It’s an age-old question – the thumb or pacifier? Each has advantages and disadvantages.
First, both options distort the palate and teeth in different ways. But this may be a minor inconvenience when it comes to comforting your distraught child. An orthodontist can always make the necessary mouth corrections later.
While the pacifier provides some comfort to your baby, it’s often short-lived. Often your child will fall asleep with the pacifier, only to have it slip from his mouth. There’s a good chance he’ll wake up when this happens and you’ll have to retrieve it for him. More and more he will demand his soother.
On the other hand, he can bring his thumb – which is naturally comforting – to his mouth himself. So if he wakes up distraught, he can comfort himself. He is also more likely to remove his thumb when playing, unlike a pacifier.
Thumb or pacifier, your child will gradually outgrow the need for either without drama. Eventually, as your child gets older neither will be needed as a source of comfort.