Health Tip: Giving Baby a Pacifier

Pacifiers may do a great job of soothing cranky little ones, but parents should take steps to make sure their toddlers are safe.

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these safety guidelines for pacifiers:

• Never offer the nipple of a bottle (even if connected to the ring) as a pacifier, as it may pose a choking hazard.
• Choose a pacifier that is molded together and does not have pieces that may split apart.
• The shield on the pacifier should be at least 1.5 inches in diameter so baby cannot put the entire pacifier in the mouth. The shield also should have ventilation holes.
• Never tie a pacifier to your child or the crib.
• Inspect a pacifier regularly and discard it immediately if discolored or torn.
• Make sure you offer a pacifier that is appropriate for your child's age, as recommended by the manufacturer.