To read about the aspects to consider when choosing pacifiers and nipples, go to the previous entry Choosing Pacifiers and Nipples.
Updated Article on January 2024.
It’s essential to care for pacifiers and nipples. When you buy them, it’s preferable to boil them and follow the manufacture’s instructions to disinfect them properly before use.
After using a bottle nipple, rinse it with cold water to remove milk residue and sterilize them either in boiling water, in the dishwasher, in an electric sterilizer or in the microwave on a regular basis until the baby is four months old. Then clean it with soapy water and rinse it with the hottest water from the tap.
For pacifiers, disinfect it on purchase and clean it with soapy water and rinse it each time before putting it in your baby’s mouth. Avoid placing it in your mouth to clean it, as you can transmit microbes to the baby that they can’t fight like an adult.
Recommendations for bottle nipples?
Concerning bottle nipples, it’s difficult to suggest a model given all tested nipples seem to let too much milk flow. This means the baby can’t properly work their muscles.
Some nipples are easier to use for a breastfed baby who occasionally receives milk from a bottle. NaturaLatch for exemple is a nipple model that requires that the baby open their mouth wide to receive milk like when breastfeeding. This won’t cause as much confusion when taking their mother’s breast after. However, babies with small mouths or premature babies will need a nipple adapted to their situation before being able to use a regular nipple sold for regular babies.
Weaning the Pacifier and Nipple
The literature doesn’t cite a particular age for weaning. Generally, it’s suggested to progressively stop using the pacifier after two, then only for sleep. Continue the pace with positive messages for your child up to a maximum of three years. This is to avoid potential risks for teething and speech development.
Here is an interesting short video explaining malocclusion in children (in French only):
I hope this article will help you choose from among the many products offered by the industry. It should also help you understand the importance that this choice can have for your little treasure’s health.
Marie Fortier
The Baby Expert
