Prolonged pacifier usage in infancy does not cause eating behavior problem later

Turk J Pediatr. 2015 Sep-Oct;57(5):487-91.

Abstract

The objective of this study conducted in children aged 3-7 years was to determine whether pacifier use during infancy is associated with eating problems in later periods. A total of 85 children (55.2 ±12.3 months) admitted to hospital with eating problems and with no organic pathology in scans, and 97 healthy children (52.24±10.97 months) without eating problems, were assigned to case and control groups, respectively. Eating problems were classified into five groups and investigated via a questionnaire. The presence of eating problems was analyzed for association with pacifier use. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of pacifier use (chi-square test: 0.141, p=0.707), and pacifier use is not related to a poor appetite in later periods. Pediatric healthcare providers and parents should be informed with regard to the subject.

MeSH terms

  • Case-Control Studies
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Eating
  • Feeding Behavior*
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Pacifiers / adverse effects*