All parents hope that their child will reach their developmental milestones on time, this includes their speech and language skills. However, there are certain habits that children can develop which may affect their speech development. One such habit is prolonged pacifier use.
Pacifiers are often given to infants and young children as a way to soothe them and help them sleep. However, when pacifiers are used for too long, they can have a negative impact on a child's speech development. Here are some ways in which prolonged pacifier use can lead to speech delays or disorders.
Interference with natural oral development
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), prolonged pacifier use can interfere with the natural development of a child's mouth and teeth. A pacifier can alter the shape of the roof of the mouth, the position of the teeth, and the alignment of the jaws. This can make it difficult for a child to form sounds correctly and articulate words.
Reduced opportunities for communication
When children have a pacifier in their mouth, they are less likely to communicate with others. They may not be able to make sounds or speak clearly with a pacifier in their mouth, which can reduce opportunities for language development. Children may also become less motivated to communicate when they have a pacifier in their mouth because they feel less need to express themselves.
Increased risk of ear infections
Prolonged pacifier use can increase the risk of ear infections, which can also affect speech development. Continuous sucking of a pacifier causes the auditory tubes to become abnormally open. This can cause secretions from the throat to go into the ear. The transmission of bacteria in these secretions may lead to ear infections. When a child has an ear infection, they may not hear sounds clearly, which can make it difficult for them to learn and understand language.
Delayed weaning from the pacifier
If a child continues to use a pacifier for an extended period, they may become dependent on it for comfort and security. This can make it difficult for parents to wean their child from the pacifier when the time comes, which can lead to further delays in speech development.
What can parents do to prevent speech delays or disorders related to pacifier use?
Limit pacifier use to sleep time and gradually reduce the use of the pacifier as the child gets older.
Use positive reinforcement to encourage the child to communicate without the pacifier in their mouth.
Encourage the child to engage in activities that promote communication, such as reading books or playing with toys that encourage language development.
Consult with a speech-language pathologist if you have concerns about your child's speech development.
In conclusion, prolonged pacifier use can have a negative impact on a child's speech development. While pacifiers can be helpful in soothing young children, parents should be mindful of the potential consequences of prolonged use.
Sources:
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (n.d.). Pacifiers and Thumb Sucking. Retrieved from https://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/Pacifiers-and-Thumbsucking/
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2019). Pacifiers: Satisfying Your Baby's Needs. Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/crying-colic/Pages/Pacifiers-Satisfying-Your-Babys-Needs.aspx
Zerbib, M. MA CCC-SLP. (2013). Retrieved from https://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2013/10/18/pacifiers-use-them-then-lose-them/
Michelle Mikviman MS CCC-SLP