WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What do I need to know about pacifiers? Babies have a natural instinct to suck. The act of sucking can help to calm and comfort a baby. Some babies may calm themselves by sucking on their fingers. Some parents give a pacifier to their baby to calm and soothe him. Learn about the benefits and risks of pacifiers to help you decide if you want to offer a pacifier to your baby. What are the benefits of using a pacifier? Pacifiers given at nap or bedtime may decrease your baby's risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). A pacifier may help calm a baby during stressful moments. This may include illness or minor procedures such as heel sticks or immunizations. A pacifier may help premature babies transition to regular feedings sooner. What are the risks of using a pacifier? A pacifier may increase your baby's risk of ear infections. To help decrease this risk, stop giving a pacifier or use the pacifier less often after the age of 6 months. Pacifier use after the age of 2 years may increase your baby's risk of dental problems. Pacifiers can affect the shape of his mouth and the way his teeth line up. What else should I know about using a pacifier? - If you are going to breastfeed, wait 4 to 6 weeks before you offer a pacifier. This can allow your baby time to get used to breastfeeding.
- Some babies may not want to take a pacifier. If your baby does not want to take a pacifier, do not try to make him take it.
- Do not hang a pacifier around your baby's neck or attach it to his clothing. This can increase his risk of getting strangled.
- Do not use a pacifier to replace or delay a feeding. Offer a pacifier only when you know he is not hungry and does not have other needs that need to be met.
- Clean your baby's pacifier regularly. Boil a new pacifier for 5 minutes before you give it to your baby. Clean the pacifier regularly by boiling it until your baby is 6 months old. After that, you can wash it using soap and water. Keep extras on hand in case your baby's pacifier gets dirty and you are not in a place where you can wash it properly.
- Replace your baby's pacifier as needed. Check the pacifier for cracks, tears, or a change in color.
- Do not buy pacifiers that have decorations or small pieces that can come off. These pieces may cause your baby to choke.
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