Pacifiers: What to Consider
It seems everyone has an opinion on pacifiers. It’s true that pacifiers can damage teeth if used in toddlers older than age 2. But for infants younger than age 2, pacifiers can be good things. Using pacifiers may lower the risk for sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS. In addition, pacifiers can be a good distraction for babies during shots or other stressful times. Experts say it’s best to wait until your baby is about 4 weeks old to give her a pacifier—this helps your child learn how to breast-feed first.1
1 “Non-Nutritive Sucking with a Pacifier: Pros and Cons.” J.A. Soxman. Pediatric Dentistry. January/February 2007, vol. 55, no. 1, pp. 59-62. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17333970 Accessed 2010.
Author:
Ramos, Laura
Online Editor:
Sims, Jane
Online Medical Reviewer:
Eakle, Stephan W., DDS
Date Last Reviewed:
12/13/2010
Date Last Modified:
12/13/2010