Parents know that a binkie can be one of the most important tools in their parenting toolbox, for those moments when you just need some peace and quiet. Binkies can be a bit controversial in parenting circles, However, if you pay attention to the proper factors when choosing a binkie for your child, you can get all of the benefits that they provide, without any negative consequences for your child. Plancich Dental is here to help with this process. Here are a few tips and tricks to consider when choosing a binkie for your child, to ensure the best case scenario plays out.
What Type of Binkie to Choose
When deciding what kind of binkie you need for your child, there is one fundamental choice to make, in terms of binkie construction. Binkies come in two main different types: multi piece, and single piece. A multi piece binkie combines all three components, the nipple, guard, and holder, separately. This means that the binkie is easier to clean, and get in the really tough to reach crevices, so that you can be sure that it’s properly clean and sanitized before giving it to your child.
A single piece binkie is, as its complex name might suggest, composed of a single piece. This makes it less of a choking hazard than a multi piece binkie, but does make cleaning in hard to reach places slightly more difficult.
Factors to Consider
While binkies may seem fairly generic, there are actually several factors to consider, to ensure that your child gets an appropriate binkie, and it doesn’t become too much of a hassle for you. By keeping all of these things in mind, your child will have a safe and comfortable binkie experience.
- Size: A child’s mouth might not seem like it will change in size too much, but there are a few age ranges to generally stick with, in order to find the right binkie for your child. These ranges include 0-6 months, 6-18 months, and 18+ months, and while these are a good guide, using the recommended age range on the package is usually your best bet.
- Washability: Keeping your child’s binkie clean is probably the preeminent concern in this area. Ensuring that the binkie is clean and sterile is crucial, so buying one that can be boiled or cleaned in the dishwasher will save you time, worry, and effort over the life of the binkie purchase.
- Color: While color may not seem like that important of a factor, children are notorious for tossing their binkies around, into dark corners and hard to reach places. By choosing a bright color, or even a glow in the dark one, you can relieve yourself of the stress of looking for a clear binkie under a couch.
For all of your family’s dental needs, Plancich Dental is here to help. Contact our team of experienced dental professionals today, to keep your dental hygiene and health in perfect working order.