Childrearing: The Scoop on Pacifiers

By Michele Blandino

It is among the most vilified - and loved - items in a baby's layette. The controversy surrounding the use of a pacifier to soothe a fussy baby has been argued, and defended, by parents for generations. It seems everyone from the medical community to child psychologists as well as breast feeding advocacy groups, dentists and day care providers have an opinion on whether or not a pacifier should be used.

So, should you give your baby a pacifier? As in most things involving infants, there is no clear-cut correct answer to this question. Ultimately, whether you do or don't is largely a matter of personal choice. If you do decide to use one, however, The American Academy of Pediatrics has several recommendations for safe pacifier use:

• Don't Force It: Pacifiers should be offered when your child is getting ready to nap or go to sleep for the night, but they should not be forced to take it. If your baby does not readily accept the pacifier when it is offered, you can assume that he or she doesn't want it.
• Leave it Out: If the pacifier pops out of your baby's mouth after he or she falls asleep, remove it from the crib. This will help keep your child from becoming too attached.
• No Additives: Resist the urge to dip the pacifier in sweet liquids to make it more appealing. In addition to helping create a habit that will be hard to break later, coating pacifiers in sweet liquids will likely cause problems with your baby's emerging teeth.
• Keep Them Clean: Pacifiers can be a breeding ground for germs. Regular soaking and boiling can help keep these germs away. To help keep the pacifier from hitting the floor, consider using a pacifier clip that attaches to the baby's clothing.
• Regular Replacements: Pacifiers that are used regularly (that is, daily) should be replaced at least once a month, even more often if your baby uses it frequently throughout the day. And remember, new pacifiers should be boiled in water before they are given to your baby.
• Size Matters: Be sure to choose the appropriate sized pacifier for your child. While they may not appear to be significantly different in size, pacifiers made for six-month olds are indeed bigger than those intended for newborns.

Remember, the choice of whether or not to use a pacifier is one that each parent needs to make after consulting with their pediatrician. While you can also take the advice of well-meaning friends and relatives, the final decision must be made by you after you have considered your baby's needs.