Most pediatricians say that 12 months is the oldest a baby should be given a dummy.
Although dummies (pacifiers) are great in calming babies down there are some problems associated with their contuinued use.
Dentists say that there is evidence that dummies hold sugars in contact with teeth, leading to a greater chance of dental decay. However dummies can cause adults and other toddlers to look on a child who still has a dummy as underdeveloped. This may lead to unconcious actions which retard normal development. However the biggest issue is the most obvious. When a child has a dummy in their mouth, they are not able to practice speech, so speec development is delayed.
For these reasons, most health professionals suggest that a dummy should not be given to children past their first birthday.
When should you start potty training?
If you are concerned about what your doctor says on this topic, go get a second opinion from another doctor. The one thing you really shouldn’t do is take some website’s opinion on the topic as gospel. Issues regarding the health of your kids are not to be treated lightly. Doctors spend years learning about their topic. For the sake of the children, always ask an expert.
When should you stop breastfeeding?
The law in the UK states that all births in England and Wales must be registered within 42 days of the date of birth.
Many people believe that as soon as a baby’s first tooth emerges is the right time to start brushing. The idea is that by starting early your baby willalways consider it normal and will not have a problem doing it themselves later. This theory, if it is correct will save the poor kid from a lifetime of bad dentistry.
However, a baby’s gums are very tender, so you really must make sure you don’t brush too vigorous.
Your baby will eventually have around 20 milk teeth, all of which should be through by the time he is three years old. It’s a good idea to make teeth cleaning part of the morning and bedtime routine so that you don’t forget to do it.
When should you have a baby shower?
12-14 weeks is the usual wait for most women.
When should you take a pregnancy test?
