Latex and silicone are the two materials used in pacifier nipples. Latex is softer and more like a mother’s nipple, but less durable and can cause allergies. It’s important to choose the right size and shape, and not force a pacifier addiction on a child.
Babies have a strong suck reflex and many parents choose to soothe their babies by offering them pacifiers. Generally, latex and silicone are the two materials used in pacifier nipples. Latex soothers used to be much more standard, but now silicone ones have a reasonable share of the binkie market.
Some parents and their babies prefer latex soothers because they are softer and tend to feel more like a mother’s nipple. If babies show an early preference, it may be for pacifiers with latex nipples because they will resemble breastfeeding more. Some babies do not express a preference or prefer silicone nipples.
A few things are known about latex pacifiers. They tend to hold scent more than silicone and are also less durable. Once a child develops teeth, he can chew the latex more easily. This isn’t a huge concern, but it should mean checking on the newborns regularly to make sure they’re okay together. If tears are noticed, the binkie needs to be replaced.
There is another concern parents should be aware of when choosing latex soothers. Some people develop allergies or sensitivities to this natural substance, and the rate of sensitivity increases with routine exposure. If children take binkies regularly, there is a slightly elevated risk that they may develop a latex allergy in the future, and some children may show signs of an allergy right away, including hives, shortness of breath, stomach upset, and skin rashes or lesions. This is rare, but has yet to be evaluated as a potential risk. Family history of latex allergy may suggest you choose silicone instead.
Some early models of latex soothers did not have any plastic elements. It is now more common to find latex binkies with plastic protectors. There are numerous shapes available, some designed by dentists to help reduce potential mouth damage from pacifier use. Most dentists, however, simply recommend stopping pacifier use when children are about two years old to avoid later orthodontic problems. Latex binkies also come in different sizes. Some are suitable for babies and toddlers and others are better for children older than twelve months.
While some parents may be inclined to lay in a huge amount of binkies before a baby is born, this isn’t always recommended. Some babies need to be encouraged to take a pacifier and may never be cared for. It’s not worth trying to force a pacifier on a child who really hates it, and besides, breaking the pacifier addiction can be a troubling experience for both parents and children. More important than choosing between latex and silicone may be choosing whether to establish a pacifier addiction in the first place.
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