Sucking and using a pacifier
All newborns have the reflex to suck. Sucking allows your baby to feed and to calm themselves down.
Not all newborns need a pacifier (soother). However, if your baby is premature, sick, or in the hospital, a pacifier can soothe and comfort them.
If you breastfeed, your child may be content to suckle. If you want to give your child a pacifier, it’s best to wait until breastfeeding is well established before starting to use it.
You might also decide to introduce a pacifier because your child frequently sucks their thumb or fingers. A pacifier is often easier to control. Gently remove the pacifier when it is no longer needed to avoid creating a habit.
Before using a pacifier, check to make sure your baby doesn’t have an unmet need (e.g., food, sleep, being stimulated). They are trying to tell you something through their cries. Your baby may need their pacifier for comfort on occasion, but they shouldn’t have it in their mouth all the time because of the risks involved.
Risks of using a pacifier
Like thumb-or finger-sucking, using a pacifier after 18 months can affect the development of your baby’s jaws and teeth. To avoid dental problems, the Canadian Paediatric Society recommends that children stop using a pacifier before the age of 3 or 4, but you can always stop earlier.
Using a pacifier after 12 months may also increase the risk of acute middle ear infections.
Never use a string to attach a pacifier to your baby’s crib or around their neck or wrist. The string could strangle them. Don’t use a safety pin to attach a pacifier to your child’s clothing, as they could injure themselves. To attach the pacifier to clothing, use the special fasteners designed for this purpose.
Choosing a pacifier
If your baby needs a pacifier, choose one that is appropriate for their age. There are several silicone and latex models.
If your baby uses the pacifier for chewing, give them a teething ring instead.
The pacifier disk must remain outside your baby’s mouth. If they chew it, it could break and your baby could swallow the pieces and choke.
Cleaning the pacifier
Before using a new soother, disinfect it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Each time your baby asks for it, wash it in hot, soapy water and rinse it. To prevent the transmission of cavity-causing bacteria, don’t put it in your mouth. Pull on the disk to make sure it is securely attached to the nipple. This safety precaution is important, especially once your baby has teeth.
Check the condition of the nipple regularly. It should be very flexible. If it has changed colour or shape or is sticky or cracked, dispose of it immediately.
The Canadian Paediatric Society and Heath Canada recommend you replace pacifiers after two months of use, regardless of their condition.