At birth, a baby’s face is still developing. It is therefore important to make the right choices to support proper development, as these can influence how the child breathes, chews, and swallows. Choosing the right bottle nipple and pacifier helps support the development of the lips, tongue, and cheeks, which play a role in shaping the palate and jaws. A poor choice may lead to issues such as malocclusion, narrow palate development, breathing problems, and difficulty swallowing food. The choice of pacifier and bottle nipple should be based on the baby’s age.
Of course, breastfeeding remains the best option. During breastfeeding, the baby must exert more effort to suck, which promotes optimal development of the facial muscles and jaws.
Whenever possible, it is not recommended to let the baby suck on their thumb or fingers. Using a pacifier can be a good alternative, as it is often more difficult for a child to break the habit of thumb sucking later on, which can lead to significant dental and speech issues.
Here is a quick guide to help you choose the right pacifier and bottle nipple:
Latex Pacifiers and Bottle Nipples
Latex offers greater softness and flexibility, which supports better development and promotes healthy jaw growth. It is less popular among parents due to a small risk of allergy.
Silicone Pacifiers and Bottle Nipples
Low in allergens, silicone is less soft and flexible than latex and therefore supports optimal development to a lesser extent.
Pacifiers and bottle nipples labeled “orthodontic” are a good choice, as their shape is designed to promote better development. It is important to select a pacifier and bottle nipple based on the size of the baby’s mouth (especially for premature infants) and, of course, to follow the age indicated on the packaging.
- The outer shield of the pacifier should have a concave shape rather than a flat one.
- The pacifier should be rounded on top to fit the palate and angled underneath to support proper tongue positioning.
- The baby should have their mouth properly closed around the pacifier.
- The pacifier should be replaced regularly.
Here are a few recommendations:
- OrthoPro by Platex (latex or silicone)
- Nuk Orthodontic (latex only)
- Nuk OrthoStar (silicone only)
As for bottle nipples, it is essential that the milk does not flow too easily, so the baby can properly work their facial muscles. It is also important to ensure a good seal of the lips around the nipple. It should be replaced at the first sign of wear or damage.
Here are some recommended models:
- Philips Avent Natural or Anti-Colic
- Platex slow-flow nipple (Platex offers a range of nipples based on flow rate and mouth size)
Beware of Baby Bottle Tooth Decay:
- Avoid dipping the pacifier in sweet liquids (such as honey, maple syrup, or others).
- Never let your baby fall asleep with a bottle containing a sweet liquid, including milk.
These habits can lead to the rapid development of what is commonly known as baby bottle tooth decay.
Do you have questions about pacifiers for children? Contact our La Prairie dentists.
Blog written by Ms. Christine Tremblay, Dental Hygienist