7 Rules for Soothing Your Baby with a Pacifier

1. When to buy the first pacifier?

Preferably before the baby is born. Completing the layette is a good time to buy your first pacifier. To start, one or two are enough. Not all babies need a pacifier; some want it right away, while other little ones won't take it in their mouths. Therefore, before stocking up, wait for the baby to demand it themselves.

2. How to choose the right pacifier?

Choosing a pacifier is not simple at all. When buying, pay attention to a few points:

• It should be suitable for the size of the baby's mouth. For a newborn, it is best to choose one with a smaller shield.
• It should not cover the child's nose, as this makes breathing difficult.
• It should be dynamic so that it "works" in the child's mouth.
  
• It must have holes in the disc that allow air to circulate freely.
• It must be made of hypoallergenic material, preferably silicone, so as not to irritate the child's delicate skin.
• It must have a round ring. This shape prevents injury and makes it easier for the baby to grasp the pacifier.
• It must have an elastic teat that resembles a nipple.
• It must not contain bisphenol A, which is harmful to the body.

3. How do you know if your baby needs a pacifier?

The sucking reflex babies are born with can be very strong. Some babies satisfy it during feeding, by drinking milk from their mother's breast, others need to suck almost continuously to calm down. And although the natural way to satisfy the sucking reflex is the best, it is simply impossible in the case of more demanding little ones. Putting your baby to the breast 24/7 will do neither you nor him any good. After all, you have other responsibilities than feeding, and a baby who constantly sucks the breast risks overeating and spitting up.

If the little one is full and yet continues to suck the breast or bottle, or puts their fist or finger in their mouth, they probably want to soothe their emotions in this way. If they are irritable and crying at the same time, this is a signal that they need a pacifier. Given to the little one at such a moment, it will allow them to calm down and fall asleep in the feeling of security that sucking provides during the first months of life.

4. From what age can a child be given a pacifier?

In the first few days after delivery, lactation stabilizes. According to lactation consultants, it is safe to give a pacifier only after this period. If you want the pacifier not to interfere with breastfeeding, you can give it to a 2 to 4-week-old baby without any worry.

5. How to care for a pacifier?

Pacifier hygiene should always be taken care of. However, in the first months of a child's life, when they have low resistance to germs, this is particularly important. Before first use, wash the pacifier and pour boiling water over it. Until the baby is 6 months old, pacifiers should be sterilized. When the little one starts crawling and moving on the floor, putting everything they encounter in their mouth, sterilizing pacifiers will become unnecessary.

If the pacifier falls, do not lick it before giving it back to your baby. This way, you transfer bacteria to them and increase the risk of tooth decay. Use ribbons or pacifier clips to protect the pacifier from contact with the ground. The pacifier should be replaced with a new one approximately every 6 to 8 weeks. If the little one is teething, check the condition of the teat before giving it to them. Replace it if you notice any signs of damage on the teat or disc.

6. What size pacifier to choose?

Choose one suitable for the child's age. However, keep in mind that the age range indicated on the packaging is suggested. Babies are born with different weights and not all will fit the group determined based on average dimensional parameters. When moving to a larger pacifier, observe the baby. If they experience discomfort, return to the smaller size pacifier. Here are the LOVI pacifier sizes available:

• 0-2M with a smaller and lighter shield, designed for newborns
• 0-3M
• 3-6M
• 6-18M
• 18M+ reinforced, more resistant to biting

7. When to stop using a pacifier?

Do not do it when a stressful event occurs in your little one's life. Weaning from breastfeeding, your return to work, or teething are not the time to stop the pacifier. Remember that weaning is a process. Weaning the little one usually lasts up to a few days. A little one can be tearful and irritable during this time, so it is worth starting during the weekend or holidays. You will have more time for your baby.

It is best to wean the pacifier gradually. Reduce your baby's pacifier time during the day by using it in emergencies and at bedtime. Do not remove the pacifier from your baby suddenly, as this could be too much of a shock for them.