If you choose to offer your baby a pacifier, keep these tips in mind:
Wait until breast-feeding is well established. Be patient. It may take a few weeks or more to settle into a regular nursing routine. If you're breast-feeding, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting to introduce a pacifier until your baby is 1 month old.
Don't use a pacifier as a first line of defense. Sometimes a change of position or a rocking session can calm a crying baby. If your baby seems hungry, offer the breast or a bottle.
Choose the one-piece, dishwasher-safe variety. Pacifiers made of two pieces pose a choking hazard if they break. The shape and firmness is up to you — or your baby. Once you've settled on a favorite pacifier, keep a few identical backups on hand. Many babies refuse a substitute pacifier.
Let your baby set the pace. If your baby's not interested in the pacifier, try again later — or skip it entirely. If the pacifier falls out of your baby's mouth while he or she is sleeping, don't pop it back in.
Keep it clean. Before you offer your baby a pacifier, wash it with soap and water and allow it to dry thoroughly. Resist the temptation to "rinse" the pacifier baby nurse nyc in your own mouth. You'll only spread more germs to your baby.
Keep it safe. Replace pacifiers often, and watch for signs of deterioration. A worn or cracked nipple can tear off and pose a choking hazard. Also use caution with pacifier clips. Never use a string or strap long enough to get caught around your baby's neck.
Know when to pull the plug. If ear infections are a concern, you might begin to wean baby nurse new york city your child from a pacifier at age 6 months. Most kids stop using pacifiers on their own between ages 2 and 4. If you're concerned about your child's pacifier use, consult his or her doctor for suggestions.
The bottom line
The decision to use a pacifier — or not — is up to you. Let go of any guilt or pressure as you learn what works best for your baby.
