Sucking for a child is a natural, instinctive gesture, able to produce a calming and relaxing effect and to placate crying crises. In addition to nutrition, therefore, sucking has many positive effects that justify the use of the soother. In addition, pediatricians recommend its use during sleep as it is able to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Calm and serenity
The suction stimulates the production of serotonin in the baby, very important in the regulation of mood and sleep and can promote a state of calm and serenity. For this reason, beyond its nutritional function, sucking gives comfort to the child and can help him relax, perhaps before sleep.
Development of the child's mouth
According to the analysis conducted by the SIDO Scientific Committee and the Chicco Observatory, the correct use of the soother, during the first years of the child's life, stimulates neuromuscular activity, helps to promote a correct development of the muscles of the face, tongue and as a consequence, of the masticatory apparatus and of the whole mouth. Therefore, it is important to choose a soother with orthodontic teat, able to adapt perfectly to the baby's mouth and to guarantee the correct position of the tongue. It is in fact the right pressure of the tongue on the palate, especially laterally, to contribute to the correct formation, creating enough space for the teeth to grow properly.
Soother, how and for how long
The soother proposed breastfeeding can then be a valuable ally to accompany the baby in the first months of life, starting, around 24 months, with dissuasive actions to induce him to gradually leave. In fact, the Ministry of Health recommends removing the soother within 36 months. It is always important to use it in the right way, avoiding, for example, to dip it in sweet substances that could favor the onset of caries and give it to the baby every time he starts crying. In fact, let's not forget that crying is the way he communicates and silencing him with the soother means not listening to him.