scientific research.
- TIGEX is a French brand, distinguished by its beautiful design, the highest quality of material, thoughtful details.
Made a rating of dummies:TOP 10 soothers: choose a pacifier for a baby (rating) >>>
Many manufacturers have expanded the usual list of manufactured nipples, supplementing it with special soothers. So, a nipple thermometer will help conveniently measure the temperature of the newborn, and a dummy dispenser will be an excellent assistant for the introduction of drugs. During the cold period for inhalation, a pacifier-inhaler with a small container with essential oil will be simply irreplaceable.
With all the variety of nipples and dummies, the baby will be able to choose his own one. And it’s not at all necessary that she will become a “special” or expensive dummy. The main thing is that the nipple is of high quality and the child is satisfied with the choice.
Read in detail: Is it necessary to accustom a child to a dummy? How to teach if a baby spits a dummy https://kid.htgetrid.com/en/razvitie-rebenka-do-goda/nuzhno-li-priuchat-rebenka-k-pustyishke.html >>>
Read on: how to wean a baby from a dummy?
My child began to ask for a pacifier in the hospital. No one bite, she just started falling asleep with a bottle of the mixture when she drank and continued to suck. Then we bought her a bunch of nipples from different companies, forms, materials, etc. But so far, systems have only one classical form.
The crown of the nipples - dummies is relevant for me, for a long time I could not choose the right nipple for my daughter, it seems that the size is suitable, but she was constantly choked. As soon as we tried the nipple of an anatomical shape, our problem passed. And daughter is good and I'm happy
I chose for my daughter a silicone dummy of orthodontic form, the manufacturer Nuk, quite expensive. And she did not suck her at all. I had to buy a regular rubber, so we don’t let it out of our mouth.
In the gift set from the hospital was a dummy, German, orthodontically shaped. The child chokes on her and twists, as if she has a nasty taste. Nipple marking 0-6. What to do?
Buy like the old Soviet? Or is it still anatomical?
We kind of need to fall asleep, so that the child does not procrastinate. All the same, it does not suck, namely musolite, and falls asleep. I take my chest - wakes up. This is difficult in terms of spending time falling asleep. 🙁