Home

If you notice that your child is beginning to suck their thumb or fingers during their first 3 months, you can introduce them to a pacifier. However, it’s important to buy a pacifier with a nipple made of rubber to avoid any trauma to the gums. Don’t allow them to use the pacifier around the clock; allow them to use it only when necessary.  It’s a good idea to check the pacifier daily for signs of wear. Like everything else, they don’t last forever. Your child could potentially choke on a piece of ripped pacifier. Also, it’s a bad idea to hang the pacifier around your child’s neck with a string. They could easily become entangled and choked.

Choosing a Pacifier

Only purchase pacifiers which come as a single molded piece. Avoid using pacifiers assembled from multiple parts; should pieces become loose, there’s a risk of choking.

You should choose a pacifier which resembles the natural nipple as closely as possible. In rare cases, pacifier use can cause abnormal development of the jaws and teeth. Some reasons for this include:

• Strength of sucking action
• Improperly sized and/or shaped pacifier
• Length of time the pacifier is present within the mouth

Constantly check the pacifier, especially the nipple end, to make sure that it has not become brittle. Brittle pieces of rubber may break off during use and potentially pose a choking hazard to your child.

Never tie a pacifier around your child's neck, or attach it to them with a piece of string. They string poses a large hazard for strangulation. They’re special plastic baby clips available which are far safer.