WHY SHOULD I CHANGE MY CHILD’S PACIFIER?

WHY SHOULD I CHANGE MY CHILD’S PACIFIER?

We are often contacted by parents who are unsure of how often they should replace their child's pacifier. We always recommend replacing the pacifier after 4 to 8 weeks of use - of course depending on how much the baby sucks the pacifier.

Old worn out pacifiers must be discarded mostly because pacifiers get worn out over time and become porous and therefore can break easily.

Secondly, there is also a hygienic reason for replacing the pacifiers on a regular basis. The older the pacifiers become, the more bacteria will hide in them. For this reason, we recommend that you do not use a pacifier for longer than 8 weeks.

Always check the pacifier before use. Each child is different, meaning they suck pacifiers with different strengths. Therefore, before you give the pacifier to your child, you should always examine it for visible traces of wear & tear. The first thing you should do is tug at the rubber and make sure it is secured. If the rubber has dental marks, cracks, or other signs of wear, it must be discarded immediately. Never give your child pacifiers with visible damage, as it is no longer safe to use.

Silicone pacifiers vs. Natural latex rubber pacifiers

Silicone and latex pacifiers have different durability. There are pros and cons of both materials, but in terms of durability, be aware that Silicone pacifiers for babies are easier to bite than latex pacifiers. If you feel that your child's sharp teeth might penetrate the silicone, then consider changing to a latex pacifier.
 
Latex pacifiers (also called natural rubber pacifiers) are more flexible and do not allow for as much damage from bites as silicone pacifiers do. 


Natural rubber will age over time. Natural rubber is an organic material that, as opposed to silicone, may become too old. New natural rubber pacifiers are a light brown/yellow color. They become darker, larger, and sticky over time - even when they are not in use!  Natural rubber has a low thermal tolerance. Which in practice means that heat and sunlight can damage it.

You may or may not sterilizing your child's natural rubber pacifier, but regardless you can think about how to store the pacifiers when not in use. Keeping the pacifiers dry and storing them in a place that is dark and not too hot is the correct way. Here is a great option for storing your pacifier for baby.  

Here are some common signs that indicate that your baby’s pacifier needs to be replaced:

The pacifier gets darker in color and begins to get larger. A common natural rubber pacifier can easily become ½ cm larger from normal use. The material can also begin to get a “glued” together feel to it, which indicates it needs to be replaced. 

Take care of your child's pacifiers so they will last longer. When going on a trip, the pacifiers should be placed in a protective container, such as a pod or suction box. And always use a pacifier clip for baby. Pacifier clips are essential to keeping your pacifier off the ground and near your baby so she can reach it on her own when it slips out of her mouth. The Ali+Oli Silicone pacifier clip for baby is our best selling clip and is a great addition to any pacifier purchase. Buy here.

To keep the pacifier in prime condition avoid prolonged sterilizing and avoid cleaning it with any harsh detergents. Before giving your child a new pacifier, you should always check it for defects. We recommend that you sterilize it before first use by placing it in boiling water for no more than five minutes. This should be done to remove any residue or dirt from the production of the pacifier. All pacifiers have a valve, so be sure to squeeze excess water out of the socket part.

Last but not least, we just want to remind you that pacifiers are a great thing for young children. A pacifier gives the child peace of mind, relaxation, and tranquility.

If you, as parents, take care of your child's pacifiers and change them on time, you can safely enjoy the peace and well-being that the pacifiers give your child.
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