If you have a newborn baby, you have probably already been inundated with advice and opinions (both wanted and unwanted!) about the benefits or problems associated with pacifier - otherwise known as "binky" - use. Babies need to be soothed through sucking, no doubt about it: and many parents prefer to use binkies to avoid overusing bottles or to prevent thumb sucking. But what's the real story? And what are the pros and cons? Here's a quick look.

The truth is, the topic of pacifiers is still a hotly debated one among pediatricians and pediatric dentists, and there are just about as many professional opinions on the subject as there are professionals. The American Academy of Pediatrics has officially okayed them, but the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has some real concerns about the effects of binky use on jaw and bone growth: especially if a child is sucking on one past the age of three. All in all, despite the cons most professionals agree that the benefits of using one or not is largely a matter of personal philosophy and choice.

Pros of Binky Use

--A binky is an effective tool to help soothe a fussy baby, especially when nothing else seems to do the trick.

--Unlike a thumb, a binky is easily sterilized by boiling and can be thrown away and replaced regularly.

--When the time comes to give up the habit, it is much easier for a baby to give up binky than to quit thumb sucking.

Cons of Binky Use

--The muscle action required for sucking a binky is different than that for breastfeeding, and a binky baby may have difficulties negotiating a real nipple as a consequence.

--Binkies are extremely habit forming, and a baby may become overly dependent on them even when he or she is not feeling fussy.

--As mentioned above, using a pacifier past the age of two or so may result in dental problems later on. Parents must be vigilant in helping their toddler get rid of the binky once and for all by age three at the very latest.