How often should I replace my baby's pacifiers?
We are often contacted by parents who are in doubt about how often they should replace their baby's pacifiers. The pacifiers must be replaced after 4 to 8 weeks of use — all depending on how much the pacifier is used during this time. Some children have a very strong suction or use only one pacifier at a time, and in these cases the pacifier may be ready for replacement after less than 4 weeks.
Old, worn out pacifiers should ALWAYS be discarded
This is partly due to the fact that worn out pacifiers become porous and therefore break more easily.In part, there is also a hygienic reason to replace the pacifiers at regular intervals. The older the pacifiers get, the more bacteria will hide in them. For this reason alone, I recommend that children do not use a pacifier for more than 8 weeks — no matter how clean and perfect it otherwise seems to be.
Always check the pacifier before use
Children are different, and it varies with regards to how ‘hard’ each child is on their pacifiers. Before giving the pacifier to your child, you should therefore always examine the pacifier for visible traces of use — do this by pulling on the pacifier. If the pacifier has tooth marks, cracks or other signs of wear, it must be replaced immediately.Natural rubber pacifiers get bigger and more sticky when they are old and ready for replacement — they can also get too old even if they just sit in the closet! Therefore, do not buy more natural rubber pacifiers than you need.
Never give your baby pacifiers with visible damage, as the pacifier is no longer safe to use.
Take good care of your baby's pacifiers — they will last longer
The teat is made of a soft material, whether it is a silicone pacifier or a latex pacifier. Dirt creates a lot of wear and tear on pacifiers. It is therefore a good idea to store pacifiers in a clean, dry place.When you go on a trip, pacifiers should be placed in a protective container, e.g. a Pod/Pacifier box.
Replacing the pacifier
Before giving your baby a new pacifier, you should always check it for defects.I also recommend you sterilise it before use by pouring boiling water over it in a bowl and leaving it for five minutes. Do this to remove any dirt residue from the production of the pacifier. All our pacifiers have a valve, so remember to squeeze excess water out of the teat.
Last but not least, I just want to remind you that pacifiers are great for young children. A pacifier provides a sense of security, relaxation and tranquility.
As a parent, if you make sure to take good care of your baby's pacifiers and change them in time, you can safely enjoy the peace and sense of wellbeing that pacifiers give your baby.
Best wishes,
Annette
