Generally, there are pacifiers that come in two shapes. The first has the nipple that is round-shaped, and the second one where the nipples are flat, flattened. They are better known as conventional and orthodontic pacifiers. This is the basic difference between a flat pacifier vs round one.
Conventional or round pacifiers have an elongated round nipple or bell-shaped. Orthodontic pacifiers have flattened nipples, and are shaped to mimic the mother’s breasts.
These orthodontic pacifiers have less impact on teeth and palate development. While thumb sucking is the worst option for the baby because it affects the teeth and palate, the round pacifier has less impact, and the orthodontic pacifier is the best choice.
When the baby is upset, nervous, and cries, the parents would do anything to calm their opera singer. A pacifier can calm a crying baby, but you should be careful when choosing the right pacifier for your little one. The perfect pacifier is one that the baby readily accepts.
Different names, shapes, sizes, and materials of pacifiers, can confuse parents when deciding to buy one. By choosing the right pacifier, you take care of your baby’s teeth and oral hygiene.
However, many babies reject the pacifier and instead use their thumbs. The thumb has caused a lot of health problems such as crooked teeth, so overall a pacifier is a better solution.
Any pacifier that soothes your baby is good, but be prepared to put it out of use at the latest when the baby is one year old. Prolonged use of the pacifier can cause medical problems.
Do not give a pacifier to a baby until it’s one month old, because it needs to get used to the mother’s breasts or a bottle. If the baby really needs a pacifier, then let it be orthodontic and try not to give it to the baby until it’s necessary. Always check the pacifier to make sure everything is in place and keep it sterile.
What is the best shape for a pacifier?
The best shape of the pacifier is the one that your little one accepts, especially if it calms the baby’s nervousness. You will surely throw a couple of pacifiers until you find the right one. While many of them wonder which one is better, flat pacifier vs round, it really depends on what your baby chooses.
The pacifiers are made of rubber or silicone, and while rubber ones are softer, the silicone ones last longer. They consist of a holder, a shield that prevents the baby from swallowing the pacifier, and a nipple that goes in the baby’s mouth.
They are usually in one piece, which prevents the retention of impurities on the separate parts. Another good thing is that these pacifiers are easier to maintain because there is no composition where bacteria can be kept.
Conventional or round pacifiers can be used for newborns, but doctors do not recommend them in the first month of a baby’s life. When the baby has the habit of breastfeeding or bottle-feeding then it is given a small round pacifier as needed.
Orthodontic pacifiers are made in such a way that they resemble the mother’s breasts. These pacifiers are the least harmful to your baby’s tooth growth.
If a pacifier has to be used then go with the orthodontic especially in the later months of your baby’s age. The pacifier has to be kept clean and sterilized frequently, to avoid getting dirt in your baby’s mouth.
Is my baby’s pacifier too small?
Normally the size of the pacifier is important for the baby. Like a crib or clothes when the baby grows up, new ones are needed. The size of the pacifier should suit your baby’s age. Smaller pacifiers are designed for newborns and bigger ones are for older babies.
If the pacifier is too big, the baby will certainly spit out, and the old little one will no longer be enough. It is also necessary for the shield on the pacifier to be of the appropriate size, so that the baby does not swallow the pacifier. So, before you buy one, just make sure that the pacifier is meant for the age of your baby, which is usually stated on its label.
Therefore, always aim for the best pacifiers for your baby, even though it’s a little more expensive, because babies also know what quality is, plus there is a big chance that you will sleep more peacefully.
How does a pacifier work?
Pacifier is a magical thing that soothes and calms your baby because it reminds it of a breast. However, give it to your baby only when it’s upset and nervous.
Do not give a pacifier when it is in a good mood when the baby is playing or preoccupied with other things. It can develop a habit so it will be really hard to get rid of it as your child is growing.
When the baby is cheerful, do not get used to the pacifier, because the pacifier will lose its purpose. The baby will get used to it and later when it needs a pacifier he or she will not be able to calm down. Use the pacifier only at bedtime or when it is crying, when it’s upset or scared. If the baby is healthy, full, in clean diapers, and still crying, it’s time for a pacifier.
It is best to use the pacifier for a maximum of one year of the baby’s age. The best time to start weaning your baby from the pacifier is at the age of eight or nine months. Put the baby to bed with a pacifier, when it is solidified asleep, slowly take the pacifier out and let it sleep without it.
What Are The Different Sizes Of Nuk Pacifiers?
Nuk pacifiers are always recognizable. They mostly have a holder on the shield, and the shield itself is usually heart-shaped with bright colors. The sizes go from 1 to 5. Size 1 is for newborns from 0 to 6 months, size 2 from 6 to 18 months, size 3 over 18 months, or for toddlers. Size 4 is no longer produced, and size 5 is special for adults.
These smaller pacifiers 1 to 3 are made of latex and silicone, while these larger ones are made of latex only (Latex type of rubber). Latex nipples on pacifiers are slightly larger while silicone ones are smaller. Almost all Nuk pacifiers are orthodontic and totally safe for your baby. There are various of them that glow in the dark, have colorful designs, and have a very high level of comfort.
Summary
There are many different pacifiers and it’s no wonder why parents are so confused about which one is the best for their newborn. First of all, dear parents, in the first month of the baby’s life, try to avoid any kind of pacifier. After that time passes you can start experimenting.
The main question really refers to flat pacifier vs round one. The first one has a nipple that is flat and is also called an orthodontic pacifier, while the second one has a round-shaped nipple and it’s called conventional. And, these pacifiers are called conventional and orthodontic pacifiers.
We recommend you go with orthodontic pacifiers because it has less impact on teeth and palate development. Overall, no matter how much you want something or try to force it, it really depends on the baby and the baby only. If it chooses the conventional one there’s not much you can do. Just make sure you get rid of it around the baby’s first birthday.
