Question
Dear experts, what are the effects of babies using pacifiers on them? Please provide a detailed answer, thank you!
Answer
From a physiological perspective, babies are born with an innate non-conditioned reflex, the suckling reflex, which gradually diminishes over time. However, if parents continuously allow their babies to suck on pacifiers, this undoubtedly reinforces this reflex, which may eventually lead to dependence. When babies continuously suck on pacifiers, air enters the mouth along with swallowing movements from both corners of the mouth, eventually making its way into the stomach. When the stomach cannot bear the volume of milk and air, it contracts, causing baby to spit up.
Question
Why do babies need to suck on a pacifier? Please provide a detailed answer, thank you!
Answer
From a physiological standpoint, babies are born with an innate non-conditioned reflex known as the suckling reflex, which diminishes gradually as time goes on. Nonetheless, if parents consistently let their babies use pacifiers, this effectively reinforces this reflex, potentially leading to dependence over time. As babies continue to suck on pacifiers, air enters the mouth during swallowing from both sides of the mouth, eventually reaching the stomach. When the stomach is unable to accommodate the combined volume of milk and air, it contracts, resulting in baby spitting up.