Which nipple is better - latex or silicone: characteristics, tips for choosing, expert opinions

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Which nipple is better - latex or silicone: characteristics, tips for choosing, expert opinions
Which nipple is better - latex or silicone: characteristics, tips for choosing, expert opinions

Video: Which nipple is better - latex or silicone: characteristics, tips for choosing, expert opinions

Video: Which nipple is better - latex or silicone: characteristics, tips for choosing, expert opinions
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No baby can do without a pacifier today. Which nipple is better - latex or silicone? This question interests most young parents. The material of the dummy matters, of course, but there are other selection criteria that should not be ignored.

Why do I need a pacifier?

Before moving on to the question of which nipple is better - latex or silicone, you should figure out what it is for.

baby with pacifier
baby with pacifier

The pacifier is an object that imitates the nipple of the female breast. It is necessary to satisfy the sucking reflex in children. Breastfed babies usually do not need such an item. The fact is that frequent attachment to the mother's breast completely satisfies this reflex.

But if the baby is on mixed or artificial feeding, then he tends to fall asleep restlessly. In this case, the pacifier is simply necessary for the baby. Often a dummy helps babies suffering from colic and gas intummy, as active sucking helps to eliminate them.

Latex

The production of baby nipples was divided into two types - silicone and latex. Both are available for sale. And therefore the question is natural, which nipple is better - latex or silicone.

Their main difference is that latex products have a yellowish tint and a specific smell.

nipple latex
nipple latex

But the absence of artificial materials in the composition of the pacifier will protect the baby from harmful effects. Moreover, it has an anatomical shape combined with softness, which brings it as close as possible to the characteristics of the female breast. Replace latex nipples at least once a month.

Disadvantages of latex pacifiers

So which pacifier is best?

The latex pacifier consists of natural materials, but has a number of disadvantages:

  1. The material does not tolerate high temperatures, so boiling is contraindicated.
  2. With prolonged use, the nipple begins to stick together and increase in volume.
  3. Latex contains protein molecules that can sometimes be the source of an allergic reaction.
  4. Under the influence of UV (sunlight), the nipple begins to darken.

Silicone

When thinking about which nipples are best for newborns, it is better to give preference to latex, since the material is absolutely harmless. But silicone consists of a more durable material, and it can be boiled without fear of damage. In addition, it is a transparent material without odor. Therefore, there is a controversialmoment.

Despite the artificial composition, silicone remains resistant to disinfection. Yes, and you can change such a pacifier once every three months.

which nipple is better to choose
which nipple is better to choose

The only disadvantage of silicone is its instability to nibbling. So, it will not be difficult for a baby with erupted teeth to chew on a pacifier.

When parents find it difficult to choose, they most often buy 2 types of nipples and watch the baby. Whichever one he chooses is the best option for him.

Selection Tips

But even knowing which nipple is better, you need to choose a quality product. As mentioned above, most often the baby himself determines whether to use a silicone or latex pacifier. It is important to understand that the choice of material is a small part. When buying, you should also pay attention to the shape and size of the pacifier.

Baby sleeps with a pacifier
Baby sleeps with a pacifier

Experienced parents advise giving preference to well-known brands:

  1. NUK. The manufacturer produces nipples made of soft latex, which practically does not exert pressure on the lips and tongue. There is also an air valve to prevent malocclusion.
  2. PHILIPS AVENT. The nipples are made from silicone. They have 6 holes for the full breathing of the crumbs. The nipples come with protective caps. The ventilation holes can allow moisture to enter the cavity of the pacifier and linger inside.
  3. CHICCO. Latex nipples of this brand, despite their softness, have high strength and elasticity. The pacifier is easy enough to wash. But importantunderstand that latex is a short-lived material, so you will need to change the pacifier once a month.
  4. CANPOL BABIES. The nipples are of high quality, anatomically shaped and very comfortable to use. Available in both latex and silicone.
  5. TOMMEE TIPPEE. The pacifiers of this manufacturer are in great demand among most parents. The nipple features an orthodontic shape and is designed for babies of all ages. This is a quality pacifier, but it comes at a high price.
  6. PIGEON. This brand's nipples are ideal for babies up to 4 months old. The pacifier has an orthodontic shape, that is, it is flattened in the middle. The advantage is beautiful design, attractive design and relatively low cost.
  7. BIBI. The nipples are made of soft silicone. Differ in durability and beautiful drawings. The pacifier comes with a case and stand. Among the shortcomings are the irregular shape in the form of a cherry, as well as a small number of holes necessary for ventilation.

Opinion of pediatricians

Before you decide which pacifier is best for your child, you should consult a doctor. The fact is that most pediatricians assure young mothers that sucking on a pacifier negatively affects breastfeeding. The nipple partially becomes an artificial substitute for the mother's breast, therefore, the number of attachments decreases, and then the production of milk.

baby with pink pacifier
baby with pink pacifier

Regarding the children onartificial feeding, sometimes doctors themselves insist on using a pacifier. The fact is that a properly selected pacifier will help protect the baby from possible bite problems.

Dr. Komarovsky is loyal to nipples. He believes that it is pointless to refuse such an object, since the child falls asleep better while sucking. In addition, the pacifier is a great substitute for babies who are used to sucking their own thumb.

Advice to parents

We looked at the answer to the question that concerns which nipples are better - silicone or latex. And we came to the conclusion that the choice depends on the parents and their child. It is important to understand that a quality product should be preferred.

Baby doesn't like pacifier
Baby doesn't like pacifier
  1. Choose a pacifier made from a single piece of material. Nipples, which have a low price, are most often made using casting. These pacifiers contain seams that can have a negative impact on the development of the oral cavity.
  2. Don't buy pacifiers that break apart. During operation, they are heavily contaminated, and also have hard-to-reach places for disinfection.
  3. Pay attention to which nipple your baby prefers. Do not be negative about products that are not global brands. There are plenty of great quality pacifiers at low prices.

Therefore, it is not enough to pay attention only to information about which nipple is better - latex or silicone. It is also necessary to take into accountother product criteria.

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