As a parent, the pacifier may be one of your best tools for comforting your little one! That act of sucking helps soothe your little cutie. Keeping the paci in shape is important, and the last thing you want to do is give your infant a torn or broken binky. But how do you know the soother is no good? Keep reading this parenting guide to uncover the signs you need to replace your baby’s pacifier.
Signs To Replace the Paci
Every pacifier breaks down after plenty of soothing and sucking. There’s a lifespan for most products you use on a daily basis; a pacifier is no different! You need to throw away broken pacis at first signs of damage. Inspect your baby’s pacifier for rips and tears along the nipple. Unlike latex pacifiers, silicon doesn’t change shape with use.
Even if your baby doesn’t use their binky all the time, you still need to replace it with continued use. Before giving your baby a paci, check the recommended age on the packaging to prevent giving your baby a pacifier that’s the incorrect stage.
Timeframe for Replacement
Most experts advise replacing your baby’s rubber binky after four to six weeks. The timeframe depends on how often your little cutie uses it. We recommend discarding Cutie PATs after 4 weeks of continued use.
Keep in mind that you may need to replace either type of binky earlier than expected once your baby begins teething and biting on the nipple. Allowing your baby to continue using a broken paci could lead to the nipple tearing off as your baby sucks on it. Regardless of the style pacifier your little one uses, the nipple should be sucked on as a means to soothe; never bit.
Always Check the Binky
This may sound repetitive, but you must always check your baby’s pacifier. Look it over before each use to spot potential tears or other damage. Doing this becomes especially important once your baby begins teething.
Silicon vs. Latex Pacifiers
Silicon and latex are the two most common materials used for pacifiers, though silicon is best because it’s less likely to change color or shape than latex. You’ll get more use out of a silicon pacifier than you would from a latex soother, but you still need to check for tears.
Reasons To Replace the Paci
There are two main reasons you should replace your baby’s pacifier, even if it’s their favorite one. First, all binkies break down eventually. And second, using the same paci for months is unhygienic because this item goes into your baby’s mouth.
Keep the Paci Clean
Keeping your baby’s binky clean is as important as knowing when to replace it, and maintaining its integrity is important. You should clean the paci before its first use and between uses to keep things hygienic for your child.
To clean a silicon paci, fill a pot with water, allow it to boil, and then soak the pacifier in it for several minutes. After around three minutes, drain the water and dry the paci. Allow it to cool off before you give it to your little one. Some parents also wash the binky with a bit of soapy water and thoroughly rinse it before soaking it in boiling water. All this helps to remove germs to keep the soother safe to place into your baby’s mouth.
Easier Cleaning for Silicon Pacis
Another reason silicon binkies are the best is that you can place most of them in the dishwasher if you’d rather not wash them by hand. Ryan & Rose create and sell silicon pacifiers that are safe to go into the top rack of your dishwasher! This makes cleaning faster so you can spend more time cuddling and playing with your adorable baby.
Clean New Pacifiers Too
Why clean a paci if it’s brand new? It’s not like another baby used it, nor did it fall on the ground. Most experts and pacifier manufacturers recommend parents sterilize new pacifiers because it removes any microorganisms and bacteria that may be on the paci.
Clean It Daily
Clean your baby’s pacifier collection once a day and aim to rotate pacifiers between uses. You don’t want your baby sucking on yesterday’s germs as this is unhygienic and could get your little cutie sick. If you drop the paci on the ground, you should set it aside and clean it. This is vital because your baby’s immune system isn’t as strong as yours, so taking precautions helps keep them happy and healthy.
How To Buy the Best Paci
Even if you clean the soother every day and do everything you can to take care of it, you will need to replace the binky eventually. Although there are all sorts of adorable pacis to choose from, ranging from glow-in-the-dark to those with stuffed animals, what’s most important is you buy a binky that will last days of sucking. Silicon pacifiers are popular because the material is:
- Durable: It’ll last more uses than rubber pacis
- Hypoallergenic: Your baby won’t have an allergic reaction
- Easy to clean: You can boil it or put it in the dishwasher on the top rack
Shop at Ryan & Rose for durable two-in-one pacis that come in a variety of nipple styles.
Closing Note: Maintain the Paci
We’ve spent a lot of time talking about buying, cleaning, and replacing your baby’s pacifier because it’s vital. Knowing when to replace your baby’s silicon pacifier helps keep your child safe. Silicon less likely to break down due to heat and other natural elements, but it can still get damaged. Cleaning it daily helps ensure you always inspect it before allowing your baby to place the soother into their mouth.