You've vowed never to pop a pacifier in your baby's mouth, and you plan to keep his thumb out of there too. But sucking can help your baby feel secure -- and give you some peace. You can't control which self-soother your baby chooses, but it's good to know the pros and cons of each -- especially when you want him to stop.
Thumb
Pros
You don't have to worry about losing it.
It's free.
Keep your baby's hands clean, and you won't have to worry about germ buildup.
Cons
You have no control over when, where, or how often your child sucks it. ? You won't be able to take it away when you're ready for him to stop, and, in some cases, it can become a habit.
A child who's still sucking his thumb after 24 months may throw off his teeth and jaw alignment -- and need expensive braces down the road.
Pacifier
Pros
It's not all that expensive.
Using a pacifier frees your baby's hands and fingers, so he can explore his world.
It's easier to break the habit.
Cons
If your child sleeps with his pacifier and loses it during the night, you'll have to get it for him.
It gets dirty easily and can harbor bacteria that'll make you want to throw it out.
A child who uses a pacifier after 24 months may throw off his teeth and jaw alignment and need braces down the road.
