Whether you are a new parent, or already an honorary member of the club, you are constantly receiving different information about your baby's care. Facebook moms and dads, mom influencers, your neighbor, your mother-in-law and many others, each give their own -always correct and tried-and-tested- opinion, on every pressing issue. The use of a pacifier is no exception. 

Here you will find useful information about everything you want to know about pacifiers, always combined with the scientific guidance of your pediatrician.

Why do babies suck pacifiers?

The desire of a baby to suck starts from its mother's womb, as a natural reflex. This happens because sucking calms the baby, provides a sense of security and pleasure, and is a way to familiarize itself with its environment, with a soothing effect.

What is the appropriate age for a pacifier?

The use of a pacifier is recommended after the age of 3 or 4 weeks. Especially if the baby is breastfeeding, you should make sure that it has adapted to the breastfeeding process and is not at risk of confusion with different nipples or getting tired from continuous pacifier use.

Experts suggest that its use should be moderate and gradually reduced by the age of 2, although some recommend discontinuing it much earlier, at 1 year. This is subjective and depends on the child's needs and how easily they can part with it.

Advantages of the pacifier

It soothes

Sucking is a habit that soothes babies, providing relaxation and relief. The continuous movement of their mouth reminds them of breastfeeding and gives them physical and emotional security. 

Lulls to sleep

The continuous movement of the mouth tires the baby, relaxes them and eventually puts them to sleep. In addition, it activates the release of a hormone called CCK (cholecystokinin), which gives your baby a sense of fullness, relaxation and sleepiness!

Relieves pain

Teething and colic trouble babies. Sucking helps the release of substances such as endorphins, which have a soothing and pain-relieving effect.

Contributes to better coordination

Sucking trains your baby in coordinating sucking, swallowing and breathing. These three steps allow them to feed effectively from the breast or from the bottle.

Prevents thumb sucking

One habit that many children have from infancy is to put their thumb in their mouth, which is soothing just like a pacifier. This habit causes the child to push the teeth outward, creating problems in the development of the teeth and jaw. Using a pacifier reduces the likelihood of the child sucking their thumb. In addition, when the time comes, the pacifier is taken away, the thumb...isn't!

How to choose the right pacifier for your baby

Nipple material: Rubber or silicone?

Rubber pacifiers

Rubber is a natural product also known as latex. It is especially durable and has great tensile strength, but it is affected by sunlight and heat. A rubber pacifier should be replaced every 1-2 months or so, because after that it starts to become somewhat sticky, due to the fats contained in milk and food.  Rubber pacifiers are resistant to sucking and do not tear easily, so they are a better choice for babies who already have teeth.

Silicone pacifiers

Silicone, unlike rubber, is a synthetic material, odorless and tasteless, which is not affected by heat or sunlight. However, silicone pacifiers are not as resistant to pulling or tearing. That is why they should be replaced every 2-3 months or immediately as soon as you notice bite marks or tears. They are a better choice for babies who do not have teeth (up to about 6-7 months, when teething begins). Afterwards, you can choose rubber pacifiers, which are more resistant to "wear and tear".

Size & shape

Choose the correct age range to ensure that the pacifier size is suitable for your baby and that it will fit in the mouth so that the correct position of the tongue is ensured. A newborn needs a different pacifier than an older baby.

What does orthodontic pacifier mean?

It features a specially designed teat that does not cause misalignment of the teeth or jaw, minimizes pressure on the teeth and does not hinder their proper development.

What is a night pacifier?

It is a pacifier with a shield that glows in the dark so you can find it easily without waking the baby.

Safe construction & use

• The size of the pacifier should be such that it does not fit entirely in the child's mouth
• It should be soft enough for the baby's sensitive skin
• The protective shield should have appropriate curvature to fit satisfactorily in the lip area
• It should have ventilation holes so that the skin around the lips is not irritated by saliva
• It should be constructed in a way that it is impossible for a child to disassemble it
• If you choose any pacifier accessories, such as chain, ribbon or clip to prevent it from getting lost, make sure it is not dangerous for the baby (e.g. wrapping around the neck)

Sterilization

Make sure to wash the pacifiers well and to sterilize them at least until the 5th month. Also, store them in the special cases and check them often for any damage. Finally, don’t forget to replace them at regular intervals.

There are various ways to sterilize the pacifier, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions. Whichever method you follow, make sure the pacifier has cooled down before giving it to your little one.

Boiling water

• Boil water in a small pot or saucepan, put the pacifier in, and leave it for 5-10 minutes.
• Take it out onto a clean, dry surface to dry thoroughly.

Baby sterilizer

• There are many baby sterilizers, for bottles, pacifiers and other baby items, that eliminate up to 99.9% of germs.
• It is important to have washed the pacifier well with soap and water before putting it in the sterilizer.
• For travel and when you are away from home, a portable sterilizer is a particularly practical solution

Microwave oven

• Before putting the pacifier in the microwave, read the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure it can be used there
• Put it in a bowl of water, and then into the microwave.
• In most microwaves, it is safe to put the pacifier in for a maximum of 60 seconds at a maximum of 800W. Otherwise, the temperature will exceed 100°C and the pacifier is very likely to be damaged.
• Once the time is up, wait 2-3 minutes for the bowl to cool, pour out the water, and place the pacifier on a dry, clean surface.
• Additionally, for the microwave, there are special bags and special sterilizers, with detailed instructions for use

The final choice of the right pacifier depends mainly on the baby’s preferences. Don’t forget to always consult their pediatrician for proper use and sterilization.