How to Buy Baby Pacifiers

By now you have noticed that your baby sucks his fingers and hands a lot. Sucking brings pleasure to a baby. Many parents buy pacifiers for their babies. Here are some points to keep in mind while buying pacifiers.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. By now you have noticed that your baby sucks his fingers and hands a lot. Sucking brings pleasure to a baby. This is a strong need in babies this age. Being able to suck his own fingers and hands means he can make himself feel good all by himself. Sucking helps him feel happy and calm. Sometimes sucking fingers is a sign of hunger.

2. Many parents buy pacifiers for their babies. You may have heard that paci-fiers can harm a baby's mouth. You may have heard that pacifiers will keep a baby from developing correctly. A pacifier isn't necessary. But it's OK if your baby uses one.

3. Be sure to buy the kind of pacifier that cannot come apart. Be sure it can be washed in a dishwasher. Clean the pacifier often. You can clean it by boiling it in water or putting it in the dishwasher. Pacifiers are useful to soothe or distract infants. The constant sucking and biting on it helps to keep them busy. These devices come in all sizes and colors and involve choices which can be quite confusing to a parent. Here are some points to keep in mind while buying pacifiers:

Tips & Warnings

• • Size matters. Any pacifier that can completely enter the baby's mouth is dangerous.
• • Some pacifiers have holes for ventilation. These are necessary to prevent rashes due to constant exposure to moisture.
• • Not all babies like pacifiers. Some may prefer to suck their thumbs.
• • Don't buy too many pacifiers unless you are sure what type your baby likes.
• • Some parents use silicon nipples because they are easier to clean.
• • Latex may be a good alternative because of its softness, though you may need to buy more of them often, since they wear out faster. Also, some babies are allergic to latex.
• • Do not use homemade pacifiers or any object found at home such as bottle caps.
• • Avoid pacifiers filled with liquids and gels, as the baby may bite or chew into the nipple, causing the liquid to spill.
• • Tying the pacifier to the baby is not advisable, as it may lead to strangulation.
• Remember that use of pacifiers should be discouraged or reduced after the child reaches one year old.

Resources

• Baby Sign Language