Yes, sucking on a pacifier helps the baby with gas relief. The main reason behind this is the release of endorphins which helps to soothe your kid. Another indirect way pacifier helps is by creating a temporary distraction. If the baby is suffering hard from gassiness issues then it’ll work well as a mind distractor until you come up with an emergency solution.
In the next segment, you’ll learn a little extra about how it helps. So let’s dig in.
How Does a Pacifier Help with Gas?
There are several ways a pacifier can help to reduce gas in a baby.
Contents
By Releasing Hormones
I’ve already mentioned sucking on a pacifier helps to release endorphins. Endorphin is a hormone that helps to reduce stress, pain, depression, and others. And fortunately, it helps with gassiness as well.
By Controlling the Breathing
Sucking a pacifier is a process of slowing the breathing system. And it will help to decrease the air that the baby’s tummy needs to push out. As a result, the gas reduces.
By Creating Distruction And Helping to Fall Asleep
The final thing is sucking a pacifier will ensure calmness and relief from stress. So, it’ll let your baby fall asleep which gives them relief from pain.
Another thing is that it helps to distract the kid. So it’ll buy you sometime to take necessary steps if it’s an emergency.
Do Pacifiers Make Babies More Gassy?
This question cannot be answered with assurance because different babies react differently to pacifiers. Sometimes pacifiers may help to reduce gas. In contrast, sometimes, it may make the baby gassier.
Now you may be thinking, what’s the reason the pacifier is creating gas?
Well, because swallowing excess air pacifiers sometimes triggers gas. It generally occurs because of repetitive sucking of the pacifier. You’ll get a transparent idea if you read what Natasha Burgert, M.D. wrote in Forbes.
“Babies can swallow air during feeding, when using a pacifier, and while crying,”
At that time you’re suggested to notice the baby if he/she is gulping air when they keep sucking. If he does then there are possibilities of creating gas.
However, pacifiers are never considered the main culprit for gas problems. So, I don’t think you should be bothered much. Instead, find other reasons.
What Can You Do To Relieve Baby Gas?
Some babies have more gas than others, and some have colic, which is more than just a bit of gas.
To get some relief, try these tips:
- Burp the baby before putting him down for a nap or bed, and then burp immediately after he begins to fuss.
- Keep your baby on a schedule. Having a routine helps the baby relax, which helps him pass gas.
- If the baby is eating, try stopping the feeding, burping the baby, and then restarting the feeding.
- Don’t feed the baby just before bedtime.
- Try changing the formula the baby drinks. Some babies are allergic to the formula they drink, and changing it may help the gas.
Do Pacifiers Help With Digestion?
Although there is some dispute over whether pacifiers can aid digestion, this seems to be the prevailing opinion.
Pacifiers can help to soothe and calm a baby, which can, in turn, help to relax the muscles in the digestive system, making it easier for the baby to digest their food.
Additionally, the sucking action of a pacifier can help to stimulate the production of saliva, which can also aid in the digestive process.
Some children seem to find that sucking on a pacifier helps them to digest their food. Some people discover it creates a dissimilarity. Others find it doesn’t.
If your child is struggling with digestion, it might be worth trying a pacifier to see if it makes a difference. However, if your child does not like pacifiers, then there is no need to force them to use one.
Benefits Of Using a Pacifier
A pacifier has many benefits, especially for newborns and young babies. Pacifiers help to soothe and calm babies and can be a great way to help them fall asleep. Additionally, pacifiers can help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Pacifiers are also convenient for parents and caregivers, as they can help babies stay calm and content while out and about.
- A fussy baby may find comfort in a pacifier.
- Flight discomfort may be reduced with a pacifier.
- It might be simpler for your baby to go asleep with a pacifier.
- A pacifier provides a brief diversion.
- The risk of SIDS may be lowered with a pacifier.
- The use of pacifiers is temporary.
FAQs
How many hours can a baby use a pacifier?
A pacifier should only be used for 6 hours per day.
Can Your Baby Sleep With A Pacifier All Night?
Yes. There is no harm in letting your baby use a pacifier all night. In fact, using a pacifier can be beneficial. One of the reasons why babies use pacifiers is because it acts as a reminder for them that they are about to sleep. This is especially so for those that are breastfed. The baby can sleep hugging the pacifier and not miss the breast.
Is a Pacifier Good For a Colicky Baby?
Yes, a pacifier is good for a colicky baby. However, there are many other alternatives for a colicky baby these days, such as silicone teething rings, finger pops, and bottle teethers. Crib toys are also shaped like pacifiers and are good alternatives for colicky babies.
How Do I Teach My Baby to Self-Soothe Without a Pacifier?
There are a few different ways that you can teach your baby to self-soothe without a pacifier. One way is to offer them a comfort object, such as a stuffed animal or a blanket, to help them feel secure.
You can also rock them or hold them close while they fall asleep. Another method is to gradually phase out the use of the pacifier by only offering it during naps or bedtime, for example.
Ultimately, every baby is different, so you must experiment to find what works best for your child.
The Final Thought
There is some discussion that using a pacifier may help babies with gas. Still, there is no guarantee that it will work for every baby. A pacifier can help with gas because it can provide a source of comfort for a baby.
Additionally, the act of sucking can help to massage the baby’s stomach, which can also help to release any gas. It also helps calm the baby and can even help them sleep better.
