Guide Note

A baby pacifier is a rubber, silicone or plastic nipple with a shielded handle given to infants to mimic the sucking motion. The mouth shield and handle are made large enough that an infant will not be able to choke or swallow it.

Fast Facts

1. Developed from hard teething rings
2. Available with a thermometer built in
3. Used to comfort and calm
4. Prolonged use causes dental concerns
5. Dependency often occurs
6. Thumb sucking often follows

Controversy

There is a lot of controversy surrounding the use of pacifiers. Parents are discouraged from dipping the nipple in any type of sugary substance because it can cause tooth decay. It has been a common practice for parents to dip a pacifier in honey or jelly to soothe a fussy baby, however the sugar substance sitting on the teeth and gums for long periods of time can cause decay. The prolonged use of pacifiers has been shown to lead to ear infections, speech development and thumb sucking. Parents have been encouraged to stop the use of pacifiers by the time the baby is six months of age.