The Demeter School

A study from the Academy of General Dentistry says that infants who suck on pacifiers while they sleep might be less likely to die from SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). “Researchers found that sucking kept babies from falling into a deep sleep that could result in the stopping of breathing.”

Although in this instance, the pacifier can be helpful, the AGD does not recommend long time use. Here are some things to remember:

• Use of pacifiers could result in dental problems
• Speech delays could be developed with long time use (You should discontinue by age 2)
• Use the pacifier only when the infant is falling asleep.

Filed under: General, Infant development on January 22nd, 2007