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As a mum, there’s nothing as uncomfortable as watching your baby go through any form of difficulty; we have all been there at some point. So it is a natural mummy’s instinct to find ways to make things easier and better for the baby and avoid factors that could worsen matters when they are congested.
As with all parents, we want to ensure our little ones are safe, and we wonder the best course of action. And this brings us back to the bone of contention: Can a baby use a pacifier when congested?
Yes, babies can use pacifiers when they are going through congestion. It can provide your baby with some distractions and help them self-soothe when in this distressing situation.
You most certainly want to ensure that your baby is comfortable and can breathe properly even in periods of congestion, so stay put, as we will be providing some valuable insights on this topic to help parents make informed decisions.
Brief Overview Of Pacifiers
Many parents can swear by pacifiers as it is a handy tool that can help babies find solace in self-soothe and helps comfort and calm the baby when they are throwing a fit.
However, some parents are quite skeptical about pacifiers due to some uncertainties surrounding the possibility of them influencing dental issues and babies’ total dependency on pacifiers. So to clear the air, we will be explaining what pacifiers are.
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Pacifiers, otherwise known as soothers or dummies, are small devices for little infants to suck on. Typically, it is made with soft silicone or rubber, and the nipple-like shape mimics that on a mother’s breast or a bottle, making it very appealing for babies to latch on it.
This self-soothing tool comes in different shapes, sizes, colors, and designs suitable for each needs. One thing for sure is that pacifiers are considered 100% safe when parents closely supervise pacifiers while in use.
Is It Safe For Babies To Use Pacifiers When Congested?
It is normal to be concerned about your baby’s safety with pacifiers when congested. But it is safe to know whether your baby can use pacifiers depends on the severity of the congestion.
If the congestion is really uncomfortable and your baby finds it difficult to breathe with their nose you should consider using a nasal aspirator. Nasal aspirators can help remove mucus to improve your baby’s breathing.
That being said, pacifiers to some extent can alleviate congestion temporarily as the sucking motions promote nasal drainage. So babies can use pacifiers to self-soothe when congested as long as parents closely monitor them and understand the intensity of the congestion.
However, using pacifiers inappropriately and excessively can negatively affect the dental health of your baby, and this is why it is best to know why to draw the line no matter how much it seems to be reducing the effects of the congestion.
How Does Pacifiers Help With Congestions?
We can’t overemphasize the fact that pacifiers are not the appropriate remedy for congestion in babies, so it is best to look out for permanent solutions.
However, the sucking motion on a pacifier will help temporarily stimulate saliva production and nasal secretion. This can potentially provide a level of relief by promoting nasal drainage.
Pacifiers are not supposed to be substitutes for proper care and medication for congestion, if your precious little one is congested, the best approach is to consult a pediatrician for professional advice.
Tips On How To Relieve A Congested Baby
Pacifiers will not do justice to provide lasting relief for congestion in babies. Here are the remedies that may help relieve a congested baby;
- Gently apply saline drops into the baby’s nostrils to help loosen the mucus and make breathing easier for the baby.
- Use a nasal aspirator or a bulb syringe to remove the excess mucus from the nose.
- When it is bedtime, elevate the baby’s head by propping a rolled towel or blanket slightly under the head of the baby as it will help with nasal drainage and relieve congestion.
- Consider adding moisture to the air by using an air humidifier. Keep in mind that the humidifier is at a safe distance from your baby.
- Clean out your baby’s room to ensure it is dust and allergens-free. This is because dust can make it hard for babies to recover from congestion.
- Ensure to keep the temperature as warm as possible, and avoid exposing the baby to the cold or strong breeze as this will make it difficult for them to breathe.
- Make sure to keep the baby hydrated; offer breastmilk, formula, or water as proper hydration can help thin out mucus.
Final Thoughts
Most parents regard pacifiers as a must-have as it helps distract babies, calms them down, and is a self-soothing tool. However, when babies are congested, skepticism comes into the picture as some parents are not very sure if allowing their babies to use their pacifiers in this condition is a good idea.
Babies with congestion can use pacifiers as they can provide a little relief for them. However, the severity of the congestion has to be assessed. It is also important to understand that allowing babies to use pacifiers excessively can lead to dental issues and cause them to depend on them solely.
This article contains tips on how to help your baby. Still, it is best to always consult with your healthcare professional to get personalized instructions on how to help your baby when they are feeling congested.
