Sucking is natural for babies. Some babies suck their thumb or fingers. Others love to suck on a pacifier. Soothers are often a form of security or comfort. And a big help to mom and dad. The pros and cons of using a pacifier are almost equal. There is only one question left to ask: “When should my child stop?” Giving your baby a pacifier too early can make it difficult to learn how to breastfeed properly. It is better to wait until the baby learns to breastfeed. Usually this age is about 1 month. You may have to get up in the middle of the night to put the pacifier back in your baby’s mouth when it falls out. Over time, the child will learn to insert it on their own. Using a pacifier can cause inner ear infections. Also, it can cause dental problems if used after 2 years of age.

Soothers have germs on them. These microbes can make your baby sick if the pacifier is not cleaned frequently. What to Consider
Giving your baby a pacifier too early can make it difficult to learn how to breastfeed properly. It is better to wait until the baby learns to breastfeed. Usually this age is about 1 month. You may have to get up in the middle of the night to put the pacifier back in your baby’s mouth when it falls out. Over time, the child will learn to insert it on their own. Using a pacifier can cause inner ear infections. Also, it can cause dental problems if used after 2 years of age. Soothers have germs on them. These microbes can make your baby sick if the pacifier is not cleaned frequently.

If your child uses a pacifier, remember the following helpful tips: Never force a child to use a pacifier. If it falls out at night without the child noticing, do not put it back in. Never put anything on the pacifier that could encourage the child to use it (honey, sugar). Always buy whole pacifiers. Two piece pacifiers can break and cause choking. Never add a tie or ribbon to a pacifier. Never tie him to a child or to a bed. It can suffocate your child.