How to select the right pacifier

Pacifiers comes in all sorts of designs , colors and nipple shapes. In the beginning you may want to pick up a couple of different styles, one with a round standard nipple and one with an ” orthodontic shape ” which is round at the top and flat at the bottom to see which one the baby prefers.

You will find the pacifier in 2 sizes. One is for babies up to 6 months and the other is for babies 6 months and older. You have to note that whichever size or shape you choose, you have to make sure the model you choose is sturdy and cannot possibly come apart. It should also have a shield that’s 1 1/2 inches or larger, so that your baby can’t put the entire pacifier into his mouth.

The shield should also have ventilation holes to allow circulation . If the shield doesnt have these holes, the baby’s saliva will collect at the base and cause irritation or skin rash.

Keep in mind that you have a choice between a latex or silicon nipple. Silicone nipples are sturdier and easier to clean. They also don’t retain odor. However  your baby wont find them as soft  in the mouth as the latex nipple.

Latex is more flexible and as a result the baby will wear it out faster. You want to avoid latex if your  baby is allergic to latex . The baby is at high risk of latex allergy if he’s had frequent medical treatments or operations in which he was exposed to latex products.

Once you get the perfect pacifier, you may want to buy extras because they easily get lost.

NOTE

Some  pacifiers  are labeled BPA-free or phthalate-free, but phthalates haven’t been used in pacifiers sold in the United States since 1999. BPA is usually not found in silicone or latex.