Home >  Information A-Z >  All Kids Information Articles >  Pacifiers

Information on Pacifiers:

When your baby is first born, the hospital almost always gives the baby a pacifier. You may request that they don't, but most of the time they like to give them one because sucking comforts the baby. While pacifiers can be a pain, and it can be hard to break a child from it, it is at least better than thumb-sucking (it is even more difficult to break a child from the thumb, because you can't just throw it away).

If your baby will take a pacifier, you will want to buy the kinds that are dentist recommended. Since some babies suck on a pacifier for most of the day, and some children suck on them all the way up until they are three years old, this can be a very important thing to pay attention to. When a child sucks on one shape for that long of a period, their mouth can form to the shape of it. So, if your child's mouth will be formed a certain way because of a pacifier, it only makes sense to let it form the dentist recommended way.

You should treat pacifiers just like bottle nipples by sterilizing them just as often. It is also good to have many on hand, because, as the baby gets older and her motor skills develop, she will be able to throw the pacifier. You should always have two or three pacifiers in the diaper bag at one time in case one gets tossed to the ground.

Another good thing to have is a pacifier clip. These are those little clips that have a string tied or clipped to the pacifier. Then the other end can be attached to the baby's clothing, car seat, the mother's shirt, or wherever you want. This way, if the baby drops it by accident, or they decide to see how far they can throw it, it won't get dirty or lost.

While newborns really do benefit from the use of pacifiers, it is best to break them from it early. Many parents recommend breaking a child from the pacifier even before they are broken from the bottle. This is because, when you break a child from the bottle, if they are still sucking on a pacifier, they will most likely turn to it during those times they would have sucked on a bottle. Then they will be even more dependent on the pacifier.

This can't work exactly opposite, though, if you break them from the pacifier first, because when they want to suck on it, and they grab a bottle, they get a mouth full of juice or formula. They didn't want to eat or drink, they just wanted to suck, so it may make them mad, but it's just not possible to replace a pacifier with a bottle.
There are two ways you can break a baby from a pacifier. One is to apply the same nasty tasting liquid that is intended to break thumb sucking. It doesn't always work, but it is definitely something worth trying. The goal is that it tastes so bad, that your child decides it's not worth having to deal with it to get to suck on it.

The other way is to just throw the pacifier out. If you choose this way, you will want to let the child see you throw it out. Tell them it's time for their binky or passy, or whatever your child calls it, to go bye-bye. You may even want to let them throw it away. If they are old enough that they love being called a big girl or big boy, you should remind them that big kids don't suck on pacifiers.

You should know in advance that the first few days will usually be pretty hard. How hard it is and how long it lasts will depend on many things, including how your child reacts to change, how old your child is, how dependent they were on it, etc. All kids react differently, but usually within a week, they are back to normal, only without a pacifier.



Copyright 2010. All educational materials are the sole property of Kid First Internet and are available for the benefit of our parents. Duplication or use of any material requires the express consent of Kids First Internet.

Find the Best Prices & Selection for Pacifiers

Browse information articles by category:

Babies
Toddlers
Kids
Health and Safety
Nutrition and Feeding
Bathing
Behavior and Discipline
Diapers and Potty Training
Playtime activities and toys
Clothing
Napping and Nighttime

View All Articles

Kids Bedding Information Center:

Nursery and Crib Safety
Allergy Information
Kids Bedding Gift Giving
Bedding Themes
Crib and Nursery Sizes
Typical Prices
Bedding Production
Cleaning
Materials and Fabrics
Boys Bedding and Girls Bedding

Kids and Baby Bedding Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best kids bedding brands? A look at some of the best kids bedding sets.

What comes in the different crib and nursery sets? Know exactly what you are ordering - before you order.

How do I choose the perfect kids bedding gift? Here are three simple rules for picking out a wonderful kids bedding or baby bedding set!

How can I create a safe nursery? A short article on safety and kids bedding and baby bedding.

How do I clean my kids bedding? Tips and directions to make your kids bedding set last forever.

How long does it take for my kids bedding purchase to arrive? Read about why it is important to order kids bedding several weeks in advance.

Why buy kids bedding or baby bedding online? Learn why we can offer the best prices on kids bedding.