With recent concern over the BPA contained in baby products; there have been many questions on parents mind on what products to get and what to avoid. Especially on products that will go into your babie’s mouth such as a pacifier.
Pacifiers or dummies as known in other parts of the world have helped soothe many babies to sleep and are a must have baby item for some parents. Even though there seems to be a rising trend of just saying no to these binkies; (Is there a topic on babies that doesn’t have opposing sides?) American Pediatrican Association has stated “Use of a pacifier is associated with a substantial reduction in the risk of SIDS”. Though not recommended for the first six weeks if you are breastfeeding; I was given one by one of the nurses after Layla would not stop sucking for three hours. Fortunately, it was one of the more safe pacifier available.
The Gumdrop Pacifier (the one I was given at the hospital) is made out of medical grade silicone. However, its skeleton is made of polycarbonate. So watch out for any wear and replace it if it’s thinning out. Since the pacifier comes in many sizes, there is no need to cut this one to make it fit your baby’s face.
Natursutten Natural Rubber Pacifiers are made from pure, natural rubber from the tree Hevea brasiliensi. This binky has no artificial color, no chemicals softener; parabens, PVC, phtalates and BPA (bisphenol-A) free. It is recommended that you replace these every couple of weeks so could be a more pricier option that others.
First Year Soothie: This is another popular one that’s given out at the hospital (infact more than half the babies born go home with this binky) and is made with medical grade silicone. It is also latex free.
Here are some to avoid according to The Soft Landing, Safe baby gear news and reviews.
- Avent
- Gerber: Natural Flex, NUK Button pacifier, Gerber Round Soft Center pacifier, Gerber NUK Fashion Silicone
- Evenflo: Vizion, Fuzion, Illuzion (only those not labeled as BPA free)
- Munchkin
- Sassy/MAM
- Nuby
If you are attempting to breastfeed but have one of those babies with incredibly strong sucking reflex; I say use the pacifier judiciously until the baby is at least 6 week of age. Even though I was tempted to use it more out of sheer exhaustion; I held back until it was the last resort.
Whether you decide the pacifier is the right choice for your baby; it’s reassuring to know that you are providing a non-toxic soother which I hope will bring a more restful sleep for your entire family.
[This post was written by Susie Kim.]
Thanks for the post, Susie. We need a couple more pacifiers and I was going to get more Avent ones but these are better.
We waited over 2 months to use the pacifier, until I was ready to scream because Max would not stop sucking. I was glad we waited until nursing was so well established, but I was so glad to get out of that rocking chair for a couple of hours and let Grandma take a turn holding him.
The Nattursutten Natural Pacifier is recommended to be replaced every 4-5 weeks, but this is just a guideline (along the same lines as replaceing your toothbrush every 12 weeks)
If you are looking for the Nattursutten Dummy (Pacifier) in the UK, please visit us at
http://www.littleacornstomightyoaks.co.uk
growinstyle.com carries BPA free pacifiers and BPA free teethers.
Hi Susie,
I love the Eco Child’s Play blog and I’m thrilled to see that you’re educating parents on toxic pacifiers!
I just returned from the ABC Kids Expo where I had the chance to follow-up with many major pacifier retailers on their plans (if any) to remove polycarbonate plastic from their pacifiers. I wanted to share the good news with you:
1) Gerber has promised to make their whole line of products BPA free by the end of the year.
2) Nuby pacifiers on many of their popular sippy cups with be BPA free at various times during this year.
3) Sassy/MAM pacifiers will be BPA free very soon (they begin shipping in the next week or so).
4) We’re waiting to hear back from Munchkin.
5) We’re waiting to hear back from Avent.
Parents should keep in mind that these changes only apply to the new product versions, so stores may not carry the new lines until their old stock sells out.
Keep up the fantastic work!
Alicia
The Gerber website says that –
“in response to consumer preferences, we have committed to making our entire line of accessories products BPA-free by the end of 2008.”