Motherhood is an exciting journey and yet it can also be confusing to new mums especially on choosing the best products to use. One of the most widely used baby products is a pacifier. Choosing a good pacifier is a lifesaver to many parents. The decision to use a baby pacifier is often a hot debate. However, parents should note that using a pacifier is not bad and it may even decrease sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

If you are confused about what type of bibs baby pacifier to choose then this article got you covered. It is critical to know how to select the safest and the best pacifier for children of different ages. Here is a guide on how to choose the perfect baby pacifier.

1. Check the Pacifier’s Construction

Pacifiers should have three parts. They are the nipple, the guards, and the ring which is found at the centre of the guard. You should check if all three parts are properly placed. This is because a poorly constructed pacifier can cause a baby to choke. You should choose a pacifier that cannot into broken into different pieces and will not have any movable components.

2. The Size of the Pacifier

The size of the pacifier is also an essential factor that must be considered when choosing a pacifier. You should choose a size based on the age of your baby. More importantly, you should pay more attention to the size of the shield located between the nipple and the ring.

The American Academy of Paediatricsrecommends that the shield should be at least 1.5 inches in diameter. This will prevent the infant from putting the whole pacifier in his or her mouth. Besides, you should also confirm if the shield has holes for ventilation.

3. Design of the Pacifier

Check the design of the pacifier. For instance, you should ensure that the mouths guard us no small or flexible. A good pacifier should not have handles or any protrusions that can push the pacifier into the baby’s mouth when he or she falls. You should also avoid a pacifier that attaches to the neck of your baby’s neck or hands. Such pacifiers can endanger the life of a child.

4. Raw Materials

Another important characteristic to consider while buying a baby pacifier is the raw materials. Pacifiers are made from soft plastics, latex, or silicone. However, experts are increasingly discouraging plastic baby pacifiers. Studies show that softening plastics requires chemical additives which might be harmful to the baby.

Apart from silicon pacifiers, the APP recommends that mothers should usesilicone baby bibs. Even though they may be expensive they are the best. Silicone pacifiers are non-toxic, 100% waterproof, and stain-resistant.

Is It Easy To Clean?

Before choosing a pacifier you should know whether is easy to was or not. Pacifiers are used by babies. Therefore, they need to be clean at all times. Before buying a particular type of pacifier, you need to know if it is easy to clean. The best baby pacifiers are dishwasher-friendly.

As a parent, you will have to experiment with different types of baby pacifiers before finding the right match. However, the information above will help you choose the best pacifier. In case you have more questions concerning pacifiers then it is always prudent that you see a paediatrician.