Hi all,
Thinking on this, I would also wager a guess it is not just dumis or
bottles, but the length of their use.
While the young oral anatomy is developing = stands to reason the longer the
paci is used and bottles, which in my opinion is really just for convenience
of the parents after a certain age - then it would have a more negative
effect. IMHO - as soon as babes are holding things, and can work their way
around a cup - (some even at 8 months maybe) I would say get rid of the
bottles and pacis. People don't think about the true reason for having them
which I feel is to relieve the sucking reflex which dissapates after what -
6 months, a year? Does anyone really know? We used to think it was more like
two years.

I feel bad for babies who have a plug in their mouths all the time. Maybe
they still do need sucking for comfort, but they are sure sucking away for a
whole LOT of reasons other than that. Even toddlers who are still bfg don't
go around all day with a breast in their mouths. (maybe some do!?!?)
Especially for BF babies it seems such a pity to get them into the habit of
ALSO needing a paci. Most of my clients are really right after birth, so I
already discuss paci use in pre-natal visits and thereafter. Most of the
moms just did not know that it is a substitute for the breast, and like most
of our culture today, think that pacis come along with the baby!!

Ellen Shein,
LLLI IBCLC 

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