SUCKING AND PACIFIERS Baby's Feeding Instinct.

Sucking will come naturally to your baby. It's nature's way to make sure he will nurse and survive. All the months inside you, your baby satisfied himself by sucking on his thumb, finger, fist or hand. Sucking helps your newborn develop his teeth, jaws and face muscles. And you can see how it calms him.

Should I Use A Pacifier?
Some experts think it may be better for a baby to learn to comfort himself rather than rely on a pacifier. His hand is always there when he needs it, and can be taken out anytime to smile, cry or express himself. Usually, a baby will decide for himself if he prefers a pacifier or his hand. A pacifier may be good for a baby who cries a lot, but it shouldn't be used instead of seeing to a baby's real needs. Sucking too much on a pacifier or a thumb can distort his mouth if it's used after he gets his permanent teeth. What If I'm Breastfeeding? Make sure your baby learns to suck from your breast before you give him a pacifier. Experts advise mothers not to use any artificial nipples or pacifiers during the first weeks of breast- feeding. Pacifiers shouldn't be used at all for a baby who has a poor suck, or isn't gaining enough weight, because he may lose interest in sucking at the breast.

CARING FOR BABY'S PACIFIER
How to protect your baby's smile
- Buy a pacifier that's right. Be sure to use a one-piece commercial pacifier so it won't break apart and choke your baby. It should have air holes in the mouth shield and be made of non-latex material. Use the right size nipple for your new- born, not one made for older babies. Silicone is softer than rubber and can be washed in the dishwasher without getting sticky. Keep several pacifiers on hand, in case your baby loses one, or it shows signs of damage or wear and needs to be thrown out. -
Clean it often.
Clean the pacifier before using it.
Wash it in hot water and gentle detergent, rinse completely and boil it in an open pan of water for 10 seconds.
Or, run it in the dishwasher. Wash it each time you give it to your baby, and clean it frequently with hot, sudsy water. - Keep your baby safe. Never attach a pacifier to the crib, playpen or stroller. Never hang it around your baby's neck - babies have been strangled this way. Always check to make sure the pacifier is not pulling apart from the plastic holder, and the nipple is not getting gummy before giving it to your baby.
Throw it away before it wears out.
Never dip the pacifier in syrup or honey. This can cause tooth decay or possibly serious illness.

9 Starting out. Brush the pacifier nipple across your baby's mouth. This starts his sucking reflex. If he doesn't take the pacifier after a few tries, stop and try again in a few hours. - Limit pacifier use. Keep the pacifier from becoming a strong habit by limiting its use after your baby is 3 to 4 months old. Until then, ask yourself whether your baby needs the pacifier or your attention.