Soothers

Babies are born with a natural need to suck which provides comfort to the child. Some babies even suck their finger/thumb in the womb before they are born. A pacifier or soother can be used to satisfy the baby’s needs if used correctly. It should never replace a feeding or the comfort of a parent.

Advantages

• Sucking on a pacifier is better than a thumb/finger as a pacifier causes fewer

  problems with future tooth development.

• A parent can control the use of a pacifier (you can’t throw away a thumb!)

• The latest medical research suggests that using a pacifier may decrease the risk of

   SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

Disadvantages

• Incorrect use of a pacifier can lead to problems with breastfeeding, tooth

  development and possibly ear infections.

• Homemade pacifiers, sweetened pacifiers or pacifiers tied around baby’s neck are

  not safe and could lead to injury or death. Use a pacifier wisely and safely.

Do’s when choosing and giving an infant a soother

• Do use a pacifier that says “orthodontic” on the package. These are shaped to help

  the muscles and bones of the face to grow properly.

• Do use the age appropriate size of pacifier for the child. If it is too small the baby

  could swallow the pacifier.

• Do sterilize baby’s pacifier in boiling water for at least 5 minutes before the first use

  and periodically afterward to prevent the spread of bacteria.

• Do avoid giving a breastfed baby a pacifier until breastfeeding is established. Giving

  a pacifier too early can cause confusion between the breast and pacifier.

• Do check the pacifier often for cracks or tears. Replace the pacifier if you see any

   signs of damage.

Dont's when giving an infant a soother

• Don’t dip a pacifier in honey, corn syrup, sugar or anything sweet. This can lead to   

   preventable tooth decay and honey can cause botulism.

• Don’t tie the pacifier with a string longer than 15-20 centimetres (6-8 inches). This

  could strangle the baby.

• Don’t put baby’s pacifier in your mouth to “clean” it. This can spread decay causing

   bacteria from parent to child.

• Don’t use a pacifier instead of feeding.

• Don’t let an older child crawl or walk with a pacifier all day long. This could interfere

   with speech development and cause problems with the developing teeth.