SIDS: Latest Research & Opinion on Using a Baby Pacifier

 SIDS:  Latest Research & Opinion on Using a Baby Pacifier

SIDS also known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is a terrible, frightening and unexpected phenomenon that causes death to a newborn or even infant baby.  

There are numerous ways to try to prevent this type of tragedy and the link to the entire article is posted below from "Pediatrics" October 2016 issue.  

With all of the research being done, deaths were decreasing in the 1990's but are now on the rise again.  It is so important that parents become more educated regarding steps that can be taken to reduce the deaths of more than 3,500 infants per year.  

In following the pacifier research, it has become clear that having a baby use a pacifier does help, even if no one is sure of the reason.  When you observe a baby using the pacifier, you can see that there is a clear space between the upper lip and the nose. That may be a safety feature, especially if your baby rolls over and lays on his/her face.  It would seem that the pacifier may keep the baby's face propped up a bit.  It's hard to say, but the fact that research indicates that it might help is reason to consider using pacifiers as an option.



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"6. Consider offering a pacifier at nap time and bedtime.

Although the mechanism is yet unclear, studies have reported a protective effect of pacifiers on the incidence of SIDS.^67,68 The protective effect of the pacifier is observed even if the pacifier falls out of the infant’s mouth.^69,70

1. The pacifier should be used when placing the infant for sleep. It does not need to be reinserted once the infant falls asleep. If the infant refuses the pacifier, he or she should not be forced to take it. In those cases, parents can try to offer the pacifier again when the infant is a little older.
2. Because of the risk of strangulation, pacifiers should not be hung around the infant’s neck. Pacifiers that attach to infant clothing should not be used with sleeping infants.
3. Objects, such as stuffed toys and other items that may present a suffocation or choking risk, should not be attached to pacifiers.
4. For breastfed infants, pacifier introduction should be delayed until breastfeeding is firmly established.⁴⁰ Infants who are not being directly breastfed can begin pacifier use as soon as desired.
5. There is insufficient evidence that finger sucking is protective against SIDS."
   
   
   CLICK HERE FOR FULL ARTICLE
   
   
   Pediatrics

   October 2016

   From the American Academy of Pediatrics

   Policy Statement

   
   

   

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