It is the natural behavior of the baby wanting to suck. It is a sort of comfortable feeling for them. Some babies suck their thumb or finger even before they are born.

What is a pacifier?

Pacifier is nothing but a soother that is used to satiate the baby's need to suck. A pacifier would be helpful, when a baby seems to want to suck in between feedings. They come in a variety of nipple shapes and sizes. Choose the pacifier that the baby is comfortable with. Keep in mind to buy a pacifier with ventilation holes. The reason is saliva can collect behind the base causing skin rash.

Advantages of pacifiers

Sucking thumb or finger can cause teething problem with future teeth development. So a sucking pacifier is anytime better. When it is time to stop using the pacifier, it can be thrown away. So in a way, parents do have control over the usage of a pacifier. Pacifiers can also reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome or crib deaths.

Tips To Clean A Pacifier

Always see that the pacifier is clean before giving it to the baby. Always choose the pacifiers that are dishwasher safe. Clean the used or a new pacifier by putting it in the boiling water for five minutes. Cool the pacifier completely before putting it in baby's mouth. If the baby drops the pacifier on the sidewalk sterilize it before using. Try using pacifiers that close by itself when it falls down.

Don'ts of Pacifiers

Some of the don'ts of the pacifiers include
1. Do not start on pacifiers until breastfeeding is established.
2. Never use the pacifier as a substitute for feeding.
3. Avoid giving the pacifier immediately after giving medicines to the baby.
4. Check for cracks or tear. Replace the pacifier every two months.
5. Do not use the pacifier all day long; it can affect the speech development.
6. Last but not the least never allow the baby to chew the pacifier.

When To Withdraw The Pacifier

The pacifier should be withdrawn gently and slowly. Always do away with the pacifier only when the home front is calm. That is the baby should not be undergoing any trauma like the mother returning to the workplace or the arrival of a sibling.