Pacifier Do's and Don'ts: Guide to Safety
Pacifiers offer many benefits when used correctly. They can soothe your child, help them sleep and even reduce the risk of SIDS. This guide to pacifier safety helps ensure your baby is happy and content while you enjoy greater peace of mind.
Do's: Timing
You may want to speak with your doctor or lactation professional if you’re not sure when to introduce a pacifier. For preemies, the schedule may be different and doctors may recommend offering a pacifier right away.Do's: Hygiene
Before first use, place the pacifier in boiling water for 5 minutes to sterilize. After sterilizing wait at least 5 minutes before giving the pacifier to your baby. Clean the pacifier before each use under warm running water. Do not use aggressive cleaning agents. Regularly sterilize the pacifier.
Do's: Safety
Replace your pacifiers after two months of use to keep them safe and hygienic. It is important to inspect your child’s pacifier before each and every use. This is not only relevant for teething babies. Even before babies teeth their gums can cause damage to any pacifier. For this reason, perform a safety check before each use by pulling the pacifier nipple in all directions. Carefully check for any signs of damage or weakness. If any damage or weakness is found discard the pacifier immediately.Do's: Quality
Always buy quality pacifiers. Look for medical-grade silicone and one-piece pacifiers that do not pose a choking hazard. Try a few different types to find one you and baby both like.
Do's: Supervise
Watch your child while they use their pacifier. DON’T allow baby to chew on the pacifier or use it as a teether as it can weaken the nipple. If your baby starts to chew on the pacifier, remove it at once to avoid damage that can make the pacifier a choking hazard.Don’ts: For Safety
Never give your baby a pacifier immediatly after giving them medication. This can cause the material to wear down faster. Also, never dip the pacifier in honey or sugary substances, since it can harm your baby’s developing teeth. DON’T store a pacifier in direct sunlight or near heat and avoid storing it in disinfectant.
Never attach a string or cord to the pacifier as this can cause strangulation. If you’re worried about losing pacifiers, Nookums® Paci-Plushies attach the pacifier to a stuffed animal your child can hold onto. Nookums also offers Paci-Plushies Chillies™ for teething babies. These are safer options than strings and cords.
Don’ts: Reliance
Use pacifiers occasionally as using them all day long can affect dental development, speech development and cause problems later on. Put a plan in place to wean your child off their pacifier. Teach them other techniques for soothing and relaxing and use positive reinforcement when they don’t use their pacifier for an extended period.
