All You Need To Know About Baby Pacifier

A baby pacifier is a tool used to calm the baby, if you are planning to use a baby pacifier, find all the important things you need to know about it. Also, check out the most suitable pacifier for your baby according to his age group. Our team has shortlisted the most suitable baby pacifier by carefully evaluating all the pros and cons.

baby pacifier

What is a baby pacifier?

It’s a small device used for babies. Generally, babies feel calm and happy when they are sucking on something. Pacifier provides temporary distraction especially during the time when the baby is going through a procedure be it, blood tests or after shot crying. If your baby is having trouble settling down, a pacifier can help them is falling asleep.

When can you start giving Pacifier to your baby?

According to AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics), pacifier must be used on baby after until they are at least  1 month old, Pacifier is most suited when baby is able to differentiate between nipple while breastfeeding and a pacifier.

When you should stop using Pacifier?

Prolonged use of pacifiers can lead to 2 main problems: Dental issues and interference in speech development. Change your strategy to soothe your baby by limiting the use of pacifier to nap time once your baby is one year old and try to get rid of it by his 18th month.

What kind of pacifier is best?

There are many types of pacifier that are available in the market:

One-piece pacifier: these pacifiers are molded from a single piece of plastic and do not have multiple parts attached to them, hence reducing the risk of choking and therefore mostly recommended by pediatricians.

Three-piece pacifier: these pacifiers are built by attaching 3 parts, the nipple, mouth guard, and ring. These three parts are attached together tightly to make the pacifier.

Glow in the dark pacifier: these pacifiers have a glowing mouth guard that is easy to spot in the dark, therefore best for nighttime usage.

Feeder pacifier: The nipple of the pacifier is hollow and perforated. You can place fruit or a thick puree in the hollow, for the baby to eat slowly. These pacifiers are ideal for babies older than 12 months.

Pacifier with a toy: These pacifiers come with a decorative design on them, they might also have a small toy attached with them to keep the baby engrossed. If you planning to explore your option and try a variety to distract your baby, use them.

Points to consider while buying a pacifier?

Choose a pacifier with minimal components, an overly complicated pacifier can increase the risk of SIDS. Stay away from the flavored ones, as they might contain artificial components that are harmful to the baby. Also, pacifier comes in different sizes and shapes for babies of different age groups. So select one that is appropriate for the baby’s ages.

Best pacifier for 0-3 months

Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier

Feature: 

  • One-piece design; made of medical-grade silicone.
  • It is the most popular pacifier found in children’s hospitals across the US. Highly recommended by medical professionals,
  • Designed specifically for newborns. Orthodontic design that facilitates healthy oral development.
  • Dishwasher-safe and sterilize in water.
  • Durable and long-lasting.
  • Free of BPA, latex, fragrance, and other harmful chemicals.

Best Pacifier of 3-6 months

The First Years GumDrop Orthodontic Pacifier

Feature:

  • Nipple designed to comfortably fit in the mouth of an infant aged three to six months.
  • Comes in a pack of two.
  • Made from latex-free, durable silicone that does not crack or break even after repeated usage.
  • Shield guard is designed so that it does not poke the little one’s nose.
  • Holes in the nipple shield facilitate airflow to the baby’s nose.
  • Free of odor, BPA-free, free from any other harmful chemicals.

Best pacifier for 6-12 months

This is the age when a baby starts to eat food other than breastfeeding. This is the time when you can introduce c=some interesting pacifiers for your babies to pacify them.

Philips Night Time Pacifier

Feature:

  • Orthodontic pacifier designed for natural oral development; respects the natural development of baby’s teeth and gums
  • Glow in the dark handle makes pacifier easy to find at night when baby is sleeping
  • Silicone nipple won’t become misshapen or discolored over time
  • BPA free
  • Dishwasher safe and can be sterilized; comes with a snap on hygienic cap to keep the nipple clean
  • Orthodontic symmetrical collapsible nipple so right side up or upside down, philips avent pacifiers help ensure natural development of teeth and gums
  • Taste and odor-free silicone nipple makes for an easy transition between pacifier, breast and bottle
  • Includes two pacifiers, ideal age range: 6-18 months

Closing Note: Baby pacifier is a tool not a toy, the primary purpose of a pacifier is to soothe and calm the infant. Check it periodically for damage and replace it after every 2 months. Check the expiry date before buying. Do not dip the pacifier in any kind of liquid, sugar syrup or honey. Note that the bottle nipple is not a pacifier as they are made of different material and for a different purposes. lastly, do not tie pacifier around the baby’s neck and always clean the pacifier before use to prevent transmission of germ.

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