How to Know When a Baby can Use a Pacifier

Pacifiers satiate a baby's need to suck. Pacifiers have also been shown to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). However, it has also been linked to a higher need for orthodontic services and an increased number of ear infections in infants. While the use of pacifiers is a hot topic among many parents, it is used by countless families.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Use one as early as desired. Babies can use a pacifier right after birth, especially by bottle-fed babies.
2. Wait a week or so if breastfeeding. Sometimes pacifier use can lead to nipple confusion. This makes breastfeeding more difficult for mother and baby. In order to reduce this week, wait around two weeks to introduce the pacifier, when baby is well adjusted to nursing. Also, only use the pacifier when baby isn't hungry. This reduces the risk of nipple confusion.
3. Try different brands. If baby doesn't like a certain pacifier, it may just be that it's not the right shape. There are several brands available that have different shapes. Odds are there's a type of pacifier that baby will like.
4. Use common sense. Clean pacifiers frequently. They collect germs easily. Also, check pacifiers regularly for broken pieces, as this presents a choking hazard.
5. Decide how often baby should have it. If it's just for sleeping, enforce this from the start. This makes it much easier as baby gets older to understand restrictions, if there are any.

Tips & Warnings

• Never tie a pacifier around a baby's neck. This can lead to strangulation.