Pacifiers: An Update on Use and Misuse

Abstract

Knowledge of the most recent evidence will enable providers to communicate appropriate guidelines on pacifier use to families.

Sudden infant death syndrome: How much mothers and health professionals know

“…There is still a continued debate as to whether pacifiers are protective for SIDS 11–14 . Pacifier use is associated with a decreased rate of breast‐feeding.…”

“…Although there is widespread agreement among SIDS researchers for many of the SIDS risk factors, there is still a continued debate as to whether pacifiers are protective and whether it is bed‐sharing itself or the particular way families bed‐share that put infants at risk 11–15 …”

“…[5][6][7][8][9][10] Although there is widespread agreement among SIDS researchers for many of the SIDS risk factors, there is still a continued debate as to whether pacifiers are protective and whether it is bed-sharing itself or the particular way families bed-share that put infants at risk. [11][12][13][14][15] Although SIDS affects infants from all social strata, lower socioeconomic status, younger maternal age, inadequate prenatal care and lower maternal education level are consistently associ-ated with an increased risk of SIDS. 2,6,16 Emerging evidence also substantiates an expanding number of genetic risk factors.…”

Scientific consensus forum to review the evidence underpinning the recommendations of the Australian SIDS and Kids Safe Sleeping Health Promotion Programme – October 2010

“…The New Zealand study was the first to find a potential protective association between using a dummy for the last sleep and a reduced risk of SIDS 108 , which was confirmed in the CESDI study 109 . Since then, this has been confirmed by other studies, 110 while thumbsucking has also been associated with a reduced risk of SIDS 111,112 . Two meta‐analyses of eight case–control studies have shown a strong protective effect of pacifiers reducing the risk to a third 113,114 .…”

“…109 Since then, this has been confirmed by other studies, 110 while thumbsucking has also been associated with a reduced risk of SIDS. 111,112 Two meta-analyses of eight case-control studies have shown a strong protective effect of pacifiers reducing the risk to a third. 113,114 In the United States, the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended the use of pacifiers once breastfeeding has been established.…”