When we think of babies, one of the most representative objects that comes to mind is without a doubt the baby dummy and bottle. However, what we have to talk about this time is the pacifier. It should be noted that more than an object that relaxes the baby, it is a product that includes more benefits than you think for young children who use them.
The best baby dummies in comparison
Dummies come in hundreds of colours and designs. It is for that reason, choosing the perfect dummy can be an overwhelming task for any parent.
It is important that at the time of purchase you consider certain determining factors, such as the brand, the design, the materials, the special characteristics of each model, the cost and the opinion of the users.
This data will help you to orient your search so that you find the ideal product. After hours of research, our analytical machine has thrown the results, consult our comparative selection of products and discover what
1. Baby Dummy Philips Avent
Includes 2 super soothing medical silicone dummies, perfect for children over 3 months. They have a flexible and super resistant design! They have been made without BPA and are free of any chemical or dangerous to your baby. Available in different colours and sizes.
2. Baby Dummy Mary Meyer WubbaNub
Combine an adorable stuffed elephant with a practical and relaxing dummy. The plush toy measures 6 inches, has a soft texture and is perfect to accompany your baby during the nap. The dummy is made of medical grade silicone, free of BP, PVC and latex.
3. Dummy FIER Fred
If you are looking for
4. Mam Babyartikel Baby Dummy M & A
It is an orthodontic nipple that helps the natural development of your baby’s teeth and gums. Includes 2 dummies for children between 6 and 16 months of age. In addition, it includes ventilation holes and a curved edge design to prevent skin irritations.
5. NUK Latex Classic Baby Dummy
It is the cheapest product of our selection, the package includes 2 soft and durable dummies made in latex. Suitable for children over 18 months. The ergonomic design includes a soft teat that mimics the mother’s nipple during breastfeeding and a ventilation system.
6. Nookums Paci-Plushies Buddies – Dummy Holder
A pacifier focused on children’s entertainment, it is a mixture of toy and baby dummy. Not only that, but you can also easily remove the elephant plush for extra hygiene. It helps the development of fine motor skills, that is, the skills that your son or daughter has in their hands. The pacifier is made with high-quality, toxic-free silicone, but can be simply disposable without the need to throw away your child’s favourite toy.
What is baby dummy?
The baby dummy is a very effective relaxant and distraction object for your baby. The shape similar to the maternal breast, and its flexible materials, allow our babies to suck and calm down, as they do when breastfeeding.
Advantages of using a baby dummy
The main argument that parents use to justify the use of the dummy lies in the proven fact that it calms the baby when it cries and all other resources have not worked when it cries or is nervous. It also means that at bedtime you stay on your back for a longer time, which is what paediatricians recommend.
In addition, studies conducted around the world by organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics provide other more important benefits for children’s health. The use of a pacifier seems to help develop the brain mechanisms that control the development of the upper respiratory tract, which could mean reducing the risk of sudden death syndrome by 90%.
Likewise, theories have been provided according to which the use of a dummy reduces the risk that the child will suffer tooth decay in the future. It is also said that it helps to space the shots.
Disadvantages of using baby dummy
An idea of the degree of the controversy generated over the uses of the dummy is provided by infant colic. Some specialists recommend using it when they occur, since it calms the baby and, as a consequence, also the parents. Others, however, argue that the pacifier makes the baby swallow more air and therefore more gases can accumulate in the intestine and intensify the discomfort caused by colic.
Something similar happens with other arguments that some specialists argue against the use of the baby dummy, especially when it comes to your oral health. Dentists have several arguments against:
- Both, use of pacifier and thumb sucking can cause deformation of the palate and slow growth of the jaws, problems that, however, tend to spontaneously correct when the dummy is removed.
- It may also cause dental malocclusions and the growth of the front teeth out of their natural position (protrusion), which may require future orthodontia.
- Speech disturbances caused by deformations in the oral cavity caused by the use of a pacifier.
Finally, some specialists also blame the dummy for an increase in the child’s suffering from infections such as acute otitis media or oral thrush.
In view of all these data, everything seems to indicate that the use of a pacifier may be advisable at least while breastfeeding lasts since the benefits are greater than the disadvantages. So much so, that the dentists themselves limit the use of the baby dummy until the age of two years.
Different types of baby dummies
Not all are the same, in the market, you can find different kinds of these according to their material, shape and size. There are even types designed with very interesting motifs and varied colours.
Dummy types according to the material. Latex and silicone are the most common materials you find today in pacifiers. However, silicone pacifiers are the most recommended for being free of BPA, BPF and BPS (toxic agents) and for their pleasant and safe texture for your baby.
Pacifier types by age. The proportions of the palate and mouth of your bus vary according to its age. Therefore, they are also designed and classified with different measures, according to the newborn stage, from 0 to 6 months (0-6 M) and over 6 months (6 + M).
Dummy types by shape. You find pacifiers that differ in teat style. Among those that you have available today, there are the traditional ball and the most modern ones with orthodontic designs that do not generate excessive pressure on the palate and gums, which also respect the ergonomics of your baby’s mouth.
Among all these types of pacifiers, you also find very entertaining designs with drawings and custom colours.
What to consider when choosing the baby dummy?
Keep in mind the following factors when choosing a dummy for your baby.
Size
Pacifiers are manufactured in standard sizes according to the age of the children. It is necessary to be attentive to this factor since a too big or small dummy can generate a risk of suffocation.
- Small size: They are dummies for newborns, babies between 2 and 6 months.
- Medium size: Perfect for the first year of life, children between 6 and 18 months.
- Big size: For suckers, children over 18 months.
Building
Many paediatricians recommend using dummies in one piece, as they reduce the risk of suffocation. If you have decided to buy a dummy of several pieces make sure that they are all well-coupled so that none will be released by accident.
Nipple material
Teats and nipples are made of different materials, the most popular are:
- Silicone: Durable, flexible, easy to clean, does not retain odours and is dishwasher safe.
- Latex: It is the softest and most flexible material. Many babies prefer them, especially younger children. They are not as durable as their silicone and plastic counterparts. In some cases, they can cause skin irritation and allergies.
- Hard plastic: Provides great durability and are very easy to clean. However, most models are usually hard and not very flexible. Many babies reject this design.
Cover
It is the protective cover that surrounds the dummy nipple, this cover is designed to prevent your baby from choking when using the dummy. Make sure you choose a design with ventilation holes that prevent moisture from accumulating in the area.
Washable
Choose a model suitable for the dishwasher. Another alternative is to wash it with boiling water to sterilize it and keep it in optimal conditions.
Design
Choose striking and colourful designs! This feature will help you locate them quickly when you are in a hurry.
Comfort
All parents want the best for their children! Choose a soft and flexible dummy with which your child feels comfortable and happy.
Durability
Opt for a durable model, able to withstand high temperatures and your baby’s bites.
