Pacifiers are an important tool in any mom’s arsenal. These simple devices can do wonders when it comes to satisfying your little one. They sooth babies by fulfilling their natural need to suck. Most of them will enjoy having one just after feeding or as they are being cuddled. Once you begin shopping for the right pacifier for baby, you’ll discover they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles. This can be confusing to any parent, but the following information should help clear things up.
Style
Be sure to pick out a few different styles when you first begin shopping for a pacifier. A standard round is always a good choice, but many babies do well with the orthodontic shapes. These specially designed pacifiers are round on the top and have a flat bottom that fits babies more comfortably.
When looking for a pacifier for breastfed newborns there are some recommendations you will want to keep in mind. This kind of pacifiers are better used after the mother’s milk supply is well established, which is usually around the six-week mark. This is because mommies don’t want to lose any of the necessary breast stimulation to a pacifier.
Size
Pacifiers are available in many different colors and designs with a variety of shapes. Trial and error will be the only true way to discover which ones your baby will like the most, but you can begin narrowing down your options by choosing the correct size. Sizing is determined by your baby’s age. They start at 0 to 3 months and then go on to 0 to 6 months, 6 to 18 months, and top out at 18 to 36 months. Not all brands will carry every size. Some companies will only offer ones for certain age groups
Materials
A silicone version will be sturdy and easier to clean than a latex one. Silicone won’t hold odors, but the baby might not like how they feel. Latex is much more soft and flexible. The only downside to latex is the possibility of a latex allergy which is heightened in those that have had frequent medical treatments or were exposed during surgery to latex products
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Durability
When searching for the right pacifier for baby, you will want to look for ones that will be durable with a sturdy construction. Shields should have ventilation holes that allow air to easily flow through with a diameter measuring 1 ½ inches or bigger. This keeps little ones from putting the entire piece into their mouth. Once you find a pacifier that you and your baby like, buy several. Pacifiers have a way of becoming lost easily.
Important Safety Tips
Keep in mind that no pacifier will last forever. Over time it will wear down. Replacement recommendations vary among manufacturers. Some will ask you to replace them every two weeks while others are expected to last up to two months. Regardless, replace a pacifier as soon as you notice signs of aging. How quickly that happens depends on how vigorous the baby is when sucking.
Watch for discoloration which is a sign of deterioration. Inspect each pacifier before giving it to your child. Look for tears, holes, and weak spots that could cause the pieces to break off. Pacifiers are quite affordable, so there is no reason to continue using one that is aging.
Never clean a pacifier by simply wiping it off after it hits the floor. New ones should be boiled for five minutes. Then they can be washed in hot soapy water to keep them clean. Never fasten a pacifier to your child’s clothing with a ribbon or string. Doing so is a strangulation hazard. If you must fasten it to clothing, use a commercially made pacifier holder. These have leashes that are too short to hurt the baby. Just like other products for babies, pacifiers are occasionally recalled.
Once you have found the right pacifier for baby, you will be so thankful for this small device. With the right size, shape, and design, it will calm your little one after feeding or any time they are becoming fussy. Some studies have shown that pacifiers at bedtime or during naps can reduce the risk of SIDS. Regardless, it will satisfy their need to suck, and as a parent, you’ll enjoy the comfort it brings to your baby.
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