Ben Jones

Ways To Comfort Your Baby Without Using a Pacifier



Posted: Sunday, July 22, 2007

by
Too-Write!

There are benefits to using a pacifier. Not least of these is the growing evidence that pacifiers can help reduce the instance of SIDS. However that doesn't mean that pacifiers should be used all the time or for older children.

Therefore it can be helpful to have alternative methods for settling or soothing your baby or child. Here are 5 tips that might help:

1. A baby who gets upset when you leave the room can be taken with you in a baby chair or baby pouch rather than left with a pacifier. Find ways to involve your child in most of the things you do. Even hanging washing can be fascinating for a child in a baby pouch.

2. Babies can become over stimulated especially on outings. A baby or child who has had a big day needs quiet, calm handling for the trip home. Try playing gentle nursery rhymes and singing along. Many babies also love classical music.

3. A child who wants something he/she cannot have can normally be distracted with a funny game rather than offered a pacifier as a bribe.

4. A child who is bored at home can be occupied with simple things like bowls, spoons and water while mom or dad cooks dinner. Later, you can let them fetch things for you, carry non-breakable items and stir whatever concoction you happen to be working on. Children love to be involved and to help.

5. A toddler who hates shopping trips might benefit from a break half way through with a run in the park, a visit to the pet shop or even some playtime on a ride or play area. Another way to try and make shopping trips more interesting is to involve your child rather than resorting to a dummy. Let them make some suggestions and decisions about what you are buying or let them find familiar items for you. This lets them be involved in the shopping process and can be fun and educational at the same time.

The best resource for new parents is other parents so if you have tips of your own then feel free to add them to the comments below.

Ben's wife runs http://www.ebubs.com.au a website dedicated to more environmentally friendly baby products and to sharing useful tips and information between parents. Feel free to drop into the eBubs forum for a chat or to share other baby related information.

For more information about pacifiers visit this article: http://searchwarp.com/swa230677.htm

Ben Jones is an award winning writer from Australia. Passion and intrigue flow from Ben's pen like the intoxicating wine which drips from an alcoholic’s nose. Ben's virility is unquestioned; his talents obey no speed signs; he is the model of a modern major general. When Ben writes: time stops, women swoon, men envy, children applaud loudly and with gusto and pigs fly.
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)
» left by LeahG Artist
 4 years 200 days ago.
192 fans. Follow LeahG Artist on twitter!
I think we adults could benefit from using a 'pacifier' or 'plug' as I prefer to call it. To aid with quitting smoking, to aid with resisting the munchies and thus weight control to aid with resisting telling mother-in-law what to do with her toptip for avoiding nappyrash!
» left by Hannah Quinn
 4 years 196 days ago.
47 fans.
Ben, Great tips. Basically, I can see you are recommending being involved with your child and allowing the child to be involved. This is the best tip on parenting there is. It doesn't mean you have to be a slave to your child, of course, but parents and children are a family and that means being involved with each other. It's a great foundation and sets the child up for a confident, settled approach to life in all areas because nothing is as important as knowing you are both loved and enjoyed. Well done to you and your wife! Hannah
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