That is, if your baby takes to a pacifier to begin with some don't, and some find some shapes more pleasing than others. And pacifiers should be checked regularly to make sure they're not deteriorating into little parts, since the babies really suck hard on them and get them to fall apart.
Also a choking hazard? Tying a pacifier to a crib, stroller, or part of a baby's clothing. Of course, there are caveats that go with it: The AAP recommends pacifiers that are all one piece, because pacifiers that come apart might be made of smaller choking hazards. The AAP suggests offering a pacifier for naps and bedtime until the baby is 6 months old, when the chances of SIDS are much lower. Although no one is sure of the reasons behind it, there are studies that suggest using a pacifier when putting a baby down to sleep might reduce the risk of SIDS. Parents may have mixed feelings about pacifiers, but the American Academy of Pediatrics says that a pacifier can actually be beneficial if it is used correctly.
