PlanetRx - Learn More - Product Advice - Pacifiers





	These little suckers can really do the trick Controversial as they have sometimes been, pacifiers can be extremely helpful little objects. Just as their name implies, they can pacify an agitated baby or toddler -- soothing and relaxing them at times when all else fails. Babies are born with a strong sucking reflex that actually facilitates their survival. When they are not meeting that need by sucking for food, the motion can be of great comfort to them. So, while there are pros and cons, the most enthusiastic endorsements come from the mouths of babes.



	A Few Pros and Cons Some studies have indicated that babies who go to bed with a pacifier are up to 20 times less likely to die of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. One-month-old babies who use pacifiers are more likely to wean themselves off breast milk by age 6 months. Orthodontic problems can occur if the habit persists too long. Also, a baby who relies on a pacifier to sleep soundly may awaken in the night, crying for their misplaced source of comfort. How to Choose -- and Use -- a Pacifier Choose a sturdy pacifier made of soft, concave plastic with a symmetrical nipple and shield shape. This helps ensure that it will stay in your baby's mouth in the proper and safest position. Make sure the nipple is firmly anchored in the shield. The shield should be ventilated to allow air passage. A textured shield surface will help prevent skin irritation. Discard a pacifier if the nipple becomes sticky, swollen, or cracked. Never attach a pacifier to a crib or clothing with a string or cord, or around the neck. It's not a good idea to dip a pacifier in honey or other sweets because it can cause tooth decay. Make sure the pacifier does not present a choking hazard: Don't use a feeding bottle cap and nipple as a pacifier because the nipple can get pulled from the cap. Choose a pacifier that is wider than the child's mouth. Keep an eye on it as the child grows; when it fits in the mouth, throw it out.



	Rubber (latex) This material becomes sticky and deteriorates quickly with constant exposure to heat, sunlight, and moisture, which can pose a hygiene issue if your baby's rubber pacifier is old. Also, if your baby is allergic to latex, an itchy rash could develop. Silicone This tasteless, odorless material is heat-resistant, so you can pop it in the dishwasher or boil it on top of the stove to keep it sterile. An allergy to silicone is highly unlikely.



	Appropriate Uses Satisfies a desire to suck and can help soothe and calm babies. Using and Caring for a Pacifier When choosing a pacifier, make sure that it's bigger than your baby's mouth to prevent choking. Never leave the baby unattended when using a pacifier. Never tie the pacifier around the baby's neck or onto a crib bar, as strangulation is a risk. If the nipple becomes old, sticky, or crumbly, throw the pacifier away.



	Look Out for Your Baby's Well-being Skin irritation can occur if the pacifier is not textured or doesn't have ventilation holes. Putting honey or other sweets on a pacifier can promote tooth decay. Use of pacifiers may be associated with early weaning from breastfeeding. Pacifiers may be related to a higher rate of middle ear infections in children under age 3. Parts may break. Always inspect the nipple carefully for any punctures or tears, and make sure the shield is firmly attached to the nipple. If the nipple is old, sticky, or cracked, throw the pacifier away. Strangulation may result if the pacifier is attached to a string or cord around the baby's neck. Make sure that shields are large and strong enough so the pacifier cannot get caught in your baby's mouth. Make sure the shield has holes for ventilation in order to prevent suffocation. Never leave the baby unattended when using a pacifier.



	Websites, Organizations & Manufacturers American Academy of Pediatrics Global Child Health Society Sassy, "Pacifiers and Dental Health" Sources & Further Reading Books 1. Jones, S; W Freitag.Guide to Baby Products, 5th ed. Consumer Reports Books, Yonkers, NY, 1996. Find more books on health and wellness at barnesandnoble.com.