Pacifiers: A Cause for Confusion

Pediatr Ann. 2020 May 1;49(5):e204-e206. doi: 10.3928/19382359-20200419-01.

Abstract

Pacifier avoidance is recommended in the newborn nursery to optimize exclusive breast-feeding rates according to the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. There are many reasons why parents may choose to provide a pacifier to their infant, particularly due to the association between pacifier use with sleep and risk reduction for sudden infant death syndrome. Early use of a pacifier does not likely cause direct harm to infants or lead to difficulty breast-feeding. Pediatricians should partner with families to share a clear message in support of establishing exclusive breast-feeding, ideally before introduction of a pacifier. [Pediatr Ann. 2020;49(5):e204-206.].

MeSH terms

  • Breast Feeding*
  • Health Promotion
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant Care / instrumentation
  • Infant Care / methods*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Pacifiers / adverse effects*
  • Pediatrics
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Professional-Family Relations
  • Risk Reduction Behavior
  • Sleep
  • Sudden Infant Death / prevention & control