6 things that shorten the shelf life of the pacifier
During the pacifier's short life, it is scalded, chewed on, tugged on, thrown on the ground and exposed to a little bit of everything. This gives the pacifier a naturally limited durability.
As a rule of thumb, we recommend that you replace the pacifier after six weeks of use. But several factors can either shorten or extend the life of the pacifier.
Read also: When should I change my child's pacifier?
1. Storage
Light and heat affect the durability of the pacifier. Always store the cleaned teats dry, dark and not too hot. Natural rubber pacifiers in particular are damaged by heat and sunlight.
2. Cleaning
Clean the pacifiers correctly - incorrect cleaning can damage the material. Avoid boiling them, putting them in the dishwasher or using detergents. Instead, scald them briefly in boiling water.
Read more about how to scald pacifiers correctly.
3. Number of teats in use
If your child uses several pacifiers at a time, each pacifier wears out less. If you have natural rubber pacifiers, we recommend that you rotate between several - natural rubber expands over time, unlike silicone.
Read more about why the pacifier grows.
4. How often the pacifier is used
The more often the pacifier is used, the faster it wears out. In addition, it varies how strongly children suck on the pacifier - a strong suction can shorten the lifespan of natural rubber pacifiers in particular.
5. Does your child chew on the pacifier?
When the first teeth erupt, some children start biting the pacifier. It may seem nice to the child, but the milk teeth can quickly destroy the pacifier. If your child bites, you should choose a pacifier designed for this need.
6. Material: Natural rubber vs. silicone
There is a difference in how long a pacifier lasts, depending on the material it is made of. Natural rubber is 100% organic and therefore has a shorter lifespan than silicone.
Read more about the difference between natural rubber and silicone.
