Being a new mom can be overwhelming, especially in our world of infinite choices, finding the right pacifier for baby and knowing when to introduce it can be a lifesaver for any new mom. Here are some tips to help you navigate the various options.
1. It is recommended that you wait until your baby is between 4-6 weeks to introduce a pacifier. The key in this relates to successful breast feeding and the avoidance of nipple confusion. If you have successfully established breastfeeding, or have chosen not too, then you certainly can introduce a pacifier earlier. If you wait too long however you baby may not take to the pacifier. Also keep in mind that if you do introduce it early, their favorite binky might change as they grow and their needs are different.
2. What kind of tip does the pacifier have? You should always look for a pacifier with a silicone tip. In today's environment there are often harmful chemicals that can be found in plastics. The safest for baby is silicone.
3. Some pacifiers are made as a single solid piece. These can be safer as there are no cracks or crevices for germs and bacteria to hid in, also there is less danger is the older child pulling apart the various pieces, however not all babies will take to this style, if they don't that is ok too.
4. You may have to try several different ones before your child finds one that it likes and is soothing. There are two main basic nipple types, one that is round and one that has a flat side, be sure that you try both of these. Another thing to look for is the shape of the shield. Some are round, and other hourglass shaped. Also some curve towards and others away from the face. If the baby is a vigorous sucker a pacifier that curves towards their face may leave a mark, so try various types.
5. If you plan to bring your child to daycare it is worth the investment to get personalized pacifiers. These are not that expensive (but wait until you know what shape and style your child likes) and you can find ads for these in the back of many parenting magazines, or do a search for Personalized Pacifier.
6. Buy three times as many as you think you will need. You can have one in your purse, diaper bag, car, crib, play area, daycare, changing table and kitchen. Inevitably your child will lose or drop their pacifier and it is good to have many on hand, especially if your child was picky and you had trouble finding one they liked. The last thing you want is for the store to be sold out of that brand or style, or not be able to find your babies binky at 3:00 Am when they wake up crying and sick and need to comfort.
7. Once you decide to use a pacifier, don't fret over it. Most babies grow out of it on their own around 18 months. The pacifier can be your friend especially when you child is teething and mouthing everything. You can give them the pacifier to keep them from chewing on objects that may have germs when you are out and about and when you are ready you can slowly take it away, you can't do that with a thumb.