Research Shows Pacifiers Help Prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

When pacifiers first came out they were not the best resource to give to an infant. Many mothers had concerns that their baby's teeth were at a greater risk of tooth decay because of the use of a pacifier. So with that being said, many mothers were not encouraging there infants to use them.  Today, however research shows that using a pacifier every time you place your baby down to sleep can greatly reduce the risk of SIDS.   Here are some simple steps for safe effective pacifier use:  

* Offer a pacifier at nap time and nighttime. This will give your baby the most protection against SIDS.  

* It's recommended that you wait one month to offer a pacifier if you are breastfeeding mom. Be sure your baby is nursing well first - the risk of SIDS is very low during the first month.  

* Never use a pacifier to replace nursing or feeding, Offer a pacifier after a feeding when you put your baby down to sleep.  

* Don't worry about putting the pacifier back in your baby's mouth if it falls out. Babies that use a pacifier regularly are protected, even if it falls out after they fall asleep.  

* Don't force your baby to take a pacifier. Continue trying over several weeks before giving up.  

* Never coat your baby's pacifier with anything sweet as this could damage your baby's teeth.  

* Don't use a string or anything else to attach a pacifier around your baby's neck or to clothing. This could choke your baby.  

* They also recommend that after the first year you should start limiting the pacifier. 

Since, the first year is were SIDS typically happens. The risk of SIDS is very low after the 1st year so your baby doesn't need to suck on a pacifier as much anymore. With the information on how to properly use a pacifier with your baby you can use it to help protect your baby against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

The information in this article was gathered from First Candle, an organization helping Babies Survive & Thrive.

Visit Baby Fashion & Bedding for unique pacifiers invented by a Pediatrician that even a newborn can hold so that it stays in their mouth. You have to see them to believe them! Click here to see a Pacimals The Huggable Pacifier. Permission is granted to re-publish this article in its entirety only with resource box and live links intact.

read more “Research Shows Pacifiers Help Prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)”

Pacifiers Can Calm a Fussy Baby

Are you expecting a newborn? Are you stocking up on items for your nursery? Pacifiers are a common item parents buy for their newborns. Pacifiers are used to soothe a baby when it is fussy. The sucking action can calm the baby. Some parents use them to discourage thumb and finger sucking. Safety is always an issue with a newborn or young child. If your baby uses a pacifier, you want to consider purchasing a pacifier clip to keep it attached to your child's clothing.

Pacifiers are one piece and have a guard or shield attached to the base. The materials used to manufacture pacifiers include latex, molded silicone or a combination of plastic and silicone. Silicone pacifiers are sturdy, do not retain odors, and are easy to clean. Those made of latex are softer than silicone and retain odors. If you are concerned about your baby developing an allergy or sensitivity to latex, you should consider purchasing silicone pacifiers.

A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics on sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) shows that pacifiers at nap time and bedtime may reduce this threat. There is also concern that pacifiers interfere with breast feeding. You may want to wait one month to six weeks before you introduce the pacifier to your newborn.

Other concerns are that by using a pacifier, your baby will develop dental problems such as protruding front teeth, an overbite, or improper jaw formation as they age. For these reasons, you should consider stopping the use of a pacifier for your child between the ages of one and two.

Here are some tips for purchasing pacifiers:

• Check to make sure the nipple is firmly attached to the base. If you can pull it off, your baby may be able to pull it apart.


• Purchase an orthodontic and a rounded pacifier.


• Make sure the pacifier has vent holes in the guard or shield to guard against skin rash.


• Read the package label to determine how the pacifier can be sanitized after its use or after it has been dropped.


• Check for recalls.

Not all babies like pacifiers. There are two types of pacifiers: orthodontic, which has a rounded top and a flat bottom and rounded ones. By purchasing both types you can determine which one your baby prefers.

Babies drop pacifiers. For safety reasons, you do not want to tie the pacifier around the baby's neck with ribbon or string. Instead, purchase a clip-on holder which will attach to the baby to the baby's clothing. Make sure the pacifier clip does not have beads or other objects which can cause choking.

Sandra writes articles for a number of Internet websites dealing with personal lifestyle and the challenges of daily life. Read more about pacifier clips and view our selection of pacifier clips.

read more “Pacifiers Can Calm a Fussy Baby”