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Chapter 1 Index
A. General Information
about the well child examination
--Prenatal Visit
--Well Child Check-up
--Neonatal Jaundice
--Breast
Milk Jaundice
--Circumcision
--Diapers |
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Pacifiers
Drs. Williams, Sheram, Thornburg, Sims and Wagner
Introduction: 75-85% of American children use pacifiers – most in the
first few weeks of life. Later the age introduced, more the usage. If not
weaned from it by parents, only 20% of children will stop taking it by 10
months of age.
| Pros of Using a Pacifier |
Cons of Using a Pacifier |
| Satisfies suck need in the first few months |
Can interfere with breastfeeding: not nipple confusion, but association
between increased pacifier and decreased # feedings |
| Provides comfort to baby/ may help sleep |
Dental caries |
| Might help decrease thumb sucking |
Increased incidence of candida infections |
| Can be used in evaluation and treatment by speech therapists |
Recent information about increased incidence of otitis media with day/night use: increased 33% with pacifier users |
| May help decrease incidence of SIDS: lower thresholds for awakening. |
Orthodontic problems: no association with use in first year of life; maybe later use |
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May interfere with speech development |
Types of Pacifiers Available:
- Premature pacifier: made by Gerber, smaller
- 0-6 months: Gerber (Nuk), Mam (oval shape), Playtex (natural), Avent
(round)
- 6-18 months of age: Gerber (Nuk), Mam, Playtex
- 18 months to 3 years of age: Gerber (Nuk)
Pacifier Safety:
- Always use a one-piece model that has a soft nipple.
- Never have nipple from bottle connected to ring use as pacifier (can be
aspirated).
- Always make sure shield is 1 ½ inches wide, and have air holes (more air
to skin).
- Never use the type of pacifier that is filled with fluid (can burst).
- Never coat pacifier with sweets – increased caries, risk of botulism with
honey.
- Wash frequently; use dishwasher.
- Never tie pacifier around neck or to crib: could cause strangulation.
- Inspect pacifiers for wear and tear: can disintegrate and cause
aspiration.
Use in Breastfed babies: Does not cause nipple confusion; however, the results are the same:
babies that use pacifiers more tend to get fed less frequently, have
feedings delayed because of satisfaction of the sucking need, and,
therefore, wean from the breast earlier.
Recommendations for use of the pacifier:
- 0-6 months: OK to use ad lib, but don’t substitute feedings with its use.
- 6-10 months: Use to help fall asleep, but remove from mouth once asleep.
Updated 3/01
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