10 Tips for Pacifier Safety

1. Never tie the pacifier to a child’s neck or crib by string or ribbon due to the risk of strangulation; clips attached to clothing may pose the same danger.

2. Wash pacifiers by running them through the dishwasher (make sure the package indicates they’re dishwasher safe) or boiling them for infants less than 6 months old. Afterwards, they can be washed with hot sudsy water and air-dried. Have a few extra pacifiers around to ensure sufficient time for proper cleaning and drying.

3. Don’t store pacifiers in plastic bags. Dampness encourages fungal growth.

4. Don’t allow sharing.

5. Don’t put anything sweet (such as honey, corn syrup or jam) on the pacifier. Never give honey to an infant under 1.

6. Use one piece pacifiers to avoid choking on small parts.

7. Don’t use a bottle nipple stuffed with cotton. The nipple, bottle ring and cotton wading can come apart and become choking hazards.

8. Purchase pacifiers made of flexible, non-toxic inert material with shields at least 1.5 inches wide, air holes and easily held handles big enough to prevent swallowing.

9. Check pacifiers frequently for deterioration including holes, frayed edges or tears.

10. Replace worn or damaged pacifiers immediately.

Cold turkey? Is stopping pacifier use cold turkey right for you and your child? Find out!

From United Parenting Publications.