Who needs pacifiers the most – the kids or the parents? Do they cause harm?
Dr. Berman: The pacifier habit usually starts in the hospital. Nurses try to calm fussy babies by using the pacifiers; this may start a pattern that can become excessive. Overuse can lead to oral problems, such as mouth-breathing, narrowing of the arch, and overcrowding of teeth. As with bottle-weaning, the “cold turkey” approach seems to be the most effective in eliminating a pacifier. Parents need to understand that there will be a period of crying and adjustment, but it works! What’s the best way to stop the thumb-sucking habit? Dr. Berman: This can be one of the most difficult habits for a child to break. The thumb is attached to the body, so it can’t be thrown away like an old security blanket! In my experience, one should never use a punitive approach. If the child is of an age where he can understand that putting of immediate gratification can lead to eventual pleasure, he’s ready to be weaned from thumb-sucking. Promising a reward if the child stops sucking his thumb may help;
