On the topic of pacifiers

[Dragon]

See, I got my first ones today. Just some questions about pacifiers. First, what's the recommended amount of time to keep it in your mouth? I had mine in for a long while and my teeth started to hurt D: Second, cleaning and upkeep. Clean it regularly or not and with what? Paci n00b here, knows nothing

[Maverick]

I'm a paci-noob too. I've never had a paci before (except when I was a baby). But congratulations on your first pacifier!

[ballucanb]

I don't think they are made for chewing, it's to fool the baby that its a breast, it's just a replacement for the real thing.

A baby just gently sucks the paci...

[Cubby]

there is a wiki article on this that should answer all your question ^^

[dogboy]

The biggest problem would be pushing your teeth out if you used it for hours on end. It might be a tooth decay problem if your re-introducing bacteria over a long period of time. Over a short period of time, and with boiling of the paci, you shouldn't have a problem.

[Kenshin Himura]

Basicly only keep it in for an hour at the most and you should staralize it after use and a good way to clean them is to put it in boiling water. For more info check the wiki or talk to Kraiden.

[Pramrider]

The one problem I had using the paci purchased a few years ago was with sucking on it too hard. I actually caused a blister to form on the inside of my upper lip. This from only using it a few times, about 45 minutes (travel time from work to home) at a time. Once the blister cleared up I tried again, sucking more gently the second time, and didn't have any more blister problems. So, that's one piece of advice I can give to newbie paci users - suck easy on it.

~Pramrider

[Kraiden]

Personally, if it's your first pacifier I would say use it only for short amounts of time until you get used to it. The teeth hurting problem is usually caused by biting down on the pacifier constantly to keep it in your mouth. If you need to bite down on it to keep it in, It would probably be a better idea to try to find a different brand of Pacifier or a larger one. Also, using a pacifier that has a nipple that is to... err, "stiff" and not soft enough can also cause teeth problems.

So basically, only use it sparingly until your teeth no longer hurt. if they still keep on hurting, it might be time to try a different one.

About cleaning, well, it's a good idea to sterilise it in boiling water every month or so, just to be safe. Also, don't use it when you're sick. Not a good habit. >_<

[mzkkbprmt]

I've had bad experience with pacis because the only ones I have been able to find are too small. But I suppose I am lucky that I never stopped sucking my thumb, so that still comes naturally to me. I only use a paci if I want both hands free really.

[TallestBabyEver]

currently have a modified Nuk 5 and i love it. I try to clean it at least once a week with normal dishwashing detergent and boil it whenever i get the opportunity (trying not to catch roommate's attention). I also developed a blister like the one Pramrider described, so i stopped biting and started sucking...softly. Have fun!