Soft Silicone™ Pacifier

FAQs

• Do pacifiers help with reflux?

  There is currently no evidence from research to support that the use of a pacifier can help babies with reflux,¹ even though it is mentioned sometimes in articles as a possible help.

  References:  

  ¹ Carroll AE et al. A systematic review of nonpharmacological and nonsurgical therapies for gastroesophageal reflux in infants. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2002;156:109-113.

• How often should I replace a pacifier?

  We recommend replacing pacifiers that are in daily use every 1–2 months, to ensure a safe, hygienic condition of the pacifier and help prevent any bacterial contamination.

  Before each use, pull firmly on the teat and inspect it for tears or holes. Always replace the pacifier at the first sign of wear or damage.

  Replace pacifiers immediately after your little one has had any infectious disease (e.g. a cold, stomach flu).

• Is the NIGHT pacifier safe for my baby?

  Yes, the NIGHT pacifier is safe for your little one. The knob contains a non-toxic fluorescent material allowing it to glow in the dark.

• Can the ink used for printed pacifiers become a danger?

  No, Medela Baby only uses food-safe inks that are completely harmless for babies, even if they would happen to scrape them off with their teeth.

• How can I clean my pacifier holder?

  You can easily wash your pacifier holder with lukewarm soapy water and let it dry thoroughly.

  We don’t recommend the following methods to clean your pacifier holder to avoid weakening parts: boiling, steam sterilizing, cleaning in the washing machine or in the dishwasher.

• How does the ideal pacifer look?

  Requirements for pacifiers have been recommended by speech-language pathologists. The following features should be incorporated into a pacifier’s design to help support the natural movement of the mouth muscles:¹

  • Thin neck teat – minimizes the space between the upper and lower jaw
  • Flat teat – takes up less space in the mouth allowing for more tongue movement
  • Flexible and elastic teat – allows for additional tongue movement
  • Lightweight – minimizes the work of the facial muscles
  • Ergonomically shaped shield – fits the contour of the face and prevents pressure points

  Reference:

  ¹ Furtenbach M et al. Myofunktionelle Therapie KOMPAKT I - Prävention: Ein Denk- und Arbeitsbuch. Vienna: Praesens; 2013. (vol 2). 235 p.

• Why do Medela Baby pacifiers have a valve?

  Medela Baby ORIGINAL, DAY & NIGHT, and NEWBORN pacifiers have a valve to ensure optimal suckling comfort. Pacifier teats made of silicone remain soft and elastic to make sure gums and teeth do not sense excessive resistance. Any residual water in the teat after sterilizing or cleaning the pacifier can be removed easily just by squeezing the teat.

  Our SOFT SILICONE pacifier teat is also soft and flexible. However, it doesn’t have or need a valve because it is formed in one single piece.

• Are Medela Baby pacifiers orthodontic?

  All Medela Baby pacifier teats are orthodontic as they have been developed using criteria defined by speech-language pathologists.¹ They have a symmetrical teat and a thin neck.

  • The thin neck teat allows lip contact and minimizes the space between a baby’s upper and lower jaw.
  • A flat-shaped teat that takes up less space and the flexible silicone allows for increased free movement of the tongue.

  Reference:

  ¹ Furtenbach M et al. Myofunktionelle Therapie KOMPAKT I - Prävention: Ein Denk- und Arbeitsbuch. Vienna: Praesens; 2013. (vol 2). 235 p.

• Can pacifiers help relieve my baby when in pain?

  There is scientific evidence that shows suckling on a pacifier helps to reduce babies’ feelings of discomfort during a painful procedure.¹ When your baby needs an immunization or a blood sample taken, try to offer the pacifier during the procedure.

  When your baby starts teething, suckling can help relieve the stress of the pain your little one feels but doesn't understand. However, if your baby starts to bite holes into the pacifier, offer a teether to chew on instead. Teethers can be helpful to relieve some of the discomforts of gum pain.

  Babies can experience pain when they have an ear infection. There has been some evidence that the use of a pacifier could increase the risk of ear infections – acute otitis media (AOM). Suckling on a pacifier may create a pressure difference that prevents fluid from draining through the tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat. This could lead to a bacterial infection. If your baby has frequent ear infections, it’s therefore recommended to reduce or eliminate the use of a pacifier beyond six months of age to help avoid a possible recurrence of AOM.²

  References:

  ¹ Pillai Riddell RR et al. Non-pharmacological management of infant and young child procedural pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015; (12):CD006275.

  ² Lieberthal AS et al. The diagnosis and management of acute otitis media. Pediatrics. 2013; 131(3):e964-99.

• What to do if there is water inside the teat after boiling?

  Any residual water can easily be removed by squeezing the teat. Allow the pacifier to cool before removing the water. If you boil the pacifier once per day, there is no risk of bacterial contamination even with residual water inside the teat.

• Can pacifiers cause gas or colic?

  Gas and colic are two different phenomena.

  If babies swallow a lot of air when they are sucking on a pacifier, the air in their stomach could cause discomfort, referred to as gas. But this does not occur frequently.  

  The cause for colic is still unknown, but there are some theories such as an immature digestive system, lactose intolerance, allergies, or changes in the normal bacteria of their digestive system.1 Swallowing additional air during feeding can aggravate the situation. It is often difficult to calm babies during a colic episode, they cry intensely and long, often with clenched fists and curled up legs.

  Doctors often diagnose infant colic based on the ‘rule of three’ ¹,²

  • crying for more than three hours per day,
  • more than three days per week, and
  • persists for three weeks in a row or longer.  

  Symptoms usually start to improve around 10–12 weeks.

  One tip to help soothe your baby is to offer a pacifier.2 For many babies, suckling can be soothing and helps them calm their emotions.

  References:

  ¹ Johnson JD et al. Infantile colic: Recognition and treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2015; 92(7):577–582.

  ² Lam TML et al. Approach to infantile colic in primary care. Singapore Med J. 2019; 60(1):12–16.

• Is there a risk for my baby to swallow the pacifier?

  No. The shape of Medela Baby pacifier shields has been designed according to the safety regulation EN 1400, which states how large the shield should be to prevent babies from swallowing their pacifiers. If at any time your baby should get the entire pacifier into the mouth, remain calm and gently remove the pacifier. There is no danger of choking because the air holes in the shield allow for a constant exchange of air. 

• Can Medela Baby pacifier holders be used only for Medela Baby pacifiers?

  Medela Baby pacifier holders can be used for all Medela Baby pacifiers and a large majority of other pacifiers. Wrap the string around the ring or in the knob hole of the pacifier. Do not attach the string to the holes in the shield.

• What are SensoPearls™?

  At Medela Baby we want our products to help make every gesture more gentle, intimate, and assured. Baby skin is sensitive and we strive to make all our products gentle to the skin. SensoPearls™ are smooth little nubs on the inside of the shield of all our pacifiers. They are placed on the top and bottom of the shield to reduce – in addition to the air holes – the risk of redness and irritation on your little one’s delicate skin.

• Are Medela Baby pacifiers made without BPA?

  Medela Baby pacifiers are made without BPA.

  Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical component of polycarbonate (PC) plastics and can be used in packaging and containers that come in contact with food products. It can also be used in the linings of food and beverage cans and metal jar lids. Under certain circumstances, it can leach from the material.

  This can occur when the container is used for heating food in the microwave, keeping food warm over long periods or when there are cracks, scratches, or damage to the material surface.
  There are concerns about the influence of BPA on the hormone balance of infants and small children, which is why all Medela Baby pacifiers are made without materials that contain BPA.

• Can pacifiers be used from birth?

  Yes, pacifiers can be used from birth. At Medela Baby we designed our NEWBORN pacifiers specifically for newborn babies.

  If you are breastfeeding, research has shown that pacifier use in healthy breastfeeding infants, started from birth or after lactation is established, does not significantly affect the prevalence or duration of exclusive and partial breastfeeding up to four months of age.¹

  However, you may prefer to first offer the pacifier when you and your baby are already comfortable with breastfeeding.

  Read our article ‘When and how to introduce pacifiers to babies?’ for more information.

  References:

  ¹Jaafar SH et al.  Effect of restricted pacifier use in breastfeeding term infants for increasing duration of breastfeeding. Cochrane Database Sys Rev. 2016

• Does the teat size matter?

  Yes. Our pacifiers are designed to fit the developmental growth stages of your baby. Your little one is growing the fastest in the first few years of life. The pacifier teat length and width of the different sizes fit the average growth measurements of the oral cavity during these developmental periods: newborn <2 months, 0-6 months, 6-18 months, and 18+ months.

  The pacifier should fulfill the purpose of calming your baby. When the teat size fits properly in the mouth, is not too big and not too small, this provides better support for the natural suckling movements.

• How to use the Medela Baby Steribox to clean my pacifiers?

  When a sterilization box is included with your pacifier, it can be used to sterilize your Medela Baby pacifier in the microwave.

  Before use, remove any stickers from the box and wash the pacifier and box with warm water. Then follow these steps:

  1.  Fill water up to the marker 10 ml/0.3 fl. oz for 1 pacifier or 25 ml/0.9 fl. oz for 2 pacifiers.2) Place the pacifier(s) in the box.
  2. Close the box and sterilize the soother for 3 minutes in the microwave (max. 1000W).
  3. Allow to cool for a minimum of 3 min before opening the sterilizing box.
  4. Squeeze out any residual water from the pacifier teat.

  WARNING: Take extra care when handling and opening the sterilizing box. Hot steam from within the box can cause burns. Always check the temperature of the pacifier before use.

  
  How often should I replace a pacifier?

  • Before its first use, boil the pacifier in hot water for 5 minutes.  Allow it to cool thoroughly before giving it to your baby and squeeze out any residual water that may still be in the teat.
  • We recommend cleaning the pacifier by washing it with warm water before every use.
  • To ensure safety and good hygiene, sterilize the pacifier if it is heavily soiled or you live in a country in which water may be unsafe.
  • Parents often decide to sterilize the pacifier more frequently in the first 3 months of life of their baby.

• What is the right way to clean my Medela Baby pacifier?

  There are different ways to sterilize or clean your pacifier.

  1) To sterilize the pacifier you can:

  1. Boil the pacifier for 5 minutes in water. Allow it to cool thoroughly before giving it to your baby. If needed, squeeze out any water that may be left in the teat.
  2. Steam sterilize the pacifier in the microwave.
     • If you have a microwave sterilizer, follow the instructions included by the manufacturer.
     • If a Medela Baby pacifier Steribox is included with your pacifier, please follow the instructions for use detailed here.
  3. Use an electric steam sterilizer. Follow the instructions of your device to correctly sterilize the pacifier.

  2) To clean a pacifier: Wash the pacifier with warm water.

  
  Additional tips for pacifier safety and hygiene:

  • If the pacifier falls on the floor, avoid putting it in your mouth to clean it. You could transfer bacteria and viruses to your baby.
  • Before each use, pull firmly on the teat and inspect it for tears or holes. Always replace the pacifier at the first sign of wear or damage.
  • Replace pacifiers that are in daily use every 1–2 months.
  • Replace pacifiers immediately if your baby has had any infectious disease (e.g. a cold, stomach flu).
  • The protection cap and Steribox help keep the pacifier clean when out and about.

• Is the pacifier teat shape important?

  The shape and features of a pacifier are very important to help support the oral development of your baby when it is used with purpose and responsibility. Speech-language pathologists recommend that pacifiers should have a symmetrical shape with a thin shaft and a flat teat, which takes up less space in the mouth allowing for more tongue movement.¹

  Reference:

  ¹ Furtenbach M et al. Myofunktionelle Therapie KOMPAKT I - Prävention: Ein Denk- und Arbeitsbuch. Vienna: Praesens; 2013. (vol 2). 235 p.

• How does the glow-in-the-dark pacifier work?

  The front knob of the pacifier contains a non-toxic fluorescent material that glows in the dark. It helps you and your little one to easily find the pacifier in the dark when they need comforting.

  Place the pacifier for 3 minutes under a lamp or in a sunlit room to recharge it, but not in direct sunlight. The glow-in-the-dark effect should last approximately 8 hours, to reassure your little one through the night.

• Is it true that pacifiers reduce the risk of SIDS?

  There is evidence that offering the pacifier at all sleep times can offer some protection against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Breastfed babies also have a reduced risk of SIDS.¹,² How a pacifier can reduce the risk of SIDS is still unclear. Safe infant sleep guidelines in various countries support the use of a pacifier during nap and bedtime in the first 6 months of life and often even up to one year of age. If the pacifier falls out of the mouth during sleep, you do not need to reinsert it.2 If your baby refuses the pacifier, do not force them to take it.

  Two additional measures that can help reduce the risk of SIDS are to lay babies on their backs to fall asleep and to avoid putting pillows or stuffed toys in a baby’s bed to prevent smothering or suffocation.2  

  References:

  ¹ Alm B et al. Breastfeeding and dummy use have a protective effect on sudden infant death syndrome. Acta Paediatr. 2016; 105(1):31-38.

  ² Moon RY, AAP Task Force on SIDS. SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths: Evidence-based for 2016 updated recommendations for a safe infant sleeping environment. Pediatrics. 2016; 138(5):e20162940.

• Why do Medela Baby pacifiers have holes in the shield?

  At Medela Baby we want our products to help make every gesture more gentle, intimate, and assured. Baby skin is sensitive and we strive to make all our products as gentle to your little one’s skin as possible. These holes together with our SensoPearls™ enhance airflow to avoid skin irritation and increase child safety.

  Even in the unlikely event that your little one happens to get the whole pacifier into their mouth, the holes will allow air to flow. It is important not to block these air holes, for instance by attaching cords or ribbons as this might limit airflow.

• How can I recycle the pacifier?

  Medela Baby packaging is recyclable, both the carton and the plastic blister and steribox are made of polypropylene.

  Our one-piece pacifier, the SOFT SILICONE is fully made of silicone, it is recyclable and can be handed over to recycling centers where available.

  Our other pacifiers (NEWBORN, ORIGINAL, and DAY & NIGHT) are made of 2 materials (PP and silicone teat) that are ultrasonically welded and not detachable to ensure your baby’s safety. As they are not detachable, they are not recyclable.

• What does ergonomic shield mean?

  The Medela Baby shields were developed with an ergonomist and designed to fit children’s faces, preventing pressure points under the nose or on the chin and cheeks. Our angel-wing shaped design does not interfere with babies’ breathing and facilitates smelling the comforting scent of the mother. Its lightweight minimizes additional stress on the orofacial muscles.

  The air holes and SensoPearls™ allow for movement of air around the face, which helps reduce possible redness or skin irritations.

• Are pacifiers bad for the teeth / can pacifiers cause misalignment of the teeth?

  No, the limited and responsible use of a pacifier should not cause problems with misaligned teeth. Pacifier use should be limited to less than six hours per day.¹ Choose a pacifier shape that supports oral development, usually signaled by the word ‘orthodontic’. 

  Limiting the hours of daily use and early weaning from a pacifier can help prevent misaligned teeth¹. Weaning a baby from a pacifier can begin as early as 6 months. Each child’s mouth and teeth develop differently. The use of pacifiers for children older than 24 months should be a decision made by each parent, based on consultation with a medical or dental health care provider. At the latest, weaning should start by 36 months²  as recommended by pediatric dentists.

  All Medela Baby pacifiers are orthodontic and designed to help support the natural movement of mouth muscles. The attributes for this are:³

  • thin neck teat – minimizes the space between the upper and lower jaw
  • flat teat – takes up less space in the mouth allowing for more tongue movement
  • flexible and elastic teat – allows for additional tongue movement
  • lightweight – minimizes the work of the facial muscles
  • ergonomically shaped shield – to fit the contour of the face and prevent pressure points

  Pacifier visual with arrows to show the features

  References:

  ¹Proffit WR. On the aetiology of malocclusion. The Northcroft lecture, 1985 presented to the British Society for the Study of Orthodontics, Oxford, April 18, 1985. Br J Orthod. 1986; 13(1):1–11.

  ² AAPD. Guideline on periodicity of examination, preventive dental services, anticipatory guidance/counseling, and oral treatment for infants, children, and adolescents. Latest revision 2018. In: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, editor. The reference manual of pediatric dentistry. 2019-2020. Chicago IL: AAPD; 2020. p. 209–19.

  ³ Furtenbach M et al. Myofunktionelle Therapie KOMPAKT I - Prävention: Ein Denk- und Arbeitsbuch. Vienna: Praesens; 2013. (vol 2). 235 p.

• What is a symmetrical teat?

  Symmetrical teat means the teat has the same shape on the upper and lower part. A pacifier with a symmetrically formed teat is easily accepted, as it supports the natural physiological tongue, mouth, and facial muscle movements and the natural palate growth during this period of development.

• Are Medela Baby products products made without BPS and plasticizers?

  Medela Baby products are made without BPS and plasticizers.
    
  Bisphenol S (BPS) is similar to BPA. It can be used in the production of plastic containers and can also be found in food and beverage can linings and various paper products. It appears to have the same health risks as BPA, with concerns about its influence on the hormone balance of infants and small children, which is why all Medela Baby pacifiers are made without materials that contain BPS and BPA.

  Plasticizers, also known as phthalates, are used in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics to improve the flexibility and durability of the material. This chemical can also leach out of the product. Some plasticizers have caused concerns about the influence on hormones in children and adults. That is why we specifically use only phthalate-free PVC in our products.

• Is the use of pacifier holders dangerous?

  No. All Medela Baby pacifier holders are tested according to the European EN12586 standard and are designed to ensure that they do not represent a safety risk to children. When used properly, pacifier holders can be very useful. They prevent pacifiers from getting dirty and thus ensure greater hygiene. The holders are especially helpful for mothers and babies on-the-go and should only be used during the daytime when your little one is awake and supervised.

• Why do babies like pacifiers?

  Suckling is a natural reflex and is an innate need of most babies. They have a suck-swallow reflex when they are born and this is important for feeding. Suckling is also important to exercise their oral and facial muscles, which play a large role in speech development. 

  Babies often suckle to help calm themselves or fall asleep. Suckling occurs already in the womb when the fetus practices suckling on their hand or fingers.¹ A pacifier can help satisfy your baby's extra desire for suckling.

  Parents have given their babies objects to suck on for centuries. Of course, today, pacifiers are more technologically advanced, light, flexible, and anatomically shaped to help prevent changes in teeth position when used responsibly.

  Reference

  ¹Popescu EA et al. Non-nutritive sucking recorded in utero via fetal magnetography. Physiol Meas. 2008; 29(1):127–139.

• When should my baby stop using the pacifier?

  Recommendations about when to stop using the pacifier vary greatly. Many children stop using the pacifier on their own or when they start eating solid foods. Other children have very strong desires to suckle for a longer period of time. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that weaning from a pacifier should start at the latest by 36 months.¹
  Download our e-book ‘Parent guide for pacifiers’ to learn more about this journey and tips to help you go through weaning together. 

  References: 
  ¹ AAPD. Guideline on periodicity of examination, preventive dental services, anticipatory guidance/counseling, and oral treatment for infants, children, and adolescents. Latest revision 2018. In: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, editor. The reference manual of pediatric dentistry. 2019-2020. Chicago IL: AAPD; 2020. p. 209–219.

• Why do some pacifiers have a ring while others don’t?

  Pacifiers with a ring are easier for parents and babies to hold onto and handy to use during the day.

  Pacifiers without a ring are suitable for newborns and for falling asleep at any age. In these cases, a ring would probably be bothersome, for instance, if it is flipped up and pressing on your baby’s nose. Not having a ring also avoids the pacifier from being pulled out of the mouth while actively moving during sleep or due to uncontrolled arm movement.