What can I say? We had a soother sitting in its package for the first three weeks on the change table because we didn't want to use it. Finally, during a fit of unconsolable crying we cracked it open and haven't looked back since. Soothers are truly the crack cocaine of an infants world.
Sometimes our son is upset because he's upset and just needs to switch gears in order calm down. This is how we use the soother.
Because we don't want a walking, talking toddler with a soother, at 7 months we've already cut down on its use. He can now go to sleep without it.
I think they are a valuable tool in a parent's arsenal. However, like television, excersaucers, Barney etc..., they should only be used in moderation.
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Building an artificial intelligence that appreciates Mozart is easy. Building an A.I. that appreciates a theme restaurant is the real challenge - Kit Roebuck - Nine Planets Without Intelligent Life
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